Role SummaryResponsible for end-to-end power system studies, protection engineering, grid code compliance, quantitative reliability (RAM) modeling, and closed-loop validation for utility-grade and hyperscale microgrid projects. This role ensures microgrid solutions are safe, selective, stable, compliant, and demonstrably robust prior to field deployment by combining RMS/EMT studies, protection coordination, availability analysis, and SIL/HIL validation across grid-connected and islanded operating modes.
Core Scope
- RMS and EMT power system studies for microgrids and inverter-dominated systems
- Utility interconnection / grid code compliance assessment and formal reporting
- Protection modeling, short-circuit analysis, and coordination for grid-connected and islanded operation
- Quantitative Reliability, Availability & Maintainability (RAM) modeling to support architecture trade-offs and contractual SLAs
- System-level validation using SIL/HIL (e.g., RTDS) including abnormal event and fault response verification
Key ResponsibilitiesPower System Studies & Grid Code Compliance- Perform RMS and EMT-level studies using PSCAD, PSS®E, and/or DIgSILENT PowerFactory (load flow, short-circuit, transient stability, frequency response, voltage performance)
- Evaluate inverter-dominated dynamics including weak-grid operation, SCR sensitivity, control interactions, and fault recovery behavior
- Assess islanding, black-start, resynchronization, and large load-step response for microgrid operational readiness
- Develop/validate detailed models for PCS, BESS, plant controllers, and microgrid controls; manage model assumptions and versioning
- Ensure compliance with IEEE 1547 and utility/region-specific interconnection requirements; respond to technical clarifications from utilities and EPCs
- Prepare formal study packages and compliance reports; present results and mitigations to customers, utilities, and internal design reviews
Protection Engineering & Fault Studies- Perform symmetrical and asymmetrical fault studies for grid-connected and islanded conditions
- Execute protection coordination studies and validate relay settings, zones, and clearing times (e.g., ETAP, CYME, MATLAB)
- Assess inverter fault current contribution, relay sensitivity, and protection performance in inverter-based resource environments
- Support adaptive and inverter-based protection scheme evaluations; ensure protection-control coordination with control/firmware teams
- Document coordination curves, assumptions, study conclusions, and recommended mitigation measures
- Support FAT, SAT, commissioning, and utility witness testing for protection and interconnection performance
Reliability (RAM) Modeling & Architecture Trade-offs- Develop quantitative reliability/availability models for BESS, PCS, controls, and balance-of-plant using ReliaSoft or equivalent RAM tools
- Analyze failure modes, redundancy schemes, repair/recovery strategies, and single-point-of-failure risks
- Run Monte Carlo simulations and sensitivity analyses to quantify availability drivers and optimize redundancy vs. cost
- Provide quantitative inputs for architecture decisions and support contractual availability/performance guarantees
- Document modeling assumptions, data sources, results, and actionable recommendations for design and operations
System Validation (SIL/HIL) & Pre-Deployment Verification- Develop SIL and HIL test environments integrating EMS, real-time control, and unit controllers
- Execute closed-loop validation using RTDS (or equivalent) with physical control hardware and representative plant models
- Validate grid-connected, islanded, transition, black-start, and fault response behavior against requirements and acceptance criteria
- Simulate communication failures, asset outages, and abnormal grid events to verify resilience and safe fallback behavior
- Support troubleshooting, tuning, and performance optimization in collaboration with control, firmware, and commissioning teams
- Create and maintain test procedures, test reports, defect tracking, and corrective action closure evidence
Typical Deliverables
- RMS/EMT study reports: load flow, short-circuit, transient stability, frequency/voltage performance, islanding/black-start analyses
- Grid code / interconnection compliance packages and utility response documentation
- Protection coordination files: one-lines, settings, coordination curves, protection narratives, and witness-test evidence
- RAM model files, assumptions, sensitivity results, and SLA/availability justification
- SIL/HIL test plans, test cases, scripts/configurations, execution reports, and traceable verification evidence
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Systems, Systems Engineering, or related field
- 3-7+ years of experience in power system studies, protection engineering, validation, and/or reliability modeling (level commensurate with experience)
- Hands-on experience with at least two of: PSCAD, PSS®E, DIgSILENT PowerFactory (RMS/EMT modeling and study execution)
- Experience with protection study tools such as ETAP and/or CYME; understanding of protection coordination methods
- Familiarity with inverter-based resources, microgrid control interactions, and utility interconnection requirements
- Experience with HIL/real-time simulation (e.g., RTDS) or equivalent closed-loop validation methods
- Strong analytical, documentation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Professional working proficiency in English; additional languages are a plus
- Ability to travel up to ~15%, including international travel as needed
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to present technical findings to utilities and customers
- Ability to work with cross-functional and cross-region teams
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with ReliaSoft (or equivalent) for RAM modeling and Monte Carlo availability analysis
- Exposure to utility/hyperscale microgrid projects, including black-start, resynchronization, and islanded operation
- Experience supporting FAT/SAT/commissioning and utility witness tests
- Knowledge of IEEE 1547 and common utility grid-code frameworks; ability to translate requirements into study/test acceptance criteria
- Scripting/automation skills (e.g., Python/MATLAB) for study post-processing and test/report automation
Benefit at Delta Electronics AmericasLife at Delta
