Planning Engineer, Demand Forecasting & Analysis

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  Operations department invites applications for a full-time Planning Engineer to join the Demand Forecasting and Analysis team.

The NYISO Demand Forecasting and Analysis team is responsible for predictive modeling and data analytics that span both short-term (from 5-minutes up to one week ahead) and long-term (10 years or more) time horizons, and gives substantial consideration to regional trends in energy efficiency, energy storage, distributed solar photovoltaics, and electrification of the heating and transportation sectors.

The primary responsibility of this position is to develop and maintain analytical and statistical models of residential, commercial, and industrial end-use data in order to produce long term energy and demand forecasts These end-uses include HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), lighting, refrigeration, industrial motor end uses, solar photovoltaics, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems.  These models are used for quantifying and forecasting the volume and peak demand of end user consumption (load) across the New York Control Area (NYCA). This position will assist in the monitoring of activities in energy efficiency, Distributed Energy Resources (DER), and public policy programs and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to update and enhance forecasting and analysis methods as a subject-matter expert.  This position will also assist in the preparation of the annual Load and Capacity Data Report (“Gold Book”) and supporting forecasts and analyses.  

The Planning Engineer is expected to perform the duties below independently with limited direct supervision from DFA management or senior staff. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Develop and implement procedures for constructing energy consumption metrics related to HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, and other end uses across all major consumer sectors (e.g., residential, commercial, and industrial).
• Building and assessing statistical, engineering, and analytical models of actual end-use energy under typical and extreme weather conditions across the NYCA.
• Participate in performing and reviewing analytical and statistical end-use system studies from third parties such as NYSERDA, EIA, NREL and others in support of the development of more accurate descriptions of end-use consumption and customer behavior.
• Develop long-term forecasts of demand side DER impacts, which may consist of energy efficiency, solar PV, codes and standards, distributed energy, electric vehicles, energy storage, or other technologies.
• Assist in producing grid electrification impacts by applying knowledge of thermal energy conversion methods to account for transition from fossil-based energy usage to electric energy usage and including the estimated reduction in CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels. 
• Communicate and coordinate with New York equipment owners, e.g., DER aggregators, Transmission Owners, and DER databank representatives (e.g., NYSERDA) to maintain accurate capacity information and representative samples DER performance data. 
• Track and report on the growth of such large loads as data centers and computer chip fabrication facilities in the New York Control Area, including ramp schedules and electric demands.  
• Represent NYISO on industry committees, task forces, or stakeholder groups involving issues related to Transmission District and NYCA level end-use and DER modeling. 
• Participate in preparing and maintaining NYISO technical support documentation. 
• Advise and assist with coordination and preparation of the annual Load and Capacity Data Report.
• Assist with implementation and maintenance of rigorous data quality control processes to ensure the cleanest possible datasets are available with which to validate the analytical DER models and train the load forecast models.
• Assist with the evaluation of new technology, tools, and data sets. Incorporate approved technology, data sets and tools to enhance the forecast model development process. 
• Consult with System and Resource Planning department staff to assess the locational hosting capacity of DER resources represented in network model base cases and associated auxiliary files.
• Collaborate with Demand Forecasting and Analysis data scientists and senior staff in integrating as appropriate long-term trends in technology penetrations and large loads in the short-term demand and energy forecast models. 

Qualifications include:

• A passion for transforming data into actionable information for decision making
• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Mathematics, Applied Science and Math, Economics, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
• Two to three years of related experience in load forecasting, operations research, load research, applied statistics, or mathematics required; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training
• Experience in analyzing and modeling residential and commercial end-use technologies (e.g. heating, cooling, refrigeration, and residential small/commercial scale solar photovoltaics and storage) is required
• Experience documenting methods and data insights for technical bulletins/papers, proposals and presentations
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience
• Ability to query data from SQL databases, large datasets, and files
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of VBA
• Proficiency in at least one advanced programming language (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, SAS); familiarity with SAS and/or Python is a plus

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, rings, quadratic and differential equations and proofs of theorems.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret energy forecasting and statistical concepts and methodologies applicable to NYISO energy and peak demand forecasting activities.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail, and internet programs. 
• Demonstrated ability to extract data sets from internal and external relational databases and data warehouses. Competency in writing software to manipulate and analyze large databases through such applications as SAS, R, or Python.  Advanced competency in use of proprietary forecasting tools such as MetrixND and MetrixLT load analysis and forecasting software. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and 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. 

Please note that this position will be filled at the level (i.e., Associate Engineer, Engineer, or Senior Engineer) appropriate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

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.

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.

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.