Industry Collaboration

The Power Systems Engineering Center (PSEC) at NJIT actively partners with industry to advance innovation, workforce development, and technology deployment in modern power and energy systems. We welcome collaboration with electric utilities, technology providers, system operators, manufacturers, and energy developers.

Through flexible partnership models, PSEC enables industry stakeholders to engage in research, education, and training activities that align with real-world needs and emerging grid challenges.

Collaboration Opportunities

1. Collaborative Research and Sponsored Projects

Industry partners can collaborate with PSEC faculty on:

Sponsored research projects
Joint technology development and validation
Access to specialized laboratories and testing platforms
Proposal development for state and federal funding opportunities

These partnerships enable companies to leverage NJIT’s expertise and infrastructure to accelerate innovation.

2. Collaborative (Industry-Based) PhD Program

PSEC offers pathways for industry professionals to pursue a PhD in collaboration with their employer.

Joint supervision by NJIT faculty and industry mentors
Research aligned with company priorities
Flexible arrangements for working professionals
GRE requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis

This model strengthens long-term collaboration and supports advanced workforce development. [Further information on Collaborative PhD Program]

3. Joint Student Capstone Projects

Industry partners can propose one semester - long (or two semesters - long) technical projects for graduate students, including those enrolled in power and energy–related programs.

NJIT supports students with funding (e.g., ~$4,000 per project)
Industry partners may provide optional matching contributions
Projects focus on real-world engineering challenges relevant to industry needs

These collaborations serve as a pipeline for talent recruitment and technology exploration.

4. Workforce Training and Continuing Education

PSEC provides a platform for industry-led training programs delivered through NJIT, enhancing both visibility and credibility.

Custom training programs aligned with industry needs
Option to offer training as credit-bearing courses or non-credit professional development
Flexible formats, including short courses, bootcamps, and intensive modules

Typical structures include:

~13 hours → 1 academic credit
~26 hours → 2 academic credits
~39 hours → 3 academic credits

All training programs are reviewed by an academic committee to ensure quality and alignment with NJIT standards.

5. Teaching and Academic Engagement

Industry subject matter experts are invited to contribute to NJIT’s academic programs through:

Adjunct Professor appointments (teaching semester-long courses)
Guest lectures (e.g., 2.5-hour specialized sessions)
Contributions to graduate programs in power systems, renewable energy, and grid technologies

This engagement provides industry professionals with visibility, talent access, and opportunities to shape future workforce training. [Further information on adjunct professor]

6. Micro-Credentials and Stackable Learning

PSEC supports the development of micro-credentials—short, focused training modules designed for working professionals.

Duration may range from a few hours to several weeks
Stackable toward academic credits
Can contribute to graduate certificates, master’s degrees, or other academic pathways

This flexible learning model enables continuous upskilling in rapidly evolving areas such as smart grids, offshore wind, and grid-enhancing technologies.

Partnership Approach

PSEC adopts a flexible and collaborative approach to industry engagement. We welcome new ideas and customized partnership models that align with organizational goals and emerging needs in the power and energy sector.

Contact

For collaboration inquiries, please contact:

Prof. Philip Pong
Director, Power Systems Engineering Center (PSEC)
New Jersey Institute of Technology
📧 philip.pong@njit.edu

Industry Collaboration