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Technical Specialist/Senior Planning Engineer, Transmission Planning

Rensselaer, New York, United States

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 New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operate a reliable electricity system, manage competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and plan for the Empire State's energy future.  The NYISO’s System & Resource Planning department invites applications for a full-time Technical Specialist/Senior Planning Engineer in the Transmission Planning department.

The Transmission Planning Technical Specialist/Senior Engineer serves as a key member to develop and execute on strategic and tactical efforts to ensure successful completion of goals and essential functions for Transmission Planning team. New York’s power grid is undergoing a drastic change in its demand, resources, and transmission needs driven by New York States clean energy objectives. Comprehensive transmission planning is a vital component to ensuring the proper balance between resources and demand through the grid transformation period.

This Transmission Planning Technical Specialist/Senior Engineer is a subject matter expert in the following corporate core functions: i) state-wide engineering and coordination of transmission planning (e.g. Coordinated Grid Planning Process), ii) System & Resource Outlook study, iii) Public Policy & Transmission Process, and iv) process and tariff enhancements to adopt FERC Orders related to Transmission Planning, such as FERC Order No. 1920. This specialist will be required to effectively balance activities between teams and projects to ensure the achievement of Transmission Planning goals.

By developing and executing these forward-looking system planning initiatives, this specialist position ensures the NYISO has the people, processes, and technology to anticipate and respond to opportunities and challenges in transmission planning.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Assist the Senior Manager, Transmission Planning to develop, communicate, and implement transmission planning strategies that align with NYISO’s Strategic Plan.
  • Lead technical modeling activities as part of the NYISO’s Economic Planning Process including but not limited to the development of the System & Resource Outlook.
  • Lead technical modeling activities as part of NYISO’s Public Policy Transmission Planning Process leading to the development of transmission projects driven by Public Policy in New York.
  • Lead technical modeling activities in the Coordinated Grid Planning Process and coordinate with DPS, NYSERDA, and joint utilities to ensure the success of New York’s transmission & distribution expansion.
  • Participate in technical modeling activities as part of Interregional planning efforts to support NYISO’s role in coordinating, modeling and/or evaluating interregional transmission development.
  • Author and review revisions of NYISO tariffs and manual to incorporate FERC Orders on transmission planning into the NYISO planning process.
  • Promote the development of new and innovative methods and the introduction of improved and emerging technologies in the planning process, including capacity expansion, production cost simulations, power flow analysis, and resource adequacy.
  • Stay up to date with the power system planning industry activities and potential future changes, drivers for the changes, in order to adapt the NYISO’s planning process, models, and system analysis
  • Provide transmission planning expert assistance and support to all aspects of the Comprehensive System Planning Process (e.g. Reliability, Economic, Public Policy, and Inter-regional planning).
  • Develops engineering study reports, NYISO manuals and other procedures as needed.
  • Coordinate with other NYISO departments, market participants, neighboring ISOs and with regional and inter-regional system planning groups as appropriate. 
  • Represent NYISO on industry committees, task forces, or stakeholder groups involving issues related to Transmission Planning. 
  • Mentor and transfer knowledge to fellow Transmission Planning team members. 
  • Support an inclusive and professional work environment. 

 

QUALIFICATIONS

Technical Specialist:

  • Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Economics, Electrical, Power Systems, Environmental, or Industrial Engineering, Economics, or Applied Science required; Master’s degree (MS) preferred. Course studies and/or research in power systems, energy, renewable energy, data analysis, and/or optimization techniques and models are highly desired.
  • Ten years of experience in an electric transmission, generation, utility, ISO or RTO environment or serving as an engineering consultant providing system planning services for such organizations and some or all of the following experience/proficiencies: in-depth knowledge of the transmission system in New York Control Area; knowledge of New York state energy policies; experience in transmission development strongly preferred; proficiency with power system analysis tools such as production cost simulation and capacity expansion; familiarity with power system planning and operations, voltage analysis, NERC, FERC requirements; familiarity with regional reliability organizations such as NPCC or the NYSRC and experience with ISO/RTO market rules helpful; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 

  
Senior Engineer:

  • Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Economics, Electrical, Power Systems, Environmental, or Industrial Engineering, Economics, or Applied Science required; Master’s degree (MS) preferred. Course studies and/or research in power systems, energy, renewable energy, data analysis, and/or optimization techniques and models are highly desired.
  • Five to Seven years of experience in an electric transmission, generation, utility, ISO or RTO environment or serving as an engineering consultant providing system planning services for such organizations and some or all of the following experience/proficiencies: in-depth knowledge of the transmission system in New York Control Area; knowledge of New York state energy policies; experience in transmission development strongly preferred; proficiency with power system analysis tools such as production cost simulation and capacity expansion; familiarity with power system planning and operations, voltage analysis, NERC, FERC requirements; familiarity with regional reliability organizations such as NPCC or the NYSRC and experience with ISO/RTO market rules helpful; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience. 



ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents. 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 theory.  Ability to work with concepts such as limits, quadratic and differential equations and proofs of theorems.
  • Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and the Internet.
  • Planning Engineers use a variety of software tools, including:
    • Power Flow such as Siemens PTI PSS/E program, and PowerGem TARA
    • Resource Adequacy such as GE MARS, Plexos, SERVM
    • Market Simulation Tools such as GE MAPS, Energy Exemplar’s Plexos, ABB GridView, & PowerGem PROBE
    • Process enhancement tools such as Matlab, Python 
  • Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems.  Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases.  Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Proficiency in utilizing advanced productivity solutions, including Microsoft Copilot, to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and collaboration within individual and team workflows is highly preferred.

 

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.

 

Salary Range

$102,600 - $171,200 USD

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