Power Systems Engineer

Summary

Leads research design and development activities to improve NYPAs energy services. Designs constructs and tests and operates equipment. Ensures that standards of quality cost safety reliability timeliness and performance are met throughout all engineering activities

The Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe) positions New York State as a global center for electric grid research. NYPAs Advanced Grid Innovation Lab for Energy allows real-time modeling of New Yorks energy grid suggests improvements and simulates the impact of new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Implement the objectives of AGILe and support the Director of AGILe in conducting the projects.
• Support execution of the project activities in collaboration with contractors and other external personnel executing the labs objectives and other NYPA departments
• Support execution of projects from technical and time/budget management perspectives.
• Perform modeling and simulation studies (including hardware-/software-in-the-loop) using the AGILe lab digital real-time simulation equipment (RTDS and Opal-RT) as well as all other hardware and software systems available in the lab
• Perform model development and model management tasks for the various system models utilized in AGILe. Be responsible for the maintenance and updates of the models.
• Perform or support studies using a series of other modeling and simulation tools available at AGILe such as PSS/E DSATools ASPEN EMTP-RV PSCAD GE-MAPS Matlab Scalable EXata etc.
• Support necessary improvements and expansions of AGILe.
• Carry out the lab work in AGILe key areas such as advanced transmission and distribution applications cyber-security automation sensors and power electronics.
• Support preparation of business plans and expenditure requests for executive management and Trustee approval.
• Provide input for the preparation of the yearly operating budget for lab.
• Participate in development and training activities of lab staff to optimize talents and contributions.
• Represent NYPA on select conferences meetings task forces committees and boards as directed by the AGILe Director.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with electric utility policies operations procedures and business objectives.
• Knowledge of the New York state electricity grid environment or the NYPA environment is a strong plus.
• Working knowledge of power plant substation transmission and distribution electrical equipment and systems.
• Excellent knowledge on power system modeling simulation and control.
• Working knowledge of digital real-time modeling and simulation hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) or software-in-the-loop (SIL) simulation and testing.
• Working knowledge of RTDS and/or Opal-RT (ePhasorSim eMegaSim HyperSim eFPGASim) digital real-time modeling and simulation systems and tools.
• Familiarity with as many of the following software packages as possible: PSS/E DSATools ASPEN EMTP-RV PSCAD GE-MAPS Matlab Scalable EXata.
• Experience in understanding and analyzing complex power system phenomena.
• Working knowledge of data acquisition and remote monitoring systems as well as electric grid communication protocols and systems.
• Good understanding of GPS synchronized phasor measurement units.
• Good understanding of transmission- and distribution-level smart grid technologies.
• Excellent personal computing skills including proficiency with spreadsheets word processors databases and project management software.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; good written and verbal communication skills; possess the ability to organize information and effectively present ideas to the intended audience.
• Good communicator who can share a clear vision of the future and build excitement.
• Ability to plan and oversee projects from start to finish and have the associated project management skills.
• Ability to further develop an understanding of the electric utility industry.
• Ability to work independently as well as be part of a high-performing team.
• Demonstrated high level of personal motivation foresight and good judgment.
• Willingness to learn new concepts and engage in new innovative projects.
  

Education Experience and Certifications

• Bachelors degree in Engineering with a specialty in Power Systems Engineering
• M.S. degree in Engineering preferred.
• Ph.D. degree (preferably in electrical and computer engineering) is a strong advantage.
• Other advanced degrees are considered a plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of applicable experience less with a Ph.D. degree with an electric utility power producer research organization manufacturer consultant or energy services company.
  

Physical Requirements

Requires approximately 15% travel both in NY State and out-of-state. Position requires working with lab electrical/electronic equipment and setting up experiments following safety rules and lab procedures.
Position may require to lift and move items weighting up to 20 lbs on an occasional basis.