Senior Engineer, Operations Planning

AESO; Calgary; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy management organization in Calgary, Alberta is seeking a Senior Engineer to join their Grid Reliability team. This role focuses on regional operations studies and the development of area operations plans for the Alberta transmission system. The ideal candidate will have 8-12 years of engineering experience in high voltage systems and be proficient in tools such as PSS/E and Python scripting. A hybrid work model is offered with competitive salary and benefits including health insurance and a pension plan.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health and dental benefits

Paid vacation and flex time

Mental health support

Learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Approximately 8-12 years of engineering experience in high voltage power systems operation, planning, or analysis.
• Knowledge of reliability standards and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience with operating criteria and WECC audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Define operational reliability issues pertinent to an operating region.
• Prepare operational plans following AESO SOL methodology.
• Provide recommendations and support for regional operational plans.

Skills

High voltage power systems operation

Team collaboration

Effective communication

Risk assessment

Leadership

Education

B.Sc. Electrical Engineering

Registered or eligible for APEGA (P.Eng)

Tools

PSS/E

Python scripting

PSCAD

EMTP

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

If you are a current AESO employee or contractor, please view openings and apply through our internal site at Workday.

Reporting to the Manager, Operations Planning, we are looking for a Senior Engineer to join our Grid Reliability team. You will be responsible for regional operations studies and development of area operations plans including the assessments of the Alberta transmission system in the 1-5 year time frame using the AESO system operating limit (SOL) methodology.

You will run technical assessments and identify issues, and report findings and recommendations in a professional work product. In this position, you are responsible for leading and mentoring less experienced engineers, and communicating complex results clearly and concisely to both technical staff and System Controllers. You are the main point of contact with other internal and external professionals on regional issues and will represent operational views and focus in the energy market transformation process.

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 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 thrive in a dynamic environment and seek opportunities for transformative change.
• You leverage your strong communication skills to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• You are comfortable leading work independently with minimal supervision.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Define operational reliability issues and risks pertinent to an operating region.
• Prepare operational plans following AESO SOL methodology.
• Provide recommendations and support the implementation of recommendations for regional operational plans with follow-up on system control procedures, RAS, and real time monitoring tools.
• Support implementation of new operational tools and systems for a Restructured Energy Market (REM).
• Participate in the redesign of process and guidelines as part of the REM program.
• Provide and coordinate technical support for other departments.
• Perform analysis or studies to comply with Alberta Reliability Standards and responsible for selected requirements.
• Develop/co-develop new operations planning study methodologies related to projects implementing future technology.
• Participate in industry organization committees (e.g. WECC) as required.

What you’ll bring to us:

• B.Sc. Electrical Engineering.
• Registered with or eligible to be registered with APEGA (P.Eng).
• Approximately 8-12 years of engineering experience in high voltage power systems operation, planning, or analysis.
• Knowledge and experience working with operating criteria, reliability standards, compliance requirements, and WECC audit processes.
• Proven knowledge and/or experience with PSS/E, other similar software tools including Python scripting.
• Experience in PSCAD and/or EMTP is an asset.

Application deadline: January 9, 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 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.