[Hiring] Principal Engineer, Generator Modeling @The AES Corporation

Role Description

The AES Clean Energy (ACE) team is seeking a dynamic and passionate Principal Generator Modeling Engineer to oversee generator models throughout the project lifecycle for ACE’s rapidly growing renewable portfolio.

• Modeling generators from interconnection study phases through construction and operations.
• Lead diverse and dynamic engineers in the renewable energy space.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
• 8-10+ years of experience with modeling software (PSSE and/or PSLF). Generator modeling experience preferred.
• 1+ years of experience with electromagnetic transient (EMT) models in PSCAD.
• Demonstrated leadership and project management experience.
• Experience training and overseeing engineers developing and reviewing models/studies.
• Interconnection package experience.
• Experience with Aspen for short circuit studies.
• Excellent understanding of inverter-based technology operations and inverter settings.
• Understanding of MOD standards and PRC-029.
• Proficient at reading substation and PPC control schematics and understanding of inverter/turbine settings.
• Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions among HV EPCs, Power Utilities, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Able to review complex analysis and can develop formal documentation, technical reports, and presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize projects and tasks.
• Ability to successfully work remotely and independently, away from an office environment or direct supervision, for extended periods of time.

Requirements

• Extensive experience modeling generation in PSSE and PSLF.
• Experience modeling generation plants in PSCAD.
• Exhibit leadership by demonstrating effective training and mentoring of other engineers.
• Demonstrated competency to coordinate, prioritize, and plan project tasks using internal and external resources.
• Demonstrated ability to drive cross-functional collaboration to complete tasks and improve workflow efficiency.
• Experience with interconnection study models and interconnection request packages in WECC, HECO, and ERCOT.
• In-depth knowledge of model validation, including ride-through tests, stability tests, and model verifications.
• Familiarity with steady-state, dynamics, and short circuit data requirements and reporting procedures.
• Ability to understand aspects of renewable generation modeling and data inputs required to create acceptable models.
• Adept at gathering large amounts of information from varying sources for model builds.
• In-depth understanding of detailed modeling and equivalent modeling, and ability to flag unreasonable model values.
• Highly competent at directing outside consultants and monitoring progress.
• Demonstrated ability to initiate projects, be self-directed, originate new ideas, and present methods to achieve goals.
• Skilled at solving complex problems in multiple areas.
• Practiced at working across departments and organizations with varying skill sets among teams.
• Able to work independently and exercise considerable judgment and decision-making.
• Easily manages multiple priorities and deadlines.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare, review, and submit generator models for new and existing renewable resources for interconnection request packages, as-built model submittals, ISO, and NERC requirements.
• Oversee consultant work for plant models - PSLF, PSSE, PSCAD, Aspen.
• Coordinate and prioritize modeling work among internal and external resources.
• Lead team members to deliver results and improve workflows.
• Guide engineers on model builds, verifications, data gathering, and analysis.
• Ensure the team’s generator model builds are in line with Transmission Planner and Planning Coordinator expectations.
• Ensure the team’s models meet ride-through, reactive power requirements and that parameters are reasonable.
• Supervise engineer’s gathering of data required for model builds from varying sources including manufacturers, contractors, and external consultants with minimal supervision.
• Supervise engineer’s generator models with substation schematics, inverter/turbine settings, power plant controller behavior, and generator properties.
• Track and implement generator model upgrades per ISO and NERC requirements.
• Coordinate responses to Transmission Planner/Planning Coordinator modeling requests and concerns.
• Oversee model validation field tests for MOD-026-2 verifications.
• Guide projects under development for compliance with technical MOD standards (MOD-032 and MOD-026-2) and PRC-029 ride-through requirements.
• Train engineers on model development and verifications.
• Find and implement efficiencies in modeling process from interconnection requests to as-built models.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance.
• 401(k) eligibility.
• Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave).