Operations Engineering Engineer

About the role

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 Operations Engineering Engineer will determine system reliability transfer limits, assist management in the review of NYISO controlled and secured facilities in the areas of System Studies, maintenance and testing of Power System Protection systems, and Reporting and Compliance.

The Engineer will develop engineering studies and analysis to assist management in making engineering-based recommendations to internal functions, Market Participant committees, and the general public. Additionally, the engineer will participate in NERC, NPCC, Regional, and NYISO study groups.

Responsibilities

• Perform analytical engineering system studies, including:
  • NYISO seasonal operating studies
  • NERC, NPCC, and Inter-Regional study support
  • Transmission Planning support (when requested)
  • Examples of studies: seasonal reliability assessments, thermal, voltage, and transient stability studies, short circuit studies, Inter-Regional transfer analysis, and reliability assessments
• Perform studies and analyses to support Voltage Support Service (VSS) and Black Start program activities.
• Serve as a NYISO contact for market participants and related stakeholders.
• Function as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the department’s technology and processes, assisting others to understand technical information, participating in committees, projects, and meetings, and recommending procedure and policy changes to management.
• Conduct detailed analysis of system events and disturbances, reviewing system events and performance after-the-fact for compliance with NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC Standards, Criteria, and Rules.
• Maintain detailed electric power system models for the NYCA, incorporating accurate system representation for neighboring areas to support thermal, voltage, stability, and short circuit analysis.
• Conduct reviews of NYISO controlled and secured facilities, standards, and practices for installation, maintenance, and testing of bulk power protective relay systems.
• Direct detailed analysis of Restoration evaluations and updates of the NYISO Restoration material, reviewing and/or approving TOP&RC Restoration and emergency plans.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of computer simulation programs and other tools to ensure the safe and reliable operations of the NYISO transmission and generation resources.
• Prepare and maintain NYISO technical support documentation.
• Advise and confer with engineers in review meetings to analyze data and develop recommendations and conclusions.
• Provide technical support to Operations and Planning and Market Monitoring staff.
• Participate on internal and external committees, project teams, and Market Participant working groups.
• Provide technical oversight to Associate Engineers.
• Depending on the area assigned, the engineer may also:
  • Administer the Voltage Support Service (VSS) and Black Start program activities consistent with applicable policies, procedures, and tariffs.
  • Administer NYISO system protection coordination activities consistent with applicable policies, procedures, and tariffs.
  • Provide administrative support to the NYISO Restoration Procedures Task Force (RPTF) and serve as the NYISO member on the NPCC CO-11 working group.
  • Administer system protection data coordination (reclosing database, performance reporting, Power Line Carrier database), Dynamic Recording Devices (DDR, DFR, SER, etc.) maintenance and support, and monitoring and recording of generator protection coordination and GIC.
  • Provide administrative support to the NYISO System Protections Advisory Subcommittee and serve as the NYISO member on the NPCC Task Force on System Protection.
  • Maintain detailed electric power system models of the NYCA in the NERC Interchange Distribution Calculator (IDC) and administer access to IDC for NYISO staff, coordinating data mapping between the IDC and NYISO data sourcing applications.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering required, with preference for coursework in power systems, electrical engineering, power system components (generation and transmission equipment, concepts, and principles), and mathematical modeling of power system components.
• Master’s Degree (MS) preferred.
• Two years of related industry experience; knowledge of power systems and demonstrated ability to use power system tools and programs; or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Skills

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or government regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to prepare and deliver effective presentations and respond to questions from internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory.
• Ability to work with concepts including vectors, phasors, Fourier transforms, non-linear partial differential equations, control theory, 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 complex phases.
• Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office (including spreadsheet and database) applications, email, and internet programs.
• Proficiency in the use of advanced Power Flow and transient stability applications software (PSS/e or PSLF), or fault current assessment applications software (ASPEN One-Liner, etc.).
• Familiarity with dynamic recording devices and support software, or frequency and spectral (FFT) analysis software is desirable.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and teamwork skills.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, and use hands to perform routine office tasks.
• Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms.
• 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.
• Required to work onsite from the Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days.
• Expected to respond to all business needs that may require an increase to the regular onsite requirements.

Pay

Salary Range: $80,800 - $135,000 USD

Benefits

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