Student Internship - Probabilistic Operation Planning Studies

ISO New England Inc.; Holyoke (MA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

ISO New England Inc. invites PhD interns to join the Advanced Technology Solutions team to work on probabilistic operation planning studies for the electric grid.

You’ll model generation scheduling under renewable and demand uncertainty using optimization, probability, statistics, and power system modeling, gaining hands-on industrial experience.

This internship emphasizes developing proofs of concept and software prototypes to support future-ready decision tools in a dynamic energy landscape.

Qualifications

• Graduate student with PhD (preferred) in electrical engineering or power system engineering.
• Strong foundation in power system analysis, optimization, probability, and statistics.
• Proficiency with Python, Gurobi, and PowerWorld.

Responsibilities

• Model and solve optimal generation scheduling problems under high renewable and load uncertainty.
• Develop strategies to reduce computational bottlenecks and improve solution speed.
• Collaborate with ATS team and power-system operators to translate research into practice.

Skills

Power system analysis

Optimization techniques

Probability

Statistics

Education

PhD in Electrical Engineering / Power System Engineering

Tools

Python

Gurobi

PowerWorld

Job description

Internship Title – Probabilistic Operation Planning Studies

Department – Advanced Technology Solutions

Minimum Education level: PhD

Preferred Majors: Power System Engineering

Help solve one of the toughest challenges in a changing electric grid. Join ISO New England for a hands‑on PhD internship where you’ll use optimization, probability, statistics, and power system modeling to improve how operators plan for uncertainty from renewable energy and changing electricity demand.

Who We Are

ISO New England is one of the most pivotal energy companies you’ve probably never heard of. Our job is to oversee the 24/7 operation of the power grid that covers the six-states of New England and to administer the region’s $10+ billion “stock exchange” for buying and selling of wholesale electricity. Our work ensures that over 14 million people can reliably turn their lights on and complete their jobs, take care of their families, and live in comfort with convenience.

Department Description

The Advanced Technology Solutions (ATS) department engages in both long‑term research projects and near‑term design/process improvements. The department consists of experts in three topic areas: power systems, simulations, and markets. In all projects, the goal of the department is to provide innovative and practical solutions to current and emerging questions for ISO New England.

What You’ll be Working On

You’ll model and solve optimal generation scheduling problems under high renewable and load uncertainty. Because traditional optimization methods can face major computational bottlenecks, you’ll develop innovative strategies that help meet strict operational performance requirements in a real‑world grid environment.

Working alongside subject matter experts and power system operators, you’ll gain hands‑on experience in an industrial setting while learning how advanced analytics, optimization, and probabilistic methods support practical power system operations.

How You’ll Make an Impact

Your work will help ISO New England explore new approaches for solving optimization problems that involve probabilistic operating scenarios. By creating proofs of concept and software prototypes, you’ll contribute to future‑ready tools that can support faster, more reliable operating decisions as the grid integrates more renewable resources and faces increasingly complex uncertainty.

What We Look for in a Candidate

• Currently pursuing a graduate degree, with PhD candidates preferred, in electrical engineering, power system engineering, or a related field.
• Strong foundation in power system analysis, optimization techniques, probability, and statistics.
• Proficiency with Python, Gurobi optimization solver, and PowerWorld simulation software.
• Curiosity, strong problem‑solving skills, and interest in applying advanced analytics to real‑world grid operations.

This employer will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position (ex: H-1B, F-1/CPT/OPT, O-1, E-3, TN, J, etc.).

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