Lead Power Systems Engineer

Responsibilities

• Implement the objectives of AGILe and support the Director of AGILe in initiating and conducting the projects.
• Initiate, lead, and manage projects to create additional capabilities at AGILe.
• Lead and manage project activities in collaboration with contractors, and other external personnel executing the lab's objectives, and other NYPA departments.
• Lead execution of projects from technical and time/budget management perspectives.
• Perform modeling and simulation studies (including control and power 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

• Extensive familiarity with electric utility policies, operations, procedures and business objectives.
• Strong knowledge of the New York state electricity grid environment.
• Working knowledge of power plant, substation, transmission, and distribution electrical equipment and systems.
• Excellent knowledge on power system modeling, simulation, and control.
• Extensive familiarity with cutting-edge technologies including but not limited to digital twins, artificial intelligence, and machine learning applications.
• Working knowledge of digital real-time modeling and simulation, control and power 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

• M.S. degree in Engineering required. Preferably in electrical or computer engineering.
• Ph.D. degree (preferably in electrical and computer engineering) is a strong advantage.
• Other advanced degrees considered a plus.
• Minimum of nine (9) years of applicable experience, less with a Ph.D. degree, with an electric utility, power producer, research organization, manufacturer, consultant or energy services company.
• Track record as a researcher in an academic environment, or in a research and development group in the industry.

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.

Pay

The estimated salary range for this position is: $126,000-$173,800. The salary offered will be determined based on the successful candidates’ relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.