Chemonics seeks a short-term network applications 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 network applications 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:

• Ensure that state estimation (SE) and real-time contingency analysis (RTCA) achieve a solution quality of 99%, identifying areas for improvement in data accuracy and algorithm efficiency
• Assess and optimize the automatic generation control processes to enhance system responsiveness and stability. Evaluate unit commitment strategies to ensure efficient operation and scheduling of generation units
• Collect and analyze generation data from the RTGEN system to ensure accuracy and reliability in operational decision-making
• Review economic dispatch methodologies to optimize generation resource allocation based on cost-effectiveness. Analyze production costing models to ensure comprehensive understanding and accurate forecasting of operational expenses
• Monitor and evaluate reactive reserve levels to maintain system stability and reliability. Assess the integration and communication with external unit scheduling systems for improved coordination
• Analyze load shedding protocols to ensure effective management of system overloads. Evaluate the reliability monitoring systems to identify potential weaknesses and enhance overall system reliability. Review procedures for managing capacity and energy emergencies to improve response strategies
• Enhance demand forecasting processes to better predict customer needs and optimize resource allocation. Improve forecasting methods for variable renewable energy (VRE) generation to accommodate fluctuations in supply. Evaluate the weather monitoring systems to ensure accurate and timely data collection for forecasting. Develop robust load forecasting and planning methodologies to optimize operational efficiency. Create processes or systems for the renewable energy desk to streamline procurement activities
• Implement a structured schedule for changing set points in RTGEN to enhance operational flexibility and responsiveness
• Conduct trainings on: DTS model overview; introduction to DTA replay; DTS prime mover model; DTA relay model; DTA specific mapping; introducution to PSLF and PSLF power flow; introduction to solve and tune STNET powerflow; introduction to real time dynamic rating; RTNET RTCA, and STNET for problem solving; volage stability; and phase shifter and unscheduled flow mitigation

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 Power Flow (DLF)
  • State Estimator (SE)
  • Real-Time Contingency Analysis (RTCA)
  • Automatic Generation Control (AGC)
  • Security Constrained Economic Dispatch (SCED)
  • Unit Commitment (SCUC)
  • Dispatcher Training System (DTS) / Operator Training System (OTS)
• 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