Senior Software Engineer (Python)

The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) applies cutting-edge technology to operating a reliable electricity system, managing competitive markets for wholesale electricity, and planning for the Empire State's energy future. The NYISO's Information Technology department invites applications for a full-time Senior Software Engineer with a focus in Python to join our team.

We are seeking a Senior Software Engineer with advanced Python development skills and a strong background in API integration. The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of power systems modeling, simulation, and analysis, and will play a key role in supporting and enhancing Python-based applications used across engineering workflows. This role requires daily use of AI-augmented programming practices and includes mentoring staff in adopting these tools to improve productivity and innovation.

The Senior Software Engineer performs full stack development, including front end, back end, and database work where appropriate. The position includes the development of automated unit tests in support of new functionality and software changes. The position participates in all phases of the Software Development Lifecycle, assists in the research of new technologies, and collaborates with Project Managers and Business Partners. This individual will participate in a 24x7x365 on-call support rotation for production applications.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design, develop, and support maintenance of Python-based tools for power system simulation, data processing, and visualization.
• Lead the integration of Python APIs from commercial and custom power system analysis tools into internal workflows.
• Develop automated testing, deployment, and monitoring solutions for Python tools.
• Collaborate with appropriate teams to implement and optimize DevOps pipelines to ensure secure and efficient software delivery of python tools.
• Use AI-augmented programming tools (e.g., code generation assistants, intelligent IDEs) as part of daily development work.
• Mentor staff in adopting AI-augmented programming practices for Python.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including developers, system administrators, business owners and project managers to gather requirements and provide technical expertise.
• Support and enhance existing applications by working with vendors to improve their products in the areas of required business functionality and security.
• Ensure compliance with cybersecurity standards and best practices.
• Document code, processes, and system architecture clearly and effectively.
• Apply technical knowledge and experience in order to solve architecture and design problems.
• Drive discussion with Business Analysts and Business Partners to interpret high-level business requirements into detailed application requirements.
• Create software design specifications for functionality as defined in approved requirement specifications. Ensure that designs are consistent with applicable NYISO software development standards, product's architectural blueprints and industry guidelines.
• Evaluate new technology and tools. Incorporate approved technology and tools to enhance the product development process.
• Present technology design and related issues to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Document product architecture plans.
• Design and develop technical testing methods to meet target scalability and performance objectives. Perform any needed tuning of applications that do not meet those requirements.
• Lead projects with assistance from Manager and have high visibility with other staff.
• Mentor and coach Associate Engineers and Engineers.
• Serve as subject matter expert across the organization for the application(s) supported.
• Provide software subject matter expertise and support for all phases of the NYISO software development lifecycle; including requirements, design, development, testing, deployment and post-production support.
• Interact with Project Managers in all phases of project Provide task estimates and work breakdown structures. Provide advice on feasibility and project status.
• Manage resource allocations for Software Engineers on the project team and track their progress.
• Perform software development activities in support of the NYISO mission and business objectives. Create, modify and/or refactor software programs as defined in approved specifications and designs.
• Create automated unit and functional tests to ensure software changes are reasonably free from defects.
• Provide post-production application support as required. Support responsibilities may include consultation, problem identification, data analysis and/or emergency repairs. Resolve customer inquiries and respond to suggestions for improvement and enhancements.
• Requirements for support of mission-critical systems entails 24x7x365 coverage.
• Develop user interfaces for web-based applications, incorporating best practices and NYISO standards for usability and design. Create and review mockups with Business Partners, as necessary.
• Incorporate industry and NYISO best practices for web application security into all software design and development work. Review and address web application security issues identified by secure SDLC tooling.
• Participate in penetration-testing of NYISO-developed applications. Review results with Managers and create mitigation plans for supported applications.
• Collaborate with third-party vendors to support and troubleshoot issues identified in their applications. Update internal documentation as necessary based on product changes. Review impacts to NYISO processes with Manager and Business Partners and support deployment of updated applications.
• Responsible to ensure that project team follows guidelines for source code management, collaborate with Release and Control team during code deployments.
• Take ownership of application code, lead code reviews and suggest changes that will increase performance, security, maintainability or standards compliance.
• Design, create and/or update database tables needed by applications.
• Design, create and/or update SQL and/or PL/SQL statements used by applications.
• Instrument and tune of existing database tables and queries.
• Collaborate with other Software Engineering and IT teams as needed and Project Managers to manage changes to supported applications. Partner with other IT teams to resolve configuration, deployment, or environmental issues.
• Perform data profiling to ensure that application performance targets and database capacity needs will be able to be met in the future.
• Partner with Manager in strategic planning for supported applications. Create and update roadmap documentation including plans for technology upgrades and usability enhancements.
• Participate in continuous learning to improve technical skills as required.
• Collaborate with QA and Business owners on test case development and test result reviews.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree (BS), Computer Science or Information Systems required.
• Seven years performing software development in a multi-dimensional team setting
• Energy/Utility industry experience desired
• Experience with cloud development platforms (AWS, Docker, Kubernetes) desired
• At least three years of experience working with DevOps and Python-based solutions
• Advanced proficiency in Python, including experience with scientific and data libraries (e.g., NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib) and object-oriented concepts.
• Strong experience in integrating and managing APIs across diverse platforms and tools.
• Strong interest in learning about power system simulation methodologies such as load flow analysis, contingency analysis, and production cost modeling.
• Experience using AI-augmented development environments and tools.
• Familiarity with DevOps principles and tools, including CI/CD pipelines and version control systems (e.g., Git).
• Understanding of security best practices and compliance frameworks.
• Understanding of cloud computing concepts, designs, and services.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Willingness to participate in a 24x7x365 on-call support rotation
• MATLAB experience preferred.
• Experience with Kotlin or Java 18 or higher preferred

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• SANS Security Awareness training or equivalent desired
• GIAC Secure Software Programmer - Java certification desired

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to read, analyze and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports and legal documents. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from market participants, regulatory agencies or members of the business community. Ability to write clear technical documentation that conforms to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to a wide range of intellectual and practical problems. Ability to deal with nonverbal symbolism (formulas, scientific equations, graphs, etc.) in its most difficult phases. Ability to deal with a variety of abstract and concrete variables.
• Intermediate competency in Windows operating environment using MS365 applications.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to perform routine office tasks. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Contact with staff and public will occur. Travel may be required to attend and/or conduct meetings, conferences and training. This position may require work on nights, weekends or holidays.

At the NYISO, we realize the importance of balancing the availability of remote work with the inherent value of bringing people together to attain success in the areas of maximum collaboration, relationship building and growth, teamwork, innovation and problem solving, as well as professional development and mentoring. In this role, you will be required to work onsite from our Rensselaer, NY location several days per workweek, with the option to work remotely on the remaining days. You will also be expected to respond to all business needs that may require any increase to the regular onsite requirements.

The NYISO takes pride in recruiting, developing and retaining highly talented individuals. In addition to competitive salaries, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and innovative reward programs.

All offers of employment will be made contingent upon the successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

The NYISO is an Equal Opportunity Employer and as such, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices.

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