Technical Specialist, Grid Transition

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future.  The NYISO’s Operations department invites applications for a full-time Technical Specialist, Grid Transition.  

The Technical Specialist, Grid Transition will provide advanced technical expertise and execution leadership for engineering studies, analytical methods, and modeling activities supporting the transition of the New York bulk power system to increasing levels of inverter‑based resources (IBRs), distributed energy resources (DERs), large loads and emerging grid technologies. The Technical Specialist will also lead and support in‑depth investigations into anomalous system conditions, disturbances, and emerging technical issues, providing rigorous technical assessments to support system operations and planning.

The Technical Specialist will independently on complex technical assignments, mentors engineers as needed, and collaborates closely with the Principal, Grid Transition to ensure analytical rigor, technical consistency, and applicability of study outcomes across NYISO processes. The Technical Specialist is expected to be a deep technical contributor and integrator, owning complex study workstreams, refining analytical methods, and translating evolving technical findings into actionable recommendations for planning and operations. 

This individual would have a high level of technical proficiency in in topics such as frequency response, short-circuit strength, ramping issues, control interaction, and IEEE guidelines. This individual will have expertise in conducting specialized power systems analysis such as electro-magnetic transients as it pertains to various industry standards. Examples of additional studies includes Sub-synchronous torsional interaction studies (SSTI), week grid stability studies (both in RMS and EMT domain), use and development of advanced study methods and approaches to identify system resonances (such as impedance/frequency scans), among other topics.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Subject matter expert for inverter-based technologies and intermittent resources and their application in transmission planning, operations, and system analysis and modeling.
• Execute and support specialized analyses including weak‑grid stability assessments, reduced short‑circuit strength evaluations, sub-synchronous and super‑synchronous interaction studies, resonance identification using impedance and frequency scan techniques, and fault ride‑through and recovery evaluations.
• Lead dynamic simulation (PSSE) and transient simulation (EMTP, PSCAD) involving complex control systems modeling, discrete model representation of electric power system network, evaluation of transient response, addressing oscillatory issues, examination of transient phenomena (fault recovery, and transient recovery voltage estimation) affecting power system reliability
• Develop techniques to efficiently assess the impact of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and Large loads on the grid dynamics and develop mitigation strategies
• Apply broad-based knowledge of NYISO’s tariffs, system modeling and analysis techniques, markets, operations, to execute and improve system planning processes and studies.
• Develop detailed engineering study reports, NYISO manuals and other procedures.
• Proficiency in power system simulation programs mandatory from steady-state analysis to complex, rigorous dynamic and progressively more complicated transient modeling and simulation
• Stay up to date with the power system planning industry activities and potential future changes and drivers to adapt the NYISO’s planning process, models, and system analysis techniques.
• Use a broad-based knowledge of NYISO’s systems, markets, operations, and processes to develop and improve complex system models used in transmission security and operations engineering to plan and simulate the future electric grid (e.g., 1 through 10 years ahead, or longer as required). Adapt the models and methods to rapid electrical power system changes.
• Oversee the evaluations of the reliability of the future bulk power system by leading, reviewing or performing long and short-term reliability assessments of transmission and resource adequacy using applicable software tools such as Siemens’ PSSE, PowerGem’s TARA, PSCAD, ETran and similar, and applicable reliability criteria, procedures, and guidelines. Critically analyze and interpret the results and develop internal and external communication materials.
• Coaching team members in elevating their domain expertise for EMTP special studies that support planning and operations of renewable resources.
• Lead NYISO’s input in the development of standards proposed by NYSRC, NPCC and NERC. Develop communication (e.g., reports, presentations, summary results and interpretation, etc.) and present or support as needed.
• Lead and participate in working groups and tasks forces related to the Reliability Councils (e.g., NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC).
• Participate and support working groups and tasks forces related to the industry (e.g., FERC, EPRI, ESIG, IEEE, etc.).
• Coordinate with other NYISO departments, market participants, neighboring ISOs and with regional and inter-regional reliability groups as appropriate.
• Prepare reports and presentations using MS Office and other software to support activities of the Reliability Planning Department.
• Identify reliability and technical attributes necessary for a transitioning grid and work across planning and operations to implement capabilities and tools to address any gaps
• Represent NYISO on industry committees, task forces, or stakeholder groups involving issues related to planning and operations.
• Lead, review, and support products (e.g., models, simulation outputs, system analysis and conclusions, communication) developed by other team members.
• Train and guide team members.
• Improve the modeling and simulation methods, and the reporting tools.
• Improve study processes and methods, as well as record-keeping methods.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree (BS) in electrical or Industrial engineering required; Master’s (MS) and doctorate (PhD) degrees preferred. Course studies in power system operation and planning, inverter-based resources, statistical analysis and optimization techniques particularly using linear programming-based computer models are highly desirable.
• Seven to 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 having a mastery of topics relating to intermittent and/or inverter-based resources.
• Proficiency with EMTP software such as PSCAD and ETran
• Familiarity with power system planning and operations which includes voltage analysis, transient studies and thermal analysis
• Extensive experience in power system simulation programs from steady-state analysis to complex, rigorous dynamic and progressively more complicated transient modeling and simulation
• Familiarity with regional reliability organizations such as NPCC or the NYSRC and experience with ISO/RTO market rules;
• Understanding of market fundamental helpful; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Proficiency of power system equipment and controls, particularly IBR controls, is highly desirable. Examples include IBR unit converter controls used in wind, solar-PV, BESS or VSC-HVDC equipment, plant level controllers, inertial/fast frequency controls, grid forming controls, etc.
• Experience with the use of APIs for studies and simulation automation is highly desirable

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

None required.

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.
• Power Engineers use a variety of software tools, including:
• EMT tools such as PSCAD and ETran
• Power Flow such as Siemens PTI PSS/E program, and PowerGem TARA
• 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 a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

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.

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.