Senior Engineer Power System Modeling and Studies

Position Summary

This role will be involved in a wide range of power system modeling and studies projects including inverter-based resource integration, large load integration, transmission planning, and other grid reliability assessments. Projects will range from developing IBR models and conducting model quality checks, to conducting detailed powerflow, dynamics, short-circuit, and electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies, to supporting clients with conducting root cause analysis of real-world IBR grid events. This is a unique and rare opportunity to join highly technical industry leaders with a clear mission and vision.

Roles and Responsibilities

This role will be specifically responsible for supporting projects related to power system modeling and studies, inverter-based resource modeling and study work, large load and data center modeling and studies, and a range of other engineering projects.

The following are a list of roles, responsibilities, and projects related to this position:

- Conduct power system reliability studies (powerflow, dynamics, EMT, and short-circuit) to study the reliability of interconnecting IBRs and large loads to the bulk power system.

- Develop power system models of IBRs and data centers and conduct model quality checks, model verification, model performance tests, etc.; test those models in interconnecting systems.

- Develop automation scripts and tools in-house to effectively conduct reliability studies at-scale, and help build systems and tools to drive business efficiencies in this area.

- Support industry in improving tools, processes, requirements, and understanding of the changing resource mix, grid transformation, and the energy transition broadly.

- Provide subject matter expertise and support to transmission service providers, transmission planners, system operators, renewable energy project developers, generator owners and operators, and regulatory entities across North America.

- Conduct transmission planning reliability studies (powerflow, stability, short-circuit, EMT) to support transmission planners and utilities in studying future scenarios and grid reliability impacts of a changing resource mix. These could include local reliability studies, regional studies, interregional studies, or even Interconnection-wide studies.

- Leverage first principles, engineering fundamentals, and microcosm systems to help drive best practices around emerging reliability risk areas and other topics of interest.

- Study the changing resource mix and its impacts on bulk power system reliability including areas involving low system strength conditions, grid forming inverter technology, impacts to protection and control systems, frequency response, voltage stability, control interactions, and subsynchronous oscillations.

- Develop modeling and study reports and documentation to successfully accomplish and complete project deliverable requirements.

- Deliver technical presentations to clients and broadly across industry to help

elevate

industry best practices; be and continue to grow as a leader across the electricity industry overall.

- Meet with clients (virtual and in-person as needed) to understand needs; successfully communicate with clients both verbally and in writing.

Qualifications

Candidates should have the following

required qualifications:

- A Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited four-year college or university with a specialization in power engineering.

- Specialization through experience or coursework focused on grid reliability, inverter-based resources, renewable energy interconnection, large load interconnection, modeling, power system studies, protection and control systems, etc.

- Understanding of power system dynamics, controls, protection, operations, and planning areas.

- At least 3 years of deep technical experience in power system modeling and studies such as in consulting, transmission planning, interconnection, operational studies, etc.

- Expertise conducting powerflow, dynamics, short-circuit, and EMT simulations, including the modeling and representation of renewable energy resources and/or large loads.

- Experience and expertise conducting large-scale reliability studies on a regional or Interconnection-wide basis.

- Experience with inverter control and protection systems and how to model and represent these devices in power system studies.

- Experience using power system analysis tools such as PSS/E, PSLF, TSAT, PSCAD, and ASPEN.

- Excellent communications skills including both written and verbal communication.

- Strong interpersonal skills and compelling presentation skills that are clear, concise, and applicable to the audience.

- A self-starter, motivated, and driven individual with the ability to work independently and in the face of uncertainty.

Successful candidates should also have the following

- An advanced degree (i.e., Master’s or PhD) from an accredited college or university with specialization in power system reliability topics broadly and deeply.

- At least 5-10 years of industry experience conducting reliability studies and modeling of inverter-based resources and a changing grid.

- Experience studying, configuring, and/or tuning inverter protection and control systems or conducting forensic analysis of inverters and grid events.

- Experience studying inverter control systems, control interactions, subsynchronous oscillations, and other related reliability issues.

- Experience with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards, requirements, and regulatory framework.

- Experience working with utility industry partners on challenging problems.

- Knowledge and experience in multiple regions across North America (CAISO, ERCOT, PJM, MISO, etc.) or around the world.

- Proficiency with programming, automation, database management, and other software skills.

- Proficiency and knowledge of a broad range of software and simulation tools beyond those listed above, such as DSATools (PSAT, TSAT, SSAT), EMTP, Python, MATLAB, PSS®CAPE, ETAP, CYME, SEL SynchroWAVe or ACSELERATOR QuickSet, etc.

Physical requirements for this role include:

- Must be able to sit and/or stand for prolonged periods of time at a computer.

- Ability to travel to job sites, both in an office environment and in the field.

Company Benefits

- Competitive salaries

- Up to 20% performance-based bonus structure

- Full suite of health benefits including medical, dental, vision

- Annual home office stipend

- Annual employee health and wellness stipend

- Competitive time off and company holidays

Additional Details

- The final title for this role will be determined based on the qualifications of the candidate and on performance through the interview process.

- A background check will be conducted prior to employment.

- All persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States or Canada and must complete employment eligibility verification documentation upon hire, in compliance with federal law.

- This is a fully remote role with some travel expected; a passport is required for North American and other international travel.

- This position has been classified as exempt.