Distribution Engineer (Managerial Role)

Our client is a trusted electricity distribution utility responsible for delivering safe and reliable power to customers in Northern Ontario. They are seeking a full‑time Distribution Engineer (Management) to join their Engineering team on‑site in North Bay, Ontario and lead the planning, design, and modernization of their distribution system.

This is a management‑level position with direct reports, responsible for providing technical leadership, project management oversight, and day‑to‑day guidance to engineering and technical staff. The role requires a versatile, hands‑on engineering leader who thrives in dynamic environments, enjoys wearing multiple hats, and is motivated by meaningful work that directly impacts system reliability, operational excellence, and community service. You will play a key leadership role in shaping asset renewal, supporting capital planning, improving reliability performance, and driving the adoption of modern grid technologies.

Some of your key responsibilities in this role will include:

Engineering Planning & Design

• Planning, designing, and overseeing overhead and underground distribution system projects, including line rebuilds, extensions, subdivisions, and station upgrades.
• Ensuring engineering designs comply with Ontario Regulation 22/04, the Distribution Safety Code, OEB Distribution System Code, and the Professional Engineers Act.
• Reviewing, approving, and stamping engineering drawings, designs, and cost estimates prepared by internal staff or external consultants.
• Coordinating with Operations on construction sequencing, design implementation, and outage planning.
• Conducting load flow studies, fault analysis, and system modeling to support system reliability, efficiency, and performance.

Asset Management & System Reliability

• Leading the development and ongoing maintenance of the 5‑Year Infrastructure Renewal and Capital Plan.
• Managing the Asset Management Program by improving data accuracy, lifecycle planning, and risk‑based project prioritization.
• Tracking and reporting reliability indices (SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI) and leading root‑cause investigations for system events.
• Recommending system improvements, capital investments, and technology upgrades to enhance system reliability and reduce outages.
• Supporting regulatory reporting, OEB submissions, DSP updates, and compliance audits.

Smart Grid, Technology & Innovation

• Leading grid‑modernization initiatives including SCADA upgrades, AMI, ADMS, DER integration, automation, and analytics.
• Advancing microgrid development, energy storage projects, and distributed generation integration.
• Promoting cybersecurity and privacy best practices within engineering workflows.
• Evaluating and recommending emerging technologies that support sustainability, electrification, and climate‑resilient infrastructure.

Leadership & People Management

• Supervising, mentoring, and developing a multidisciplinary engineering team of up to ten employees (technicians, GIS, draftsperson, metering, substation, control room).
• Assigning and reviewing work, setting performance goals, and conducting formal evaluations and performance discussions.
• Building a culture of continuous learning, professional development, and process improvement.
• Collaborating with Operations, Finance, Customer Service, IT, and external stakeholders to maintain alignment on priorities and project execution.
• Modeling and enforcing best practices in health, safety, and environmental compliance.

Financial & Project Management

• Preparing and managing annual capital and operating budgets for the Engineering department.
• Developing cost estimates, schedules, and project controls to ensure safe, efficient, and cost‑effective completion of capital and maintenance projects.
• Preparing and approving justification reports for contractor engagements, equipment purchases, and consultant support.
• Reviewing and approving invoices and identifying cost‑reduction and process‑improvement opportunities.
• Managing both electrical and civil engineering components at the project level as necessary.

Regulatory & Stakeholder Relations

• Liaising with regulatory bodies (OEB, ESA, IESO, Ministry of Energy) to ensure compliance and alignment.
• Presenting technical information, system requirements, and project impacts to customers, contractors, and stakeholder groups.
• Negotiating and coordinating with developers, consultants, and external agencies on system upgrades and service connections.
• Representing the organization on committees, working groups, and at relevant industry conferences such as EDIST.

Emergency & Operational Support

• Supporting the Control Room during emergencies, including performing system switching, load balancing, and restoration coordination.
• Participating in after‑hours availability rotations and providing on‑site or remote support during outages and system events.
• Providing engineering support during storm response and ensuring public and worker safety.

Corporate & Strategic Contribution

• Contributing to long‑term strategic planning, business improvement projects, and organizational development initiatives.
• Driving work that supports sustainability, electrification, climate resilience, and modernized engineering practices.
• Acting as a technical ambassador within the Ontario utility sector.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Licensed P.Eng in Ontario, or eligibility for registration.
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in electrical utility distribution engineering.
• Demonstrated expertise in overhead and underground distribution system design, standards, and protection principles.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario Regulation 22/04, the Distribution Safety Code, OEB DSC, CSA standards, and USF standards.
• Proficiency with engineering tools such as CYME, AutoCAD, SPIDAcalc, GIS, and SCADA.
• Project management experience; PMP considered an asset.
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate technical staff.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and relationship‑building skills.
• Commitment to health, safety, and environmental best practices.
• Valid Ontario Class G licence.