Engineer, Power System Applications (3-year Fixed Term)

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

Reporting to the Manager, Operations Business Applications & Planning, we are seeking an enthusiastic, reliable, and professional individual to join the team for a 3-year term as an Energy Management System (EMS) Power System Applications Engineer who will contribute to the reliable operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric system (AIES) while supporting the transformation of Alberta’s electrical industry.

The EMS is the primary software solution used by system controllers to manage the reliability of the AIES. Comprised of many interacting software systems, the EMS provides essential reliability solutions in the form of real-time power systems applications such as automatic generation control, state estimation, and contingency analysis. These solutions are critical tools applied by system controllers to maintain the reliable operation of the AIES. As a member of the Operations Systems team, you will become a subject matter expert in the operation, maintenance, and evolution of these solutions.

This 3-year fixed term opportunity offers a competitive salary, paid vacation time, 4 additional fixed days off per year, and health and dental benefits as part of your overall compensation package.

You will enjoy working with us if:

• You flourish in 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 thrive in a fast-paced, challenging, 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 work and learn in a diverse atmosphere – our team and colleagues have varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
• You embrace change and pivot and adapt with ease.
• You have a curious mind and appreciate opportunities to broaden your skill set.
• Your superior time management and prioritization skills demonstrate your commitment to meeting deadlines and providing sound judgement calls.
• You have strong business acumen, combined with the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and constructive manner.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Manage and maintain the reliable, real-time operation of critical power system applications including automatic generation control, state estimation, and contingency analysis.
• Implement and manage updates to the EMS model based on changes to the topology of the AIES.
• Troubleshoot real-time power system applications during working hours.
• Contribute to upgrade and enhancement projects and strategic initiatives as a subject matter expert in real-time power systems applications.
• Propose and implement process changes to improve the management of the real-time power systems applications.
• Ensure compliance with AESO rules and standards.
• Support resourcing and time management by participating in work breakdown, time estimation, and schedule development for projects and base load work.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide remote support of the EMS outside working hours. This can include direct technical support or routing issues to other on-call experts, depending on the nature of the incident.

What you’ll bring to us:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus in Power Systems or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A registered Professional Engineer with APEGA (if you are an engineer).
• A minimum of 5-8 years’ experience with real-time reliability solutions such as automatic generation control, state estimation, voltage and transient stability analysis, and contingency analysis.
• Familiarity with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) concepts and applications.
• Familiarity with commonly used engineering scripting and programming languages.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, OneDrive).
• Specific experience with GE’s AEMS (e-terra) product suite will be an asset.
• Specific experience integrating market management systems with energy management systems will be an asset.

Application deadline: April 14, 2025

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.