R&D Engineer I - Electrical/Computer Engineer

Summary

The ideal candidate would have background in electrical and/or computer engineering, along with expertise in coding, analytics and AI. 

Performs research, design, and development activities to improve NYPA’s energy services.  Designs, selects, tests, evaluates and implements new technology. Ensures that standards of quality, cost, safety, reliability, timeliness and performance are met throughout all engineering activities.

Responsible for developing new, highly technical, and innovative ideas, tools, and techniques that have the potential to reduce NYPA’s operation and maintenance costs and increase NYPA’s power systems’ efficiency, reliability, and safety. This includes working with NYPA’s internal constituencies as well as external research and development organizations to develop, implement, test, and evaluate the efficacy of new technologies, tools, and techniques. #LI-VB1

Responsibilities

• Electrical/Computer –Coordinate the design, and implement advanced generation and transmission technologies at NYPA facilities including, but not limited to, synchrophas or measurements, Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS), dynamic line rating, advanced closed loop controls, settlingless protection, and unmanned aerial vehicles and robotic inspection for transmission lines.
• Support the implementation of innovative technology projects at NYPA sites and customer locations by specifying technical request for proposals and supervising contractors to procure and install equipment and demonstrate new technology solutions.
• Support technical input and guidance to NYPA facilities in generation and transmission technologies, and energy storage through research and industry collaboration.
• Provide original research on technical solutions to resolve generation and transmission problems at NYPA’s facilities
• Obtain project co-funding by forming multidisciplinary teams to solicit, prepare and manage grant and cost share agreements to reduce program costs and build stakeholder support
• Participate  in industry committees and industry groups by preparing reports and presentations and coordinating project collaboration to leverage industry knowledge for NYPA and customer benefits, as directed by senior staff.
• Support implementation of new technologies by leveraging in house technical expertise with industry knowledge and experience to provide technology solutions to NYPA’s core business and its customers
• Support budget preparation and proposals, project scheduling and project reporting.
• Keep abreast of the latest technological developments, products and revisions in the electric utility industry. 
• Maintain access and exposure to the latest technology developments and products, analytical and computer simulation tools and processes through research and industry contacts for the benefit of NYPA and customer core activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of clean technology systems including renewable energy, distributed generation and electric transportation technologies is required.
• Ability to further develop technical knowledge in utility service rate analyses (gas & electric), energy analysis, life cycle cost analysis, NYPA contracts, project financing strategies, and energy systems and controls.  
• General knowledge of facility mechanical and electrical systems is required.
• Technical knowledge across multiple engineering disciplines with the ability to further develop an understanding of the electric utility and energy services industries.  
• General understanding of NYPA’s policies, operations, procedures and business objectives as well as those of the customers is preferred.  
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills; good written and verbal communication skills 
• Ability to organize information and effectively present ideas to the intended audience.  
• Must be able to receive verbal direction and follow-up for/with supervisor. 
• Ability to work effectively with consultants, contractors, and equipment suppliers.  
• Must possess good writing skills and the ability to prepare reports and equipment reviews suitable for final submission.
• Ability to work independently and/or as part of an interdisciplinary team.  
• Coordinate program activities and activities of customer representatives and other engineers, and contractors; prepare budget proposals, project scheduling and project reporting.  
• Ability to demonstrate personal motivation, foresight and good judgment.  
• Ability to recognize problems that arise during analysis procedures or in analysis results and provide potential alternatives to supervisors or higher level Engineers.  
• Familiarity of NYPA policies and business practices