Director, Grid Operations

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 New York State. Applies cutting-edge technology to operate a reliable electricity system, manage competitive wholesale electricity markets, and plan for the state's energy future.

About the role

Direct all Grid Operations functions, including Power System Operations, Real-Time Energy Market Operations, and System Operator Training to ensure reliable 24/7 operation of the New York bulk power system. Lead the operation of the bulk power system in compliance with NYISO, NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC criteria, standards, policies, and tariffs. Represent NYISO Grid Operations with external regulatory and industry organizations, neighboring ISOs, and interconnected systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of operating procedures to achieve reliable, safe, and economic operation of the NYISO bulk power system.
• Ensure compliance with NYISO, NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC criteria, standards, policies, and tariffs through departmental systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls. Facilitate best practices and support periodic internal and external audit activities.
• Lead actions (e.g., generation shifts, reserve pick-ups, supplemental capacity commitments, Demand Response activation, voltage reduction, load shedding) to restore the NYISO bulk system from Warning, Alert, Major Emergency, or Restoration states back to Normal State.
• Provide 24/7 leadership to transmission operations during system stress conditions, including heat waves, cold snaps, severe weather events, and all out-of-criteria contingencies.
• Develop and maintain annual objectives for the Grid Operations department, aligned with the NYISO Strategic Plan. Track performance and work with staff to accomplish goals.
• Prepare and administer department policies and procedures in coordination with executives.
• Represent NYISO by leading technical discussions at the Operating Committee and associated working groups, as well as external committees (NERC, NPCC, NYSRC, Transmission Owner groups, and neighboring Reliability Coordinator areas).
• Lead Real-Time Operations to ensure reliable system operations and accurate Real-Time Market outcomes, aligned with the Day-Ahead Market. Participate in functional analysis, process improvement, monitoring, and reporting on market outcomes.
• Coordinate Real-Time Operations with other NYISO departments (Market Operations, Stakeholder Services, Market Mitigation & Analysis, Market Structures) to ensure efficient market outcomes that meet reliability requirements.
• Direct and test software modifications to Real-Time Scheduling (RTS) programs and other Operator tools to validate functionality and meet strategic market design objectives.
• Direct System Operator Training to ensure competency for Operators on all critical functions to achieve and maintain NERC certification. Oversee training for Transmission Owners’ operators semi-annually and develop training programs for new operators.
• Coordinate Grid Operations functions with Market Operations, Market Structures, Grid Transition, and System & Resource Planning to meet reliability requirements and sustain grid reliability.
• Supervise staff, conduct performance appraisals, make departmental decisions, and provide career guidance for employee development. Develop bench strength and succession plans for key positions.
• Forecast and monitor department resources and operating costs, and direct preparation of budget requests.
• Provide technical expertise to all NYISO departments on matters pertaining to Grid Operations.
• Facilitate and negotiate coordination of Inter-Regional Market Operation Issues with participating ISOs/RTOs, as reflected in Joint Operating Agreements.
• Manage ISO Broader Regional Market functions, including NYISO-PJM Market-to-Market dispatch and Phase Angle Regulator scheduling applications, along with associated internal procedures and training.
• Manage Coordinated Transaction Scheduling with neighboring control areas, including all associated procedures and training.
• Maintain and recommend enhancements to control room situational awareness, including Phasor Measurement Unit (PMU) applications.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering or other scientific/technical field required; Master’s Degree (MSEE, MBA) desired.
• Fifteen years of related experience, including power system operations, power dispatching, load scheduling, and station operation; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Significant understanding, knowledge, and experience of the New York high-voltage transmission system, generation infrastructure, and NYISO real-time energy market operations.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret complex technical documents.
• Ability to respond effectively to technical, time-sensitive inquiries or complaints.
• Ability to write presentations and articles using prescribed techniques or style.
• Ability to effectively communicate and present on controversial or complex topics to executive management, public groups, regulators, 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 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.
• Advanced competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, email, and internet programs.

Work Environment

• Department supports a 365-day/24-hour operation, requiring staff to rotate on-call coverage.
• Certain deadlines and unanticipated developments may require work during evenings, weekends, or holidays.
• Position is primarily onsite at the Rensselaer, NY location several days per week, with the option to work remotely on remaining days. May require increased onsite presence as needed.
• Moderate noise level in the work environment; regular contact with staff and public.
• Occasional travel may be required to attend or conduct meetings, conferences, and training.
• While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear, stand, walk, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, and lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Benefits

The NYISO offers a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs in addition to competitive salaries.

Pay

Salary Range: $175,600 - $315,600 USD