Principal Engineer, Generator Modeling

AES US•Louisville, CO

1d•Remote

About The Position

The AES Clean Energy team is seeking a Principal Generator Modeling Engineer to oversee generator models across the project lifecycle for its renewable portfolio, from interconnection studies through construction and operations. The role combines technical engineering expertise with leadership of engineers working in renewable energy. The position oversees development, review, validation, submission, and ongoing upgrades of generator models to meet the expectations and requirements of transmission planners, planning coordinators, ISOs, and NERC. It also guides engineers, coordinates internal and external resources and consultants, and improves modeling workflows.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering.
8–10+ years of experience with modeling software (PSSE and/or PSLF).
At least 1 year of experience with electromagnetic transient (EMT) models in PSCAD.
Demonstrated leadership and project management experience.
Experience training and overseeing engineers who develop and review models or studies.
Experience with interconnection packages.
Experience with Aspen for short-circuit studies.
Understanding of MOD standards and PRC-029.
Ability to read substation and power plant controller (PPC) control schematics and understand inverter/turbine settings.
Strong communication skills and ability to lead technical discussions among HV EPCs, power utilities, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
Ability to review complex analysis and develop formal documentation, technical reports, and presentations.
Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize projects and tasks.
Ability to work remotely and independently, away from an office environment or direct supervision, for extended periods.
Personal values consistent with AES’s Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together values.

Nice To Haves

Generator modeling experience.
At least 8 years of generator modeling experience; renewable generator modeling experience is a plus.
Extensive experience modeling generation in PSSE and PSLF.
Experience modeling generation plants in PSCAD.
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.
Understanding of renewable generation modeling and the data inputs needed to create acceptable models.
Ability to gather extensive information from multiple sources for model builds.
In-depth understanding of detailed and equivalent modeling, including identifying unreasonable model values.
Competence directing outside consultants and monitoring their progress.
Ability to initiate projects, work self-directed, originate ideas, and present methods for achieving goals.
Ability to solve complex problems across multiple areas, collaborate across departments and organizations, work independently, exercise judgment, and manage competing priorities and deadlines.
Excellent understanding of inverter-based technology operations and inverter settings.

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 on plant models using PSLF, PSSE, PSCAD, and 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 generator model builds meet Transmission Planner and Planning Coordinator expectations.
Ensure models meet ride-through and reactive power requirements and use reasonable parameters.
Supervise engineers gathering model-build data from manufacturers, contractors, and external consultants.
Supervise engineers’ modeling of substation schematics, inverter/turbine settings, power plant controller behavior, and generator properties.
Track and implement generator model upgrades in accordance with ISO and NERC requirements.
Coordinate responses to Transmission Planner and Planning Coordinator modeling requests and concerns.
Oversee model validation field tests for MOD-026-2 verifications.
Guide projects under development toward compliance with MOD-032, MOD-026-2, and PRC-029 requirements.
Train engineers on model development and verifications.
Identify and implement efficiencies in the modeling process from interconnection requests to as-built models.