AGILe Lab Engineer I

Summary:

• The Advanced Grid Innovation Lab for Energy (AGILe) is a research and testing facility aiming at promoting collaborative research between the Authority and external stakeholders for the benefit of the electricity grid of state of New York as well as the electric power and energy industry overall.
• The Advanced Grid Innovation Lab Energy Engineer is responsible for supporting the operation and research activities of the Advanced Grid Innovation Lab for Energy (AGILe) in consultation with the Director, AGILe Lab and in collaboration with other personnel working in AGILe. The AGILe Lab Engineer will need highly-skilled technical expertise to work with internal constituencies as well as external research and development organizations and other entities to develop, implement, test, and evaluate the efficacy of new technologies, tools, and techniques.

 
Responsibilities

• Implement the objectives of AGILe, and support the Director of AGILe in conducting the projects.
• Support execution of the project activities in collaboration with contractors, and other external personnel executing the lab's objectives, and other departments
• Support execution of projects from technical and time/budget management perspectives.
• Perform modeling and simulation studies (including 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 on select conferences, meetings, task forces, committees, and boards as directed by the AGILe Director.

 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with electric utility policies, operations, procedures and business objectives.
• Knowledge of the New York state electricity grid environment or the environment is a strong plus.
• Working knowledge of power plant, substation, transmission, and distribution electrical equipment and systems.
• Excellent knowledge on power system modeling, simulation, and control.
• Working knowledge of digital real-time modeling and simulation, 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

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering with a specialty in Power Systems Engineering
• •M.S. degree in Engineering preferred

Ph.D. degree (preferably in electrical and computer engineering) is a strong advantage.

• Other advanced degrees considered a plus.
• Minimum of three (3) years of applicable experience, less with a Ph.D. degree, with an electric utility, power producer, research organization, manufacturer,  consultant or energy services company.

• Position is currently in New York State, Albany area and requires approximately 15% travel, both in NY State and out-of-state.