Principal Engineer, Modelling
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.
Job Description
If you are a current AESO employee or contractor, please view openings and apply through our internal site at Workday.
The Principal Engineer in Modelling is a senior-level role responsible for offering technical leadership, executing AESO's strategy, improving the organization's technical capacities through engineering talent development and mentorship, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to advance our business with a strong emphasis on both technical expertise and strategic direction.
In this position, the Principal Engineer, Modelling is accountable for the overall leadership and technical accountability of the modelling practice. This includes providing technical oversight and depth on various products and processes to ensure there is accuracy, consistency and functionality of the models used at the AESO. This role is critical in shaping our technical direction in the power system modelling space to ensure we remain at the forefront of industry advancements. This position will work closely with the Chief Engineer, other Principal Engineers, people leaders as well as internal and external stakeholders as required on all matters related to power system modelling.
This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary, and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health and dental benefits, mental health support, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package. We support a hybrid work environment, where the team is in the office on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Mondays and Fridays are flexible for where you work best.
You will enjoy working with us if:
You value flexibility to support life and personal needs. We offer a flexible work practice where some weeks may require more onsite presence during key business or operations events.
You thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to embark on transformative industry change.
You enjoy working in a team of bright professionals and participating in lively debates.
You appreciate working and learning in a diverse atmosphere - our team and colleagues have varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
You embrace change and pivot and adapt with ease.
Signs you will thrive in this role:
You have aptitude for raising the education and competency of others and are skilled in instructing processes and technical concepts.
You enjoy shaping and empowering the next generation of technical talent. The Principal Engineer plays a key mentorship role to professional engineers and staff at all levels.
Strong ability to collaborate with peers and management team to provide technical leadership.
Comfortable working in a matrix environment and influencing with or without direct authority across the organization.
Guides resolution of conflict in complex situations and navigates ambiguous situations for high quality outcomes.
Accountabilities include but are not limited to:
Provide strategic leadership and approach towards modelling to other modelling engineers within the AESO as well within the power industry. Will be recognized as a modelling subject matter expert both internally and externally.
Accountable for the technical and performance oversight on power system modeling practice, including power flow models, short circuit model, dynamic models, Electromagnetic Transient (EMT) models, and Emergency Management System (EMS) models.
Accountable for overseeing new approaches, methods or policies in modelling.
Accountable for the overall end to end power system modeling process in the AESO.
Provide guidance on new modeling technologies and study tools.
Oversee and coordinate the study and analysis of power system, including power flow study, dynamic study, short circuit study, and EMT studies and advise the recommendation.
Ensure consistency and accuracy of all modelling databases, such as PSSE, EMS, Aurora, etc.
Actively participates in interjurisdictional technical groups and disseminates best practices and technical solutions to the AESO.
Be the standard owner of the modelling related Alberta Reliability standards and ISO Rules.
What you'll bring to us:
B.Sc. or higher degree in Electrical Engineering.
Professional Designation in Engineering (P. Eng) and active membership with APEGA required.
Fifteen years or more years of engineering experience in the electric utility industry, with a focus on power system models and analysis. Additional experience in transmission planning, power system operations and regulatory/compliance will be an asset.
Comprehensive understanding of electricity sector regulatory framework in Alberta, AESO Tariff, reliability standards, transmission facilities, and economic concepts.
Proficient in power system study tool, especially PSSE and PSCAD with proven hands-on experience in steady state, dynamic and electromagnetic transient studies for planning and operations purposes.
Experience in developing and validating power system models for both Electromagnetic Transient and Phasor domain simulations.
Participation and influence in power system modelling-related technical working groups is an asset.
Application deadline: April 15, 2025
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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.
The Alberta Electric System Operator, and its members, officers, employees and agents (collectively, the "AESO") is committed to protecting personal information provided to it. When you submit your personal information to the AESO for the purpose of pursuing employment with the AESO, the collection, use and disclosure of personal information is in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP Act) of Alberta.
As noted, the AESO is mandated to maintain the safe and reliable operations of the provincial power grid. As part of meeting its obligations, the AESO may require the successful candidate to undergo a criminal background check for the position. This collection of personal information for the purposes of a check will be conducted in accordance with Section 33 of the FOIP Act.