Senior Expert, Advanced Grid Operations (On Call/Hourly)

ICF • Portland, OR

62d • $108,476 - $184,409 • Remote

About The Position

ICF is seeking to hire an expert in operational technology solutions for DER integration and the execution of planning, maintenance, and operating strategies to dispatch multi-technology DER portfolios for utility grid services. The power sector is in an exciting period of innovation and change. Electrification and distributed energy resources create new challenges and opportunities for the electric grid. Traditional approaches to grid planning and operation will not be enough to cost-effectively sustain reliability, affordability, and speed to power in an increasingly dynamic environment, and a modernized grid will necessitate a robust integration of DER technologies into utility planning and operating practices. What would you do? You will deliver innovative, best-in-class consulting services in the power sector with a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach that integrates strategic and technical advisory services to our clients. In your role, you will provide subject matter expertise and advice on: Distributed energy resource (DER) integration, orchestration, and utilization to enable the provision of distribution grid services through DER aggregation and virtual power plant (VPP) solutions. Translating grid service requirements into DER/VPP performance specifications and IT/OT workflows, especially for DERMS, ADMS, AMI, and edge devices. VPP system architecture, functional requirements, and application of industry standards for DER interoperability and the integration of aggregator solutions. Visibility of DER and the application of communications and controls to reliably interface with DERs for distribution grid services. Developing VPP operating models and operational procedures to effectively manage VPP resources in a manner that delivers dependable performance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in the electric power industry.
• 3+ years of experience working with distribution management systems, including communication and control practices for DER visibility and integration.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing operating plans to secure dependable grid services from DER portfolios.
• Demonstrated success working across and achieving buy-in from executive leadership and functional areas within a utility.
• Strong project management skillset, managing and forecasting project budgets and timelines, specific identification of critical path items, well-organized and clear documentation including meeting agendas, meeting minutes, action registers, risk registers, and aligning teams to drive toward decisions.
• Strong verbal and written communications skills, balancing active listening and distilling feedback into clear and concise reporting.
• Comfortable leading group meetings.

Nice To Haves

• 12+ years of experience in the electric power industry.
• Working knowledge of grid edge technologies, such as field monitoring devices, edge computing, analytical tools and power control devices.
• Experience with DER technologies, such as smart inverters, battery energy storage, V2X vehicle charging, or microgrids.
• Familiarity with related standards and applications, such as IEEE 2030.5, UL 1741, and IEEE 1547.
• Experienced with key issues and trends related to utility grid planning, operations, and grid modernization strategy development.
• Basic knowledge of cybersecurity practices.

Responsibilities

• Develop VPP and DERMS technical approaches, architectures, functional requirements, and use-case frameworks.
• Provide advisory services and develop utility operating capabilities to deliver the stacked value potential of aggregate DER participating in grid services.
• Enhance ICF’s technical capabilities relevant to advancing the interoperability of grid edge devices and DERs and their integration to utility operational systems such as ADMS/DERMS.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Mid Level