Sr. Digital Solutions Engineer

Summary

Identifies, evaluates, develops, and negotiates new utility scale growth opportunities for NYPA. Works across multiple functions within the organization such as, but not limited to: transmission planning, legal, finance, engineering, EH&S and real estate.  Identifies and negotiates strategic partnerships and collaboration opportunities with both internal and external stakeholders. Project origination includes identification of opportunity and technical solution, development of project applications and maintaining regulatory compliance. Tracks investments across new project development initiatives.  Provides regulatory compliance oversight as projects are executed.  

Responsible for defining the strategic goals, direction, and plans of NYPA. Takes a high-level view of the company and industry, identifying new opportunities, potential partnerships, that could drive growth and improve the company's capabilities in accomplishing its mission. Plays a crucial role in guiding the company's future direction and growth, often working closely with the executive leadership team, trustees, and other key stakeholders. Experience leading technology projects, leading and managing digital initiatives and building solutions with tools like RPA, AI, etc. #LI-VB1

Responsibilities

• Craft storylines that clearly articulate findings, insights, and recommendations and communicate with leadership to move the organization to action.
• Potentially lead and mentor junior members of the team.
• Build and own relationships with key stakeholders by directing team towards consensus points & gaining buy-in.
• Managing the coordination and execution of individual projects. This typically includes developing hypotheses, managing data collection, model creation and analyses, conducting primary and secondary research, creatively tackling information limitations, and surfacing insights.
• Effectively communicate key project findings and recommendations to various audiences (e.g., senior NYPA staff, internal and external stakeholders, etc.) by creating and delivering presentations.
• Stay updated with modeling tools, industry standards, climate data sets, and emerging technologies.

Strategic Management:

• Manage on day-to-day basis successful strategy project execution by overseeing the development of business cases, work plans, primary and secondary research, and qualitative and quantitative analysis.
• Supporting SVP of Strategy and Director Corporate Strategy in project delivery through accurate and high-quality project execution.
• Coordinate work of cross-departmental teams to ensure project objectives are achieved and timelines are met; conduct research, financial modeling, data gathering and analysis.

Renewables:

• Support engineering and development teams with site evaluations, equipment selection, layout design, and interconnection planning.
• Collaborate with asset management and O&M teams to meet or exceed performance KPIs.
• Modeling:
  •  Develop, validate, and maintain energy production models for solar PV, onshore wind, and BESS using tools like PVSyst, PowerSIMM, WAsP, SAM, Transect.
  •  Integrate storage dispatch modeling with renewable generation for hybrid system performance assessment.
  • Review and challenge third-party modeling assumptions and vendor performance estimates.
  •  Drive innovation in modeling accuracy and performance forecasting across technologies.
• Analysis:
  • Analyze site-specific conditions to optimize project layout and performance, including system loss analysis and degradation studies.
  • Analyze operational data to compare actual performance against modeled expectations, leading troubleshooting and performance enhancement efforts.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated interest or experience in energy/utilities, economic development, and/or public policy issues 
• Strong quantitative skills (MS Excel) in financial modelling, business case development, etc. Must be able to identify and address data quality gaps and ensure that data is utilized effectively.
• Strong demonstrated written and oral communications and presentation skills utilizing MS PowerPoint and MS Word.
• Ability to 'set up the problem', manage projects against tight timelines, and work well in teams
• Ability to look at the big picture and search for insightful, creative solutions.
• Ability to prioritize among competing needs and opportunities.
• Highly collaborative and team-oriented, capable of building relationships with vendors and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects.
• Effective problem-solving skills with ability to analyze data and provide guidance to project teams.

Strategic Management:

• Experience leading engagements across various business functions including Operations, IT, Finance, Procurement.
• Understanding of strategy, operations, and management across business functions in order to have a broad understanding of risk and compliance management.

Renewables:

• Strong understanding of solar, wind, and storage system components and performance metrics.
• Experience with utility-scale renewable energy projects and interpreting meteorological data for production modeling.
• Thorough knowledge of the utility industry, project siting, and regulatory compliance, including NYS Public Service Law.
• Knowledgeable in transmission line and generation construction, rights of way management, and environmental regulations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications, GIS, and other mapping programs.
   

Education, Experience and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferably in Business/Economics, Engineering, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Policy, or other related/applicable discipline)
• Minimum 6 years of related work experience. 

Strategic Management

• 2 years of experience in management consulting or other similar strategic planning, in a demanding analytic environment preferred.

Physical Requirements

Approximately 10% travel primarily within NY State, some out of state travel.