Lead Engineer, Customer Access Studies

Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO); Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Competitive salary and benefits

Defined contribution pension plan

Learning and development opportunities

Vacation and flex time

Job summary

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is seeking a Lead Engineer to deliver Customer Access Studies and engineering assessments for load projects in Alberta. You will be the technical lead for your area, guiding complex challenges and providing decision support to ensure reliable interconnection of new generation and transmission-connected projects.

You will mentor teams, stay updated on industry trends, and collaborate across forecasting, planning, and regulatory groups to promote

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering; MSc in Power Systems is an asset.
• P.Eng. registration with APEGA or eligibility is required.
• 10+ years in electric utility engineering; focus on power systems engineering and economics.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with CAS Regional Leads, engineers, and AESO groups as technical lead.
• Provide oversight and peer review of studies and deliverables; develop engineering solutions.
• Apply expert knowledge of power system behavior and planning to assess options.
• Represent AESO in regulatory proceedings and provide project status updates.
• Develop and promote engineering standards, scope documents, and best practices.
• Conduct power flow, stability, and short-circuit studies using PSS/E; evaluate options.
• Coordinate with forecasts, economic analysis, and system models for assessments.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings and maintain project documentation.

Skills

Power system analysis

PSS/E

Python programming

PSCAD

DSATools

Engineering leadership

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

Education

B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering

M.Sc. in Power Systems (asset)

Tools

PSS®E

PSCAD

DSATools

Job description

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

The AESO is the sole provider of system access service on Alberta's transmission system, and the Customer Grid Access team plays a critical role in fulfilling this mandate. Through the AESO's Connection Process, the Customer Access Studies (CAS) team performs and reviews project interconnection engineering studies that support the reliable integration of new generation, load, and transmission-connected projects into Alberta's power system.

Reporting to the Manager, Customer Access Studies, the Lead Engineer plays a key role in delivering Customer Access Studies and engineering assessments for projects within an assigned load integration portfolio or cluster. As the technical lead for your assigned area, you will develop engineering solutions to complex project challenges, provide technical leadership and decision-making support, and help customers successfully navigate the interconnection process.

In this role, you will collaborate with stakeholders across forecasting, system planning, system operations engineering, regulatory, legal, and tariff teams, as well as with Transmission Facility Owners, Distribution Facility Owners, generator developers, large load customers, and consultants. You will also contribute to the growth and success of the team through mentoring, training, knowledge sharing, and the promotion of engineering best practices, while staying current with industry trends and emerging technologies.

What You'll Do

• Serve as Lead Engineer, coordinating with CAS Regional Leads, engineers, and AESO internal groups; act as the primary technical point of contact for load projects and lead cross-functional coordination with internal stakeholders.
• Provide technical leadership, oversight, and peer review of engineering studies and deliverables; develop engineering solutions and provide decision-making support, including engineering assessments, study scopes and reports, consultant reviews, and System Access Service Requests to the AIES.
• Apply expert knowledge of power system behavior, long-term planning, and regional operational plans; provide risk-informed technical opinions considering engineering analysis, regulatory requirements, economics, customer impact, project delivery, and public interest.
• Represent AESO in regulatory proceedings; act as CAS Manager delegate or provide backfill for Regional Leads, and provide updates on project status, risks, and issues.
• Support development of engineering standards, methodologies, and practices; prepare, review, and approve Engineering Study Scope documents.
• Conduct and review power flow, stability, and short-circuit studies using PSS/E; evaluate connection options; review connection documentation and Distribution Deficiency Reports; identify system constraints and coordinate mitigation solutions.
• Coordinate with internal teams on forecasts, economic analysis, and system models; prepare Engineering Connection Assessments and Connection Proposals.
• Participate in stakeholder meetings, resolve technical issues, maintain project documentation, and represent AESO in external forums and industry committees.

What You'll Bring To Us

• B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering; an M.Sc. or Ph.D. in Power Systems Engineering is considered an asset.
• Registered with or eligible for registration with APEGA (P.Eng.).
• 10+ years of engineering experience in the electric utility industry, with a focus on power system modelling, engineering studies and analysis, customer connections, transmission planning, and engineering economics.
• Strong technical expertise in power system analysis, including proficiency with PSS®E.
• Experience with transmission system operations, transmission planning, transmission facility and line design, engineering functional specifications, and Remedial Action Schemes.
• Knowledge of distribution and substation planning and design, protection and control systems, and the AESO tariff and Alberta's regulatory framework.
• Experience with power system study tools such as PSCAD, DSATools, or similar software.
• Proficiency in Python programming and automation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical studies, provide sound engineering recommendations, and make risk-informed decisions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance across multidisciplinary teams.

Why Join AESO

• Help shape the future of Alberta's electricity system.
• Lead complex, high-impact customer interconnection projects.
• Work with industry-leading engineers and technical experts.
• Influence major transmission infrastructure and system planning decisions.
• Grow your career in a collaborative environment that values innovation, technical excellence, and continuous learning.

What We Offer

This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary, 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'll Thrive in This Role If

• You are passionate about shaping the future of Alberta's electricity system through innovative engineering solutions.
• You enjoy tackling complex technical challenges and turning analysis into actionable recommendations.
• You are energized by collaborating with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders.
• You can confidently lead technical discussions and communicate engineering concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• You take pride in mentoring others and fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• You are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where priorities evolve and critical decisions must be made.
• You bring sound engineering judgment, curiosity, and a commitment to technical excellence.
• You enjoy influencing outcomes and contributing to the successful delivery of high-impact projects.

Application deadline: October 11, 2026

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 Protection of Privacy Act (POPA) 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 4 of POPA.