Sr. Power Systems Engineer

About Us:

Groundbreaker. Game changer. Pioneer.

 

TRC has long set the bar for clients who require more than just engineering, combining science with the latest technology to devise innovative solutions that stand the test of time. From pipelines to power plants, roadways to reservoirs, schoolyards to security solutions, clients look to TRC for breakthrough thinking backed by the innovative follow-through of an industry leader.

 

TRC's professionals work with a broad range of commercial, industrial and government clients and the communities they serve. We deliver breakthrough solutions that address local needs -- so our clients can better succeed in an ever-changing world.

 

Working at TRC means tackling interesting, meaningful projects. We pride ourselves on our collaborative spirit, entrepreneurial zeal and agile corporate structure. We recognize that the expertise of our staff is our strongest asset, so we generously reward employees for successful performance and invest in their careers through training and the development of new skills and certifications.

Responsibilities:

TRC Companies, Inc., a pioneer in groundbreaking scientific and engineering developments since the 1960's, is a engineering and environmental consulting firm that provides integrated services to the energy, environmental and infrastructure markets. TRC serves a broad range of clients in industry and government, implementing complex projects from initial concept to delivery and operation.

Under general supervision this position performs a substantive role in power system analysis and study work. You must be competent to operate various power system software tools required for performing power system studies. You must also be capable of manipulating power system databases and establishing base cases for load flow and dynamic stability modeling. Must also possess an understanding of power system calculation methodologies, terminologies, and techniques.

- Perform power system studies and demonstrate a good working knowledge of power system planning, design and operation including but not limited to:

1. Utility Networked Transmission Systems or

2. Utility Network and Radial Distribution Systems

3. And Industrial, Commercial, and Institutional Facilities

- Ability to operate power system software tools required for performing power system engineering studies such as:

1. Load Flow Analysis, Overcurrent and Protective Device Coordination

2. Steady State Thermal and Voltage Analysis

3. Dynamic Stability Analysis

4. Short-Circuit Studies

5. Electrical Equipment Evaluation

6. Arc-Flash Hazard Analysis

7. Motor Starting Study

8. Harmonic Analysis

9. Transient Analysis

10. Post-Transient Analysis (PV/QV)

- Proficiency with PSCAD, PSS/E, PSLF, SKM, ETAP, CYME and ASPEN software

- Develop the power system model database within the scope of work using modeling software.

- Prepare written reports which explain the purpose, methodology, data requirements, recommendations and observations of power system studies

- Ability to analyze results and develop alternatives to identified problems.

- Perform calculations, analysis, and evaluations as per project requirements.

- Participate actively in client development and maintenance.

- Keep supervision informed of status of all projects relative to pre-established expectations.

- Job folders kept be up-to-date and contain all pertinent correspondence, equipment drawings, design drawings, on-site collected data, data sheets, etc.

- Project documents and system models and other pertinent project data must be properly backed up to network and other external storage media as prescribed by current Group guidelines.

- Stay informed of Department and Company news by attending meetings (in person or via conference call) for the Power System Studies Group and Company.

- Willingness to Mentor other engineers

- Ability to deal with ambiguity

- Ability to work independently and with others while maintaining a high level of initiative and self-motivation.

- Communicate with the appropriate Company employees any information concerning a client which is deemed informative or helpful in further developing the relationship between the Company and the client.

Qualifications:

The scope of work (SOW) is described below in alignment with TRC tasks.

For the following NERC mandatory standard containing requirements applicable to NYPA because of its NERC registration, perform the evidence and internal controls review and provide recommended enhanced governance documentation along with initial draft governance documents for NYPA-s consideration where needed.

NERC Mandatory Standards (or prospective standards) to be examined in priority:

MOD-025-2 Verification and Data Reporting of Generator Real and Reactive Power Capability and Synchronous Condenser Reactive Power Capability

 

MOD-026-1 Verification of Models and Data for Generator Excitation Control System or Plant Volt/Var Control Functions

 

MOD-027-1 Verification of Models and Data for Turbine/Governor and Load Control or Active Power/Frequency Control Functions

 

TPL-007-4 Transmission System Planned Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance Events

General Tasks (Activities, Methods, Deliverables) applicable to the standard:

Task 1 - Review of Processes, System enhancements and Technology/Tools for documenting and managing compliance with each standard under review.

Activities:

Review most recent NERC Audit Findings to determine effectiveness of NYPA compliance program internal controls processes during its most recent audit.

Obtain NYPA compliance process workflow diagrams if they exist

If NYPA compliance program workflow process flow diagrams do not exist develop them in concert with NYPA compliance staff.

 

Method -TRC SMEs will review NYPA workflow process for completeness and effectiveness. TRC SMEs will test workflow processes against Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs) narratives used by NYPA for the most recent NERC Compliance Audit, including any RSAWS and evidence not used in an audit due to omission from the scope of the prior audit. The NYPA compliance program staffing, and organization will be reviewed. TRC SMEs will create a gap analysis for in the report.

 

Deliverable - Prepare appropriate sections of the draft report including findings and recommendations and then interact with NYPA to discuss and finalize the report.

 

Task 2 - Identification of core roles and responsibilities for organization and employees

Activities:

Obtain current staffing information and organization structure that relates to the NYPA NERC compliance program.

Obtain position descriptions and job task analysis for each position.

 

Method -TRC SMEs to review the NYPA compliance program staffing and organization. Create a RACI chart, a responsibility assignment matrix, and perform gap analysis relative to compliance function roles and responsibilities.

 

Deliverable - Prepare appropriate sections of the draft report including findings and recommendations and then interact with NYPA to discuss and finalize the report.

 

Task 3 - High level review/critique of compliance controls.

Activities:

TRC SMES develop critique of compliance controls.

Review past enforcement actions/audit findings/mitigation plan.

Contrast NYPA compliance controls w/ industry experience.

Test NYPA approaches to each standard against NERC compliance guidance where available and identify weaknesses (utilize work product from Task 5 if authorized.)

 

Deliverable - Prepare appropriate section (likely in the form of an Executive Summary) of the draft report (including findings and recommendations) and then interact with NYPA to discuss and finalize the report.

 

Task 4 - Enhanced oversight methods and accountabilities

Activities:

In concert with NYPA compliance personnel, develop proposals for enhanced oversight methods and accountabilities to support proposed compliance process changes.

 

Deliverable - Prepare appropriate sections of the draft report including findings and recommendations and then interact with NYPA to discuss and finalize the report.

 

Task 5 - Benchmark to other best practice sources (e.g. NATF, NPCC Compliance Committee)

Activities:

With the assistance of NYPA obtain key guidance documents from the North American Transmission Forum (NATF)

Obtain compliance process guidance documents public information from NPCC and NERC.

Gather insights from TRC-s past NERC compliance engagements from TRC SMEs

Review and summarize the state-of-the-art program management techniques as it relates to compliance program best practices in terms of NYPA-s organization.

 

Deliverable - Prepare appropriate sections of the draft report including findings and recommendations and then interact with NYPA to discuss and finalize the report.

 

Task 6 - Provisional Services

Interaction with NYPA SMEs by standard families

Identify cross cutting issues with each standard being examined to other standards and standard families.

Presentation on forward looking standard changes

Periodic independent review of NYPA process changes.

Report presentation

Budgeted follow-on actions as directed by NYPA

 

Meetings-

TRC will meet with NYPA once per week for general project controls (1/2 hour). TRC will attend a technical meet once per week to review progress with NYPA SMEs, through the final submittal of each report.

Reporting-

TRC will prepare an assessment report for the standard listed in the scope above.

Standard Specific details to be integrated within the above general tasks where applicable. Limitations of TRC-s review activities in the following paragraphs reduce the scope listed above.

MOD-025-2: Verification and Data Reporting of Generator Real and Reactive Power Capability and Synchronous Condenser Reactive Power CapabilityNYPA has a set of existing procedures and past practices which will not be reviewed for compliance and potential improvement.

TRC-s role will be limited to reviewing sample data applicable to MOD-025-2.

Samples compliance evidence will be selected by NYPA.

TRC will identify any detected defects, potential non-compliance situations and any areas of improvement in the NYPA prepared sample compliance evidence.

TRC will not address any internal controls or process improvements in NYPA-s non-evidence documentation that assign accountabilities and integrate with the obligations of the RC (NYISO).

Prepare report of findings and deliver to NYPA

 

MOD-026-1: Verification of Models and Data for Generator Excitation Control System or Plant Volt/Var Control Functions and MOD-027-1 Verification of Models and Data for Turbine/Governor and Load Control or Active Power/Frequency Control FunctionsNYPA has a set of existing procedures and past practices which will not be reviewed for compliance and potential improvement.

TRC-s role be limited to reviewing sample data applicable to MOD-026-1

Sample compliance evidence will be selected by NYPA.

TRC will identify any detected defect, potential non-compliance situations and any areas of improvement in the NYPA prepared sample compliance evidence.

TRC will not address any of internal controls or process improvements in NYPA-s non-evidence documentation that assign accountabilities and integrate with the obligations of the RC (NYISO).

Prepare report of findings and deliver to NYPA

TPL-007-4: Transmission System Planned Performance for Geomagnetic Disturbance EventsNYPA has no current policies procedures and RSAWS for this standard. All tasks and deliverables will be created by TRC.

TRC will assist NYPA in development of internal controls documentation to assign accountabilities and integrate with the obligations of the RC (NYISO) and neighboring utilities for monitoring and mitigation of GMD vulnerabilities.

 

NYPA is registered with NERC as a Transmission Owner, Transmission Planner, Generator Owner, Generator Operator.

Governance documentation to include processes procedures flow charts, organization recommendations

Benefits*: TRC offers a competitive benefit package consisting of:

Medical, dental, vision, and insurance.

401k package that includes both traditional and Roth IRA options and Company match.

Paid time off contingent upon full time or part time status and level of seniority (ranging from 15 to 25 days per year).

All full-time employees enjoy a minimum of 8 Paid Holidays per year.

TRC ensures that all employees, including those that work part-time, receive paid sick, family, and leave in accordance with the laws of their state of residence.

*These benefits are applicable to US employees depending on their employment status (full time, part time, or temporary). TRC offers jurisdiction specific benefit packages for International and Puerto Rico employees.

 

Compensation: In accordance with local law, the below salary range is applicable for the job and location associated with this requisition. Compensation will vary based upon experience, education, skill level, geographical location, and other compensable factors.

 

Other Compensation: Employee may be eligible for participation in the Company’s annual Discretionary Bonus Program which is contingent on Company, Business Segment, and Individual performance against Key Performance Indicators which vary by year and employee.

 

Disclaimers:

TRC is an equal opportunity employer: /veteran. We celebrate and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Salary Range:

USD $63.00 - USD $77.00 /Hr.