Senior Planning Engineer, Reliability Planning

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) manages the efficient flow of electricity on more than 11,000 circuit-miles of high-voltage transmission lines, dispatching power from hundreds of generating units across the state.

The NYISO’s System & Resource Planning department invites applications for a full-time Senior Planning Engineer, Reliability Planning.

As the electric system transitions to comply with decarbonization energy policies, the system behavior quickly changes as the result. Tackling emerging and existing technical challenges in power system engineering requires expansion of knowledge combined with critical thinking. The role of the Senior Engineer is to participate in multi-team initiatives to face new challenges to system reliability as the electric system and regulatory requirements rapidly evolve to integrate widespread inverter-based resources. The Senior Engineer will have a wide breadth of responsibilities to support the main objectives of Reliability Planning in maintaining accurate electric power system network models for the New York Control Area (NYCA) and performing transmission security and resource adequacy studies in compliance with various federal, regional, and state requirements.

This position will also support the overall System Planning Department which provides planning related engineering studies, models and database information to stakeholders, including market participant committees, the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS), the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), Northeast Power Coordination Council (NPCC), the New York State Reliability Council (NYSRC), and Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative (EIPC).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Assist the Senior Manager, Reliability Planning to develop, communicate, and implement system planning strategies that align with NYISO’s Strategic Plan.
• Support a wide range planning teams by participating in various studies such as Reliability Need Assessment (RNA), System and Resource Outlook, Public Policy Transmission Need (PPTN) process, and Interconnection studies.
• Lead NYISO’s technical studies in support of interregional planning activities with EIPC, neighboring regions, and initiatives proposed by NERC and FERC.
• Coordinate with Operations, Grid In Transition, and Market Operations departments to align study practices across the NYISO.
• Adapt NYISO planning practices and tools to comply with tariff changes.
• Prepare network model base cases and auxiliary files for various planning studies.
• Leverage expertise in specialized areas like Steady State, Dynamics, Short Circuit, transmission development, etc.
• Promotes the development of new and innovative methods and the introduction of improved and emerging technologies in the planning process, Lead the efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of computer simulation programs and/or other tools to ensure the safe and reliable operations of the NYISO transmission and generation
• Prepare and maintain NYISO technical support
• Participate in performing and reviewing analytical power engineering system studies in support of NYISO Planning Coordinator and Transmission Planner compliance requirements for NERC, NPCC, and
• Conduct independent ad hoc investigations into emerging issues.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering required; focus in power systems preferred; Master’s degree desired. Course studies related to power system planning and design, particularly transmission planning or design highly desired.
• Five to seven years of experience in power system planning or design, especially planning or design of transmission system facilities or generation facilities required. Experience with computer programs used in analytical power engineering system studies, e.g., power flow, short circuit and/or transient stability as well as experience with models and databases used in analytical power engineering system studies.
• Knowledge of NERC, NPCC and NYSRC reliability standards and practices related to power system planning and design, or equivalent combination of education, training, and Knowledge of the software tools listed below and the New York State electric power system and its neighbors’ electric power system. Ability to develop scripting (e.g. using Python or other programming tools) to perform power system analysis, manage/manipulate/report data and support continuous improvement of power system study practices is desired.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write presentations and articles using prescribed techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra and advanced statistical Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations and proofs of theorems.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and internet Engineers use a variety of software tools, including:
  • Power Flow - PTI PSS/E, PSS MOD, PowerGEM TARA
  • Stability (primarily PTI PSS/E program)
  • Fault Current (primarily ASPEN One Liner program)
  • Resource Adequacy Simulation experience – GE MARS or Plexos desired
  • Market Simulation Tools – GE MAPS or Plexos desired
  • Programming skills with Python
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, musical notes, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills

PHYSICAL DEMANDS  

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to perform routine office tasks.  The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT  

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  Contact with staff and public will occur.  Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences, and training. This position may require work on nights, weekends, or holidays. 

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

At the NYISO, we realize the importance of balancing the availability of remote work with the inherent value of bringing people together to attain success in the areas of maximum collaboration, relationship building and growth, teamwork, innovation and problem solving, as well as professional development and mentoring. In this role, you will be required to work onsite from our Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. You will also be expected to respond to all business needs that may require any increase to the regular onsite requirements.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.