Research Scientist 2

State of New Jersey; New Jersey; On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of New Jersey, through the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, Division of Engineering, seeks a Research Scientist 2 to advance administration and technical evaluation of supplemental electric transmission projects under the Advanced Grid Technologies Act. The role involves PJM Attachment M-3 reviews, engineering analyses, and maintaining compliance with statutory requirements.

The ideal candidate will understand PJM Attachment M-3 processes, transmission design criteria, and system

Qualifications

• Master's degree in an engineering discipline appropriate to the position.
• Experience evaluating transmission design criteria and NERC TPL standards.
• Excellent analytical writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Support administration of the Board’s review process for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for supplemental transmission projects.
• Review and evaluate PJM Attachment M-3 submissions, including planning drivers and alternatives analyses.
• Research and assess compliance with transmission design criteria, NERC standards, and PJM criteria.
• Analyze transmission technology options (dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors, power flow controllers, topology optimization).
• Evaluate expected system performance impacts such as congestion reduction, transfer capability, line losses, reliability improvements.
• Prepare technical memoranda, engineering evaluations, and regulatory analyses for Board consideration.

Skills

Transmission planning

Regulatory analysis

Engineering communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Electrical/Power Systems

Job description

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU), Division of Engineering, seeks a Research Scientist 2 to support administration

and technical evaluation of supplemental electric transmission projects under the Advanced Grid Technologies Act. The Board

is establishing a formal review process for certificates of public convenience and necessity for these projects, and this position

will assist in administering that process, performing engineering and regulatory analysis, evaluating PJM Attachment M-3

project filings, and ensuring compliance with statutory and technical requirements. The ideal candidate will have a strong

understanding of PJM’s Attachment M-3 process, electric transmission design criteria, and transmission system performance

evaluation.

WORK RESPONSIBILITIES

Support administration of the Board’s review process for Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity for supplemental

transmission projects, including coordination of filings, documentation management, and compliance with statutory

timelines. Review and evaluate supplemental transmission projects submitted through PJM’s Attachment M-3 process,

including assessment of planning drivers, alternatives analyses, stakeholder feedback, and PJM documentation. Research and

assess compliance with applicable transmission design criteria, NERC reliability standards, PJM transmission owner planning

criteria, and BPU-established grid performance benchmarks. Research and evaluate feasibility and cost-effectiveness of

advanced transmission technologies, including dynamic line ratings, advanced conductors, power flow controllers, and

topology optimization. Analyze expected transmission system performance impacts such as congestion reduction, transfer

capability, line losses, curtailment reduction, and reliability/resilience improvements. Review utilities’ cost-effectiveness

analyses and conduct independent engineering and economic assessments as needed. Prepare technical memoranda,

engineering evaluations, regulatory analyses, and recommendations for Board consideration for both standard and expedited

review pathways. Coordinate with the New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, PJM Independent Market Monitor, utilities, and

external stakeholders throughout the review process. Support public participation procedures, including management of

public-access materials and proper handling of confidential information. Review and interpret PJM Attachment M-3 records

to ensure alignment between regional planning outcomes and State-level evaluation criteria. Assist in ongoing refinement of

internal procedures, documentation templates, technical criteria, and evaluation methodologies.

REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's degree in a discipline appropriate to the

position. A degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or a related scientific/technical field preferred.

EXPERIENCE: Three (3) years of full-time experience in a field appropriate to the position.

NOTE: A Doctorate in a discipline appropriate to the position may be substituted for two (2) years of experience indicated

above.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Demonstrated experience evaluating transmission design criteria, NERC TPL reliability

standards, and transmission system performance. Ability to analyze complex engineering proposals and identify

opportunities for cost-effective deployment of advanced transmission technologies. Excellent analytical writing,

communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

3–5 years of experience in electric transmission planning, PJM Attachment M3 project

evaluation, transmission engineering, or utility regulatory review. Strong understanding of PJM regional transmission

planning processes, including needs assessments, solution development, project drivers, and alternatives analysis. Experience

with advanced or grid-enhancing transmission technologies. Familiarity with utility rate structures, formula transmission rates,

and regulatory or financial incentive mechanisms. Prior experience with a public utility commission, RTO/ISO, transmission

owner, or engineering/consulting firm.