Lead Engineer, System Planning

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. We provide open and non-discriminatory access to Alberta’s interconnected power grid and also facilitate Alberta’s competitive wholesale electricity market. The AESO strives to foster an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace where people feel respected and welcomed for who they are, together we deliver high performance and innovative results.

The System Planning team is responsible for identifying needed bulk and regional transmission enhancements to ensure the reliability of the power system by performing planning studies and evaluations. We are looking for a Lead Engineer to provide leadership and expertise in performing complex technical studies, navigating the current regulatory framework to make sound planning decisions, optimizing the transmission system capability by applying a risk-based vision, and collaborating with other functional groups within the AESO and external entities to advance strategic AESO initiatives.

You’ll work with relevant Transmission Facility Owners (TFOs) on transmission planning evaluations, cost estimates, Environmental and Land Use Impact (EL&U) assessments and PIPs, interface with Customer Access Studies (CAS) to support project connections, work with Operations Planning to understand operational challenges, and represent the AESO in regulatory proceedings, interjurisdictional technical groups, stakeholder engagements and other industry groups.

Other accountabilities include:

• Design new business practices and provide expert opinion in business process improvement
• Ensure consistent information is provided across regulatory proceedings
• Creatively develop new approach to resolve engineering challenges
• Enhance the analytical capability within System Planning by leading the development of new analytical tools and practices
• Support the evolution of transmission regulation and industry framework
• Provide expert knowledge and understanding of power system behaviours
• Provide risk-based opinions or decisions while considering factors such as engineering analysis, the industry’s legal/regulatory framework, economics (costs/benefits), customers, project management, and public interest
• Provide support and guidance to planning engineers in the System Planning team
• Lead the development of major System Planning projects/initiatives, such as Long-term Transmission Plan, Transmission Planning Standard (TPL) compliance, and the development of relevant ARS/criteria

Signs you will enjoy working on this team:

• You are comfortable with change and innovation and thrive in a dynamic environment
• You have an aptitude for identifying efficiencies and improvements, sharing ideas and enjoy getting others onboard
• You enjoy enabling other employees’ work success, growth, and development
• You can multitask and balance multiple files and projects in flight
• You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals and collaborating with others

Signs you will enjoy this role:

• You find it intuitive to place attention on priorities and value-add items and can recommend re-prioritization solutions
• You enjoy building constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders and partners in technical and business capacities
• You find it fulfilling to ensure consistency on study scopes, including assumptions and forecasting for projects within their region, and gratifying when technical work is carried out competently, with due diligence, and according to internal practices and processes

Education And Experience

• Approximately 12 or more years of engineering experience in the electric utility industry, with a focus on the areas of transmission planning, power systems models and analysis, customer connections, regulatory/compliance, and engineering economics
• Proven experience building and leading effective engineering teams
• Ability to balance different priorities and risks while maintaining focus on achieving business goals
• Thorough understanding of Alberta’s legal regulatory framework, AESO Tariff, Alberta Reliability Standards (ARS), Participant Involvement Program (PIP), and economic concepts and costs
• Capable in managing cross functional initiatives and conflicts
• A deep understanding of power system power flow, transients, dynamic behaviour, stability, off nominal frequency behaviour, sub-synchronous system responses, and protection and control
• University degree in Engineering
• Proven communication skills in articulating and presenting technical concepts and results in a concise and easy to understand manner to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Member of APEGA (P. Eng.)

Application deadline: July 31, 2023

If you are contacted for a pre-screening and/or interview, please advise of any accommodation measures required to enable you to fully participate. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

The Alberta Electric System Operator is unable to accept unsolicited agency resumes.

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