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. #LI-CJ1 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 .