Power System Study Engineer

Powertech Labs Inc.; Surrey; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

Powertech Labs Inc. is seeking up to two Study Engineers to join our team of power system study experts. You will perform comprehensive power system studies, including loading and stability analyses, using DSATools, PSS/E, PSCAD, and related tools.

The role involves preparing technical reports, presenting results to clients, and contributing to RFP responses. Ideal candidates hold a Master’s/PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems and have 8+ years of relevant experience or

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Power Systems.
• At least 8 years of experience in electrical engineering, specializing in power system planning and operational studies.
• New graduates with interest in power system analysis and simulation are encouraged to apply and may qualify as EITs.
• Must be registered or able to register as a Professional Engineer with EGBC.
• Strong knowledge of stability, fault analysis, and EMT simulations.
• Experience with DSATools, PSS/E, PSCAD, or DIgSILENT is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Perform power flow, short-circuit, contingency, transfer, and stability studies.
• Conduct bulk power system studies using industry-standard software.
• Carry out advanced studies with tools such as PSS/E, DSATools, and PSCAD.
• Support model development for generation, load, transmission, and transformer modeling.
• Develop and recommend system upgrade strategies to address constraints and reliability issues.
• Prepare technical study reports for regulatory compliance.
• Present study results to clients and assist with proposals.

Skills

Power system modeling

Steady-state studies

Short-circuit analysis

EMT simulations

Programming (Python/MATLAB/C/C++)

Renewables modeling

Generation & transmission modeling

Education

Master’s or PhD in Electrical Engineering (Power Systems)

Tools

DSATools

PSS/E

PSCAD

DIgSILENT

Job description

The Engineering Service Business Unit focuses on power system software development, power system and substation consulting studies and compliance testing services for electric utilities and other clients in power industry. We are the vendor of the cutting-edge power system analysis software package, DSATools™, recognized globally as leading-edge software platforms for dynamic security assessment of complex power systems for both off-line (system planning) and on-line applications (near-real-time operation). Our team provides a full spectrum of study services from fast electromagnetic transient switching studies, power system planning and operation studies (including transient, small-signal, voltage, and frequency stabilities), post-mortem investigation of system disturbances and events, generation and load interconnection studies, generator including wind and solar renewables, and load model development or validation via field testing, and to NERC compliance studies (e.g., TPL, FAC, PRC, MOD, CIP, etc.).

About the Role

We have an exciting opportunity for up to 2 Study Engineers to join our team of highly experienced power system study experts and specialists. In this role, the successful candidate will take on the following key responsibilities:

Responsibilities

• Perform power flow, short-circuit, contingency, transfer, and stability studies, including transient, small-signal, voltage, and frequency stability assessments.
• Conduct bulk power system studies using industry-standard software tools.
• Carry out advanced and specialized studies using tools such as PSS®E, DSATools, and PSCAD.
• Support and contribute to model development, including generation, load, transmission, and transformer modeling.
• Develop and recommend system upgrade strategies and mitigation plans to address system constraints and reliability issues.
• Establish, review, and enhance transmission planning and study methodologies and processes.
• Prepare technical study reports, including model validation reports required for regulatory compliance.
• Present study results and reports to clients.
• Assist with proposal development in response to requests for proposals (RFPs) and help define scopes of work to meet client needs.
• Participate in the development and testing of new software releases.

Qualifications

• Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering from a recognized university with a focus on Power Systems including Power systems analysis, Modeling techniques, and computational algorithms. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.
• At the senior level, at least 8 years of experience in electrical engineering is required, with expertise in power system planning and operational studies, power system research, software development for power system analysis, and customer support.
• New graduates with an interest in power system analysis and simulation and eligible for immediate registration as EITs are encouraged to apply.
• Strong understanding of power system studies, including stability, fault analysis, and EMT simulations.
• Registered (or able to immediately register) as a Professional Engineer with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC).
• For senior-level candidates, at least 8 years of experience in electrical engineering is required, with expertise in power system planning and operational studies, power system research, software development for power system analysis, and customer support. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may also be considered.
• New graduates have an interest in power system analysis and simulation and eligible for immediate registration as EITs and are encouraged to apply.

Required Skills

• Solid knowledge of power system modeling and analytical methods, including steady-state studies (power flow, contingency, and voltage stability), short-circuit analysis, and transient and small-signal stability studies in both time and frequency domains.
• Strong understanding of generator and renewable resource modeling, power system and/or substation protection, and the control systems of synchronous generators, renewable resources, and FACTS devices.
• General knowledge of power system operations, protection, grid voltage and frequency control, and applicable reliability standards.
• Proficiency in power system simulation software such as DSATools, PSS®E, PSCAD, or DIgSILENT is considered an asset.
• Experience programming in one or more languages, such as Python, MATLAB, or C/C++.

Preferred Skills

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Ability to listen actively and foster open dialogue with project team members.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively while demonstrating a high standard of professionalism.

Pay range and compensation package

Salary scale : $89,910 - $113,730

We welcome applications from both new graduates and experienced study engineers and transmission planners. Candidates will be assessed and hired at the EIT, Engineer 2 or Senior Engineer depending on qualifications and relevant modeling and study experience.

The salary range for each successful candidate will depend on the level the individual is assessed at. Applicants will be assessed based on current status with EGBC, years of experience, relevancy and quality of experience, as well as their core competencies. Internationally-trained engineers may be considered if eligible for EGBC registration.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada. Remote work may be considered for more senior candidates and the hiring team will discuss potential arrangements during the selection process.

Please be advised that this role has been assessed as safety sensitive and pre-qualification alcohol and drug testing will be required as a pre-condition to employment.