Manager, Reliability Studies

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 System and Resource Planning department invites applications for a Manager, Reliability Studies.

The Manager, Reliability Studies will oversee transmission planning activities as they relate to transmission security and reliability and support continuing infrastructure development for the New York system. Additionally, this person will act as the Compliance Responsible Manager and serve as the expert representative to ensure compliance with North American Reliability Corporation (NERC), Northeast Power Coordination Council (NPCC), and New York State Reliability Council (NYSRC) standards related to transmission planning. The Manager will lead and coordinate transmission planning tariff responsibilities for reliability including the Reliability-Must-Run process, the Reliability Needs Assessment, the Short Term Reliability Process, and the Comprehensive Reliability Plan, and coordinate with market participants and other reliability organizations on transmission planning studies and reliability standard compliances. This individual is expected to develop comments, audit responses, and compliance documents from a system and resource planning perspective based on advanced engineering practices and business considerations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee department performing transmission system planning and reliability compliance studies.
• As the Compliance Responsible Manager, ensure full compliance with all NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC transmission planning standards, criteria, and rules. Lead and represent the Planning department in all NERC and NPCC audits.
• Oversee and coordinate NYISO annual performance of thermal, voltage, stability, and short circuit studies for years 1, 5, and 10 of the Bulk Power System in accordance with NERC TPL-001, NPCC Directory 1, and NYSRC Reliability Rules.
• Coordinate and review all Transmission Owner (TO) annual studies of the Bulk Electric System in accordance with NERC TPL-001; lead regular coordination meetings with TOs; review and comment on all TO Local Transmission Plans.
• Lead Planning review and coordination of the Coordinated Functional Registration Agreement with the TOs.
• Maintain and coordinate changes to the NERC Bulk Electric System facilities list, NPCC Bulk Power System list, and the NYISO Bulk Power Transmission Facilities list.
• Lead and coordinate all transmission security analysis performed for the NYISO Reliability Needs Assessment, Comprehensive Reliability Plan, and Additional Reliability Studies.
• Lead and coordinate all generator deactivation assessments and reliability-must-run determinations.
• Review all critical asset assessments for NERC CIP-014 in NYISO's role as third party verifier and maintain list of physical security substations.
• Lead evaluation and documentation of geomagnetic disturbances, in accordance with NERC TPL-007.
• Develop and maintain a system operating limit methodology in accordance with NERC FAC-010.
• Lead evaluation of transmission relay loadability in accordance with NERC PRC-023.
• Lead assessment of under-frequency load shedding in accordance with PRC-006 NERC and NPCC standards.
• Coordinate with neighboring ISO/RTOs and participate on internal and external committees, project teams and work groups as department liaison, including: Transmission Planning Advisory Subcommittee, NPCC Task Force on System Studies, NPCC Working Groups (SS-37, SS-38, CP-11), and other groups as required.
• Direct the preparation and maintenance of NYISO technical support documentation, manuals, and procedures.
• Participate in the development of new reliability based standards related to transmission planning at the NERC, NPCC, and NYSRC forums.
• Provide support for all Transmission Planning efforts, including System Modeling, the Public Policy Transmission Planning Process, and interregional studies such as the Eastern Interconnection Planning Collaborative (EIPC) and the Northeast Coordinated System Plan (NCSP).
• Perform ad-hoc Reliability Studies at the request of the New York Public Service Commission and develop engineering-based recommendations to internal functions and market participant committees.
• Coordinate with the NYISO Operations Department in the review of seasonal operating studies and discussion of operations issues, including support during system events.
• Provide support to the Interconnection Projects group in reviewing transmission related System Impact Studies.
• As a management expert in transmission planning, participate in extensive and significant discussions and meetings with market participants and regulatory committees.
• Perform management duties including staff supervision, career guidance, budget preparation and resource allocation.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does possess supervisory responsibility, and there are non-supervisory employees who report to this position.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering required; Master's Degree (MS) preferred.
• Ten years of experience in electrical engineering, transmission planning, and New York system specific knowledge required; expert knowledge of regulatory and compliance for ISO and utility industry.
• Requires in-depth knowledge of a specific engineering discipline plus broad knowledge of multiple engineering fields to drive the direction of engineering efforts, coordinate projects, adapt to change management, new technology, present proposals and nurture and implement introduction of new concepts and approaches; or equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

PE license preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from market participants, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to apply advanced mathematical concepts such as exponents, logarithms, quadratic equations and permutations. Ability to apply mathematical operations to such tasks as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory and factor analysis. Ability to comprehend and apply principles of advanced calculus, modern algebra and advanced statistical theory. Ability to work with concepts such as limits, engineering economics, quadratic and differential equations and proofs of theorems.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

• Intermediate competency in web based technologies, Windows operating environment using MS Office applications, e-mail and internet programs. Experience with PC-based engineering applications is desirable.
• Highly developed technical, business and interpersonal skills to develop strategies, resolve controversial issues and negotiate agreements with market participants and auditors.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and teamwork skills needed.

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. 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.