Distributed Resources Operations Engineer

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 Market Operations department invites applications for a full-time Distributed Resources Operations Engineer.

As a member of the Distributed Resources Operations (DRO) team you will carry out NYISO tariff responsibilities through policies and procedures to achieve seamless participation of demand response and distributed energy resource (DER) participation in the NYISO capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets. In this role, you will conduct processes for the Special Case Resource (SCR) program, Emergency Demand Response Program (EDRP), Behind the Meter: Net Generation (BTM:NG) model, and the DER participation model.

You will ensure software requirements support tariff-defined market rules, provides mentoring to team members, and has a high visibility with other staff and departments. You will additionally represent the team and the NYISO at internal and external meetings, working groups, conferences, and committees as the department’s subject matter expert.  In addition, you will provide support to Energy Market Operations, ICAP Market Operations, and Grid Operations to integrate BTM:NG, demand response, and DER programs into NYISO’s capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets.

This position will require the candidate to create technical procedures, analyze data, and present to internal and external audiences. Candidates with excellent teamwork, interpersonal and communications skills are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Validate registration and enrollment of DERs in the NYISO markets through review of one-line diagrams, interconnection agreements, contracts, utility bills, generator specification sheets, load reduction plans, and other
• Register new responsible interface parties and SCR/EDRP customers, update participant parameters, monitor and resolve pending enrollments, and collect and validate event data upon activation of the SCR/EDRP
• Determine the capability period and monthly load zone peak hours, the calculation of performance factors, zonal performance calculations and ICAP to UCAP translation annually to support the ICAP Market Operations department in the seasonal setup activities necessary to administer two ICAP capability period auctions, twelve ICAP monthly auctions and twelve ICAP spot-market
• Update the DRIS notification system with contact information and resources, conducting SCR audits, monitoring EDRP/SCR event advisories and activations, transferring information to the MIS for scarcity pricing, and processing EDRP/SCR event data for payments. Work with vendor to develop notification software enhancements and coordinate with internal NYISO
• Perform required demand response calculations for determining the SCR performance penalties and assess required shortfalls and
• Coordinate the onboarding and review of one-line diagrams, interconnection agreements, and other materials for the Behind the Meter: Net Generation (BTM:NG) Resource participation
• Enforce demand response and distributed resource programs rules applicable to the capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets by utilizing proprietary NYISO software.
• Assess complex data from multiple sources across the departments.
• Develop recommendations, negotiate to gain buy-in, and finalize/implement solutions to complex problems.
• Diligently monitor, assess, and report on the efficacy of the ISO's demand response and distributed resources programs in the capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets.
• Finalize and ensure the accuracy of millions of dollars in Market Participant settlements
• Advise the NYISO market design team in the design, development, implementation, and testing to achieve integration of demand response, BTM:NG, and distributed resources programs into the NYISO capacity, energy, and ancillary services markets.
• Uphold adherence to Tariff and NYISO manual rules for the demand response and distributed resource programs, including conformance with business policy and procedures.
• Present and take the lead for the department, at internal and external meetings, including project team meetings and Market Participant working groups.
• Represent the NYISO, and take the lead for the department, in responding to Market Participant questions, providing training, and managing resource enrollments with the utmost professionalism.
• Represent the NYISO at conferences
• Create and continuously develop and improve upon NYISO technical support documentation, including internal procedures, ICAP, EDRP, Aggregation, Behind-the-Meter Net Generation and Ancillary Services manual revisions, DRIS Users Guide, Aggregation System Users Guide and changes to the NYISO
• Collaborate with internal departments to implement changes to the DRO business-owned software of DRIS and the Aggregation System software, as well as MIS and Salesforce software, including market rule revisions and incorporation of additional functionality into the system.
• Advise on and author software requirements and software design to achieve tariff compliance.
• Determine whether software functionality complies with tariff and manual requirements through user acceptance testing (UAT).
• Ensure Tariff and manual compliance with demand response, BTM:NG, and DER requirements and conformance with business policy and
• Support prompt and accurate response to demand response audits including SSAE16
• Create demand response reports for FERC, NERC, NPCC, NYSRC, and other regulatory
• Mentor team members, providing advice and guidance regarding market rules, DRO procedures, and the NYISO in general
• Lead the design and implementation for solutions to other issues as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree (BS) in Engineering required with preference for coursework in power systems; Master’s Degree (MS) strongly preferred.
• Three to five years of relevant industry related or professional experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Energy management, Distributed Energy Resource (DER), or Demand Response experience preferred. Knowledge of electric industry criteria and practices helpful; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret complex scientific, technical, and legal documents.
• Ability to read and interpret one-line diagrams, meter information, and generator specifications.
• Ability to respond effectively to sensitive inquiries or complaints from Market Participants.
• Ability to create publicly posted technical documentation, speeches/ presentations, and internal operating procedures using prescribed style and format.
• Ability to communicate effective and persuasive speeches and presentations on controversial or complex topics to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference and fundamentals of geometry and trigonometry.
• Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations.
• Ability to work with concepts including linear and non-linear partial differential equations, control theory and proofs of theorems.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems
• Ability to work with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases.
• Proficiency in common statistical analysis and data analysis software programs.
• Ability to concisely summarize and visualize complex data using a multitude of data visualization techniques (graphs, maps, charts, tables, figures, etc.).
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Ability to interpret a complete and partial set of instructions in written, oral, diagram or schedule form.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and internet programs.
• Ability to code in MATLAB, PI, Python, SAS, R, SQL, VBA or other such software language/programs required. Extensive coding experience in one or more such languages preferred.
• Ability to learn how to use new software programs as required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or 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. This position requires a minimum of one onsite day per week, with additional days as required. Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training. This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

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.