Intern - Operational Performance, Training & Integration
ISO New England oversees the 24/7 operation of the power grid that covers the six-states of New England and administers the region’s $10+ billion “stock exchange” for the buying and selling of wholesale electricity. The power system is constantly evolving as new technologies emerge and energy policies evolve. There is a lot going on at our organization behind the scenes to make sure the grid continuously yields reliable electricity at competitive prices while addressing the unique challenges that come along with our industry.
Intern – Operational Performance, Training & Integration
Minimum Education level: Rising Junior
Preferred Majors: Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Operations Research
Department Description:
The Operations Performance, Training & Integration (OPTI) group performs several critical functions in support of the ISO System Operations department's role of reliably and efficiently operating the New England Bulk Electric System. Design and development of system operator tools - OPTI actively collaborates with internal and external parties to develop new and modified applications used by ISO system operations staff in real-time operation of the New England Bulk Electric System. This includes working with the end users and downstream customers to develop business requirements, interfacing with developers to ensure adherence to business requirements and performance of business owner testing. When an exigent need for an application or display arises, OPTI develops quick turnaround solutions, bridging the gap to a permanent solution. Procedure Development - OPTI maintains the suite of operating procedures used by ISO New England System Operators to manage the Bulk Electric System. OPTI staff works with end users and subject matter experts to reflect rule changes, application enhancements and topology through the creation and revision of procedures. Operator Training - OPTI is responsible for the development and implementation of ISO System Operator and System Operations support staff training. OPTI develops instructional material for classroom and computer based training. OPTI employs a fully functional transmission and market based simulator used to provide hands on training to System Operators. Operations Analysis - OPTI provides analysis of system, system resource, system operator tool and system operator performance during normal and emergency conditions. Results of these analyses are employed internally to drive improvements in procedures, System Operator tools, displays and human performance. Resource Integration - OPTI provides input and analysis toward integrating alternative energy resources such as wind, solar, batteries and fuel cells into the ISO New England Energy Management System.
Job Description:
This position is intended for an undergraduate with problem solving skills, a familiarity with application development, and an understanding of statistical analysis. Computer applications are built using the Microsoft Office Suite (primarily Excel and VBA) for the purpose of gathering and redistribution of information or analysis. Each application is developed and deployed with a short turnaround time, from conception to production. You will be responsible for working with the end users to determine their needs, delivering products that meet their needs, and providing training to the users on how the applications are to be used.
Responsibilities:
- Numerical analysis of a varying degree of power system data;
- Simple application development, primarily using Excel, Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), MS Access, and MS Word;
- Maintenance of existing applications using the same platforms;
- Writing user manuals and developer documentation for existing applications.
Requirements:
- Information analysis capability;
- Programming ability, prefer familiarity with VBA;
- A conceptual knowledge of databases and SQL;
- An understanding of data structures and methods for the transfer of data between applications;
- An understanding of basic statistical analysis concepts;
- Communication skills for developing requirements;
- Creative problem solving skills to quickly find solutions for the end users;
- Basic understanding of engineering concepts related to the electric power industry.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work out of Windsor, Connecticut
- Interest in small data analysis / programming
To be eligible for the internship candidate must have completed at least the first year of college and be currently enrolled in a four year or graduate-level academic program. Candidates must have the authority to work in the US on a permanent basis, without requiring sponsorship.
Equal Opportunity
We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer. Applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, creed, color, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, age, disability, status as a veteran, Vietnam Era Veteran, or being a member of the Reserves or National Guard.
Drug Free Environment
We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
Social Networking Notice ISO New England reserves the right to review the candidate's postings on any social networking site accessible in the public domain as part of the candidate assessment process.