Chemonics seeks a short-term modeling engineer for the USAID Sri Lanka Energy Program in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Energy Program is working with government, donor, financial, private sector, and civil society stakeholders to improve the cost-reflectivity of electricity tariffs; accelerate renewable energy deployment; encourage adoption of energy efficiency standards and improve demand-side management; strengthen the grid to accommodate increased renewable energy; and catalyze investments in the energy sector. The modeling engineer will support the Ceylon Electric Board (CEB) to build upon the findings of the 2023 National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) analysis to enhance the operational efficiency reliability, and resilience of the electricity system in Sri Lanka while supporting the effective management of renewable energy resources. This short-term consultancy will be based on Colombo, Sri Lanka, with some remote tasks. We are looking for individuals who have a passion for making a difference in the lives of people around the world.

Responsibilities include:

• Evaluate the EMS network application (onsite). Analyze the accuracy and reliability of the current state estimation processes to ensure optimal performance of the EMS network. Conduct real-time contingency analysis and short circuit analysis; review the implementation of alarm systems, TAGs, and event applications to ensure timely alerts for system anomalies. Assess the trend analysis features to monitor historical data and identify patterns that may impact system performance
• Review the SCADA system’s integration and functionality to ensure it meets operational requirements. Analyze the alarm management process to improve response times and accuracy of alerts. Assess the generation modeling to ensure it accurately reflects real-world conditions and operational efficiencies. Evaluate the network model for accuracy and responsiveness, ensuring it meets current and future operational needs
• Improve Modeling Quality, with focus on enhancing the quality of the existing models through validation and verification processes, ensuring they accurately represent the system’s dynamics
• Reviewing Contingency Definition. Analyze the outage scheduling processes to enhance planning and minimize disruption. Evaluate and improve the security protocols related to contingency management, ensuring system integrity during outages
• Identify Meter/Measurement Location by DTS Simulation. Utilize DTS simulation to identify optimal locations for meters and measurement devices, enhancing data accuracy and operational efficiency
• Compile EMS with a New Model. Integrate the EMS with an updated model, ensuring compatibility and enhanced functionality for improved performance
• DTS Set Up (onsite). Set up systems for recording historical data to support analysis and decision-making. Implement playback features for historical data, allowing for detailed analysis and review of past operational performance
• Conduct training on the following: E-Terrasource tutorial, CEB naming convention, FGBuilder stations display creation tutorial, ICCP and limit updates process, compare two model savecases for differences, translation table procedure, SCADA calculations for total generation, autogen procedure, model patches, contingency update process and next day study process

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field required
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field required
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant work experience
• At least 10 years of professional experience leading SCADA modeling, network application, and testing portfolios in compliance with approved RTU and ICCP protocols
• Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the utility industry, with a proven track record of successfully delivering production-level EMS/SCADA/DTS and/or ISO Market implementation projects in large control centers, completed on schedule and within budget
• Experience in EMS modeling for:
  • Dispatcher Training Simulator (DTS)
  • Generation Prime Mover
  • Relay & Protection modeling
  • SCADA calculations for total generation
  • ICCP and system operating limit updates
  • WebFG display for substations
  • SCADA/NETMOM/GEN model building
• Proven experience in leading EMS/SCADA/DTS and market implementation portfolio projects, driving the implementation from incubation through factory acceptance testing (FAT), site acceptance testing (SAT), to go-live
• Excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to effectively resolve problems while collaborating with project management, business owners, stakeholders, software vendor representatives, and project audit/compliance/certification teams
• Proficient in managing large modeling changes and big data analysis using automated VB+, Perl/Python, and PL/SQL scripts, interfacing with major EMS vendors such as GE, ABB, OSI, Siemens, and AVEVA PI/OSIsoft