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 New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future. The NYISO’s Operations department invites applications for a full-time Planning Engineer to join the Demand Forecasting and Analysis team.
The NYISO Demand Forecasting and Analysis team is responsible for predictive modeling and data analytics that span both short-term (from 5-minutes up to one week ahead) and long-term (10 years or more) time horizons and gives substantial consideration to regional trends in energy efficiency, energy storage, distributed solar photovoltaics, and electrification of the heating and transportation sectors.
As a Planning Engineer you will develop expertise in building and documentation of forecasting models, prepare and validate long term and short-term forecasts, and assist in the maintenance of several key databases of economic indicators, weather, system demand, end-use technologies, and distributed energy resources DERs. Knowledge of HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, solar photovoltaics, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems are required. You will assist in the monitoring of activities in energy efficiency and public policy programs and act as the subject matter expert and work in concert with internal and external stakeholders to update and enhance forecasting methods. In addition, you will provide subject matter expertise in support of external stakeholder inquiries, as well as provide internal and external reporting. You will act as a department liaison for projects, meetings, working groups, and committees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop and implement procedures for constructing energy consumption metrics related to HVAC, lighting, refrigeration, and other end uses across all major consumer sectors (e.g., residential, commercial, and industrial).
- Building and assessing statistical, engineering, and analytical models of actual end-use energy under typical and extreme weather conditions across the NYCA.
- Participate in performing and reviewing analytical and statistical end-use system studies from third parties such as NYSERDA, EIA, NREL and others in support of the development of more accurate descriptions of end-use consumption and customer behavior.
- Develop long-term forecasts of demand side DER impacts, which may consist of energy efficiency, solar PV, codes and standards, distributed energy, electric vehicles, energy storage, or other technologies.
- Assist in producing grid electrification impacts by applying knowledge of thermal energy conversion methods to account for transition from fossil-based energy usage to electric energy usage and including the estimated reduction in CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels.
- Communicate and coordinate with New York equipment owners, e.g., DER aggregators, Transmission Owners, and DER databank representatives (e.g., NYSERDA) to maintain accurate capacity information and representative samples DER performance data.
- Consult with other System and Resource Planning department staff to assess the locational hosting capacity of DER resources that are represented in network model base cases and associated auxiliary files.
- Represent NYISO on industry committees, task forces, or stakeholder groups involving issues related to Transmission District and NYCA level end-use and DER modeling.
- Participate in preparing and maintaining NYISO technical support documentation.
- Advise and assist with coordination and preparation of the annual Load and Capacity Data Report.
- Assist with implementation and maintenance of rigorous data quality control processes to ensure the cleanest possible datasets are available with which to validate the analytical DER models and train the load forecast models
Qualifications include:
- A passion for transforming data into actionable information for decision making
- Bachelor’s Degree (BS) in Mathematics, Applied Science and Math, Economics, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
- Two to three years of related experience in load forecasting, operations research, load research, applied statistics, or mathematics required; or an equivalent combination of education, experience and training
- experience in analyzing and modeling residential and commercial end-use technologies (e.g. heating, cooling, refrigeration, and residential small/commercial scale solar photovoltaics and storage) is required
- Experience documenting methods and data insights for technical bulletins/papers, proposals and presentations
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience
- Ability to query data from SQL databases, large datasets, and files
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of VBA
- Proficiency in at least one advanced programming language (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, SAS); familiarity with SAS and/or Python is a plus
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree (MS) in Mathematics, Applied Science and Math, Economics, Data Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
- Knowledge of electricity markets and administration of bulk power systems (e.g. ISO/RTO markets)
- Advanced SQL skills
- Experience generating reports in Tableau or Microsoft Power BI
- Experience with coding standards and version control systems/practices (e.g. Git)
- Experience with machine learning algorithms (e.g. Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, Deep Neural Networks) and packages (e.g. Sci-kit Learn, Keras, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
- Basic working knowledge of Geographical Information Systems software (e.g. ESRI ArcGIS)
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret the most complex documents. Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints. Ability to write presentations and articles using prescribed techniques or style. Ability to make effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.
- Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra, and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, rings, quadratic and differential equations and proofs of theorems.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret energy forecasting and statistical concepts and methodologies applicable to NYISO energy and peak demand forecasting activities.
- Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail, and internet programs. Engineers use a variety of software tools, including:
- OSIsoft Plant Information (PI)
- MetrixND and MetrixLT load analysis and forecasting software
- Programming in high level programming language such as SAS, Python, MATLAB, or R
- Extracting and organizing information within Relational Database Management Systems and Structured Query Language
- Assist with the evaluation of new technology, tools, and data sets. Incorporate approved technology, data sets and tools to enhance the forecast model development process.
- Excellent teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills required.
- Provide task estimates and assist with the creation of work breakdown structures.
- Able and willing to collaborate in a team environment, exercise independent judgment and initiative
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee 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.
Please note that this position will be filled at the level (i.e., Associate Engineer, Engineer, or Senior Engineer) appropriate with the candidate’s experience and qualifications.
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.
The NYISO offers the flexibility to work both in the office and remotely, providing our employees with an enhanced work life balance. While the majority of the responsibilities of this role can be performed remotely, in most cases, employees will have periodic on-site requirements based on business needs.
All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.
The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.