Lead Engineer, Customer Access Studies

AESO; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work

Pension plan

Learning opportunities

Job summary

AESO is seeking a Lead Engineer for the Customer Access Studies team in Alberta. You will coordinate with CAS regional leads, perform power system analyses, and guide engineering solutions for interconnection projects. You will mentor teams, review studies, and engage regulators and stakeholders to ensure reliable grid integration.

Requires a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering, 10+ years in power systems, PSSE expertise, and strong leadership with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with power systems focus.
• Advanced degree considered an asset for research leadership.
• Experience with electric utility interconnection studies is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering studies for load interconnection projects.
• Provide technical leadership and risk-informed recommendations.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Develop standards, scopes, and reports for System Access Service.

Skills

Power system analysis

PSSE

Python

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

B.Sc. Electrical Engineering

M.Sc. Power Systems (asset)

Tools

PSSE

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 DescriptionThe 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 DoServe 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 UsB.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 PSSE.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 AESOHelp 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 OfferThis 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 IfYou 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#LI-HybridIf 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.