Lead Power Systems Engineer

Summary

Leads research, design, and development activities to improve NYPA’s energy services. Designs, constructs, and tests and operates equipment. Ensures that standards of quality, cost, safety, reliability, timeliness and performance are met throughout all engineering activities

The Advanced Grid Innovation Laboratory for Energy (AGILe) positions New York State as a global center for electric grid research. NYPA's Advanced Grid Innovation Lab for Energy allows real-time modeling of New York's energy grid, suggests improvements and simulates the impact of new technologies.

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.

The New York Power Authority is committed to providing fair, competitive, and market-informed compensation. 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.

The New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation believes that diversity, equity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents and veterans to apply. As an equal opportunity employer, NYPA/Canals is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect communities across New York and enthusiastically serve them. We proudly celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race/color, creed/religion, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, age, disability, military status, gender/sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy and related conditions, familial/marital status, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest/criminal conviction record or any other category protected by law.

NYPA/Canals will also provide reasonable accommodations during the hiring process related to candidates’ disabilities, pregnancy-related conditions, religious observances/practices and/or domestic violence concerns. To request an accommodation, please email  accessibility@nypa.gov .