Principal Engineer, Generator Modeling

AES•Salt Lake City, UT

3d•$145,000 - $181,050•Remote

About The Position

The AES Clean Energy team is seeking a Principal Generator Modeling Engineer to oversee generator models throughout the project lifecycle for its growing renewable portfolio, from interconnection studies through construction and operations. The role combines technical engineering expertise with leadership of engineers working in renewable energy. The engineer will ensure models are appropriate for interconnection and as-built submissions, meet applicable technical requirements, and are developed efficiently in coordination with internal teams and external consultants.

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 developing and reviewing models or 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.
Proficiency in reading substation and power plant controller (PPC) control schematics and understanding inverter and 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 values: Safety First, Highest Standards, and All Together.

Nice To Haves

Experience modeling renewable generators.
Generator modeling experience.

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 through model builds, verifications, data gathering, and analysis, ensuring models align with 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.
Oversee models involving substation schematics, inverter and turbine settings, power plant controller behavior, and generator properties.
Track and implement generator model upgrades according to 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 modeling-process efficiencies from interconnection requests through as-built models.