Planning Engineer, Long Term Assessments

New York ISO•Rensselaer, NY

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 Long Term Assessments department invites applications for a full-time Planning Engineer. The Planning Engineer position has the primary responsibility of performing a variety of power system planning and technical engineering studies evaluating the future reliability, economics, operations, and performance of the New York State power system. Studies performed by the Planning Engineer support the development of grid infrastructure and renewable energy target achievement. A Planning Engineer will be provided direct guidance on the assignments to be performed and the prioritization of tasks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Engineering, Economics, Mathematics, or Applied Science required. Course studies in power systems, energy, renewable energy, data analysis, and/or optimization techniques particularly using linear programming-based computer models are highly desired.
Two years of industry or related professional experience desired. Experience performing data modeling, simulation and analysis with production cost tools (e.g. MAPS, Plexos, Aurora, UPLAN, GridView, PROMOD, etc); familiarity with other power system tools such as powerflow and transfer analysis (PSSE, TARA, PSLF, etc) is helpful; experience in an ISO/RTO, electric utility or consulting environment would be desired; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Familiarity or experience with long-term generation capacity and transmission expansion optimization models such as PLEXOS, AURORA, UPLAN, National Energy Modeling System (NEMS), Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS), Integrated Planning Model (IPM), Haiku, Market Allocation (MARKAL), RESOLVE, etc
Data analysis and visualization with programming/software such as Python, Matlab, Excel, Python, Matlab, R, Tableau, SAS, VBA, SQL and/or PowerBI software packages.
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.
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, musical notes, etc.,) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with power system planning, operations, or market design
Familiarity with NERC, FERC requirements and regional reliability organizations such as NPCC or the NYSRC and experience with ISO/RTO market rules.
Candidates who possess Associate level (less than 2 years of experience) or Senior level (seven years of experience) skills and qualifications are also encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Perform techno-economic studies as part of the NYISO’s Economic Planning Process including the development of the biennial System & Resource Outlook study and other Requested Economic Planning Studies.
Perform techno-economic analyses to support NYISO’s technical role in the Coordinated Grid Planning Process.
Collaborate with internal and external entities to support NYISO’s Comprehensive System Planning Process.
Collaborate with internal and external entities to perform planning analyses to evaluate and guide adoption of New York State renewable energy and carbon free energy goals.
Develop, update, and maintain power system model databases using internal NYISO data sources as well as external data sources such as ISO/RTO publications, ABB/Hitachi Velocity Suite, SNL Energy, NREL, EPA, EIA, and DOE.
Tune and improve models through testing and benchmarking techniques.
Complete 20-year forward looking studies using production cost, capacity expansion, and other planning software tools/models including GE MAPS, Energy Exemplary PLEXOS, PowerGEM TARA, Siemens PTI PSSE, EPRI DynADOR, and other internally developed tools.
Perform data analyses and develop visualizations using Excel, Python, Matlab, R, Tableau, SAS, and/or PowerBI software packages.
Synthesize and communicate analytical findings both verbally and in writing.
Leverage writing skills to clearly document and communicate technical study work through email, papers, presentations, and reports, including the biennial System & Resource Outlook report and other aspects of NYISO’s Comprehensive System Planning Process.
Train colleagues on the methods and tools utilized in Economic Planning technical analyses.