Protection & Controls Engineer I

Summary

We are seeking a Protection and Control Engineer to develop design solutions for NYPA’s protection, control, and associated communication systems. Responsibilities include performing system disturbance analysis, recommending protective relaying system enhancements or modifications, and ensuring compliance with applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards to maintain the reliable operation of NYPA assets. #LI-AE1

Responsibilities

• Provide lead engineer function in support of a limited range of design modification projects, equipment applications and failure research, engineering studies, and operations and maintenance activities.  
• Perform site visits to complete field inspections, condition assessments, and equipment evaluations and develop basic technical recommendations.
• Perform occasional emergency response, including outside of normal business hours.
• Independently coordinate cross disciplinary activities for the successful development and execution of projects.
• Select and apply codes, standards, and procedures to work tasks appropriately.
• Perform inspections and evaluations to ensure engineering requirements and Authority specifications are satisfied.
• Provide direction and review in the development of the project engineering documents and submittals.
• Perform engineering design for the protection and control and associated communication systems for the Authority system (through both complete in-house designs and submittal of protection criteria under the aid of supervisor).
• Run computer analyses and perform calculations as required and reports results.  
• Prepare specifications for purchasing protection and communication equipment and instrument transformer devices. 
• Evaluate bid proposals and provide technical recommendations for awards of bids under the aid of supervisor.
• Perform system disturbance analysis and recommend protective relaying system modification and/or additions, if required.
• Interface with manufacturers, consultants, professional organizations, regulatory and standardizing bodies, to maintain familiarity with and stay conversant with the requirements of power system protection and control.
• For assigned work and projects, provide supervision of maintenance department(s) staff, and contractors, and prepare and monitor the day-to-day work activities of the crafts. Work with planners in scheduling work activities; oversee the safety of employees. Review job packages to ensure they are complete and current prior to performance of the work. Review completed work, job packages, and work orders to verify all steps are complete and to ensure that all data/information is recorded.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Competency in the design, operation, and maintenance of Protection and Control systems specific to the electric utility industry.
• Fundamental knowledge of protective relaying systems and their various components.
• Familiarity with communication systems including power line carrier, leased telephone circuits, microwave links and fiber optic technology to develop protective relaying systems.
• Working knowledge of applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Collaborative and team-oriented with ability to build relationships with vendors and stakeholders.
• Ability to perform engineering calculations, complete specifications, scopes of work, reports, and interdisciplinary design packages.
• Ability to coordinate the technical and commercial aspects of projects.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Working experience with engineering software such as ASPEN and relay manufacturing software preferred.
• Ability to effectively manage and prioritize multiple projects.
• Knowledge in performing special short circuit studies and other complex calculations as required to establish relay settings utilizing sophisticated software analysis programs.
• Ability to develop complex engineering specifications and perform more intricate studies. 

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering, or equivalent, from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of four  (4) years of related work experience preferred.
• Experience in Protective Relaying applied to Electrical Power Systems required.
• New York State Engineer in Training certification preferred.
   

Physical Requirements

Approximately 25% travel primarily within NY State.