Senior Engineer, Model Validation

Description

Reporting to the Manager, Project Engineering, we are looking for a Senior Engineer, Model Validation to review and validate power system models and Project Data Update Packages (PDUPs). You will be a subject matter expert and go-to person for model validation related tasks and provide coaching and mentoring through internal training, creating guidelines, checklists and streamlining internal processes.

In this position, you will be accountable for PDUP validation processes to ensure accuracy and consistency of the models submitted to the AESO for interconnection studies. You will play a critical role in reinforcing our technical strength in power system studies to ensure timely and quality delivery of project deliverables. You will work closely with Lead Engineers in the team, and other Senior and Principal Engineers across the AESO, as well as internal and external stakeholders as required on all matters related to project modelling.

This full-time opportunity offers a competitive salary. 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 in a high paced environment.

• You have an aptitude for raising the competencies and skills of others and are skilled in instructing processes and technical concepts.

• You enjoy coaching and mentoring others.

• You can collaborate well with peers and management teams to provide technical expertise.

• You are comfortable working in a matrix environment and influencing with or without direct authority across the organization.

• You guide resolution of conflicts in complex situations and navigate ambiguous situations for high quality outcomes.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead independent technical reviews and validation of project models, which will be utilized in power system studies, load flow, short‑circuit, dynamic, and stability studies.

• Validate model logic, assumptions, data sources, methodologies, and results for accuracy, robustness, and fitness for intended use.

• Review and validate generator, plant, and network static and dynamic models, including parameterization and control representations.

• Validate line impedances (R, X, B), thermal ratings, and seasonal limits, transformer parameters (impedances, tap changers, phase shifters, grounding), substation configurations, breaker models, bus arrangements, and protection interfaces as required.

• Assess model convergences, numerical stability, and sensitivity to parameter variations.

• Interpret modeling results and clearly communicate implications, risks, sensitivities, and uncertainties to the market participants.

• Identify and mitigate model risk, escalating material issues that could impact project or system decisions to the external and internal teams.

• Establish and apply structured model validation frameworks, checklists, and peer‑review protocols.

• Support development and validation of interconnection studies cases.

• Mentor other team engineers and reviewers in best practices for power system and transmission modeling.

• Actively participate in cross-functional technical groups and disseminate best practices and technical information to the Project Engineering team.

What you’ll bring to us:

• B.Sc. degree in Electrical Engineering.

• Registered with or eligible to be registered with APEGA (P.Eng.).

• 10+ years of engineering experience in the electric utility industry, with a focus on power system models and analysis, PDUPs creation, review and validation.

• Additional experience in transmission planning, power system operations and customer access studies will be an asset.

• Comprehensive understanding of the electricity sector regulatory framework in Alberta, AESO Tariff, reliability standards, and transmission facilities.

• Proficient in power system study tools, especially good understanding of the PSSE based steady state, and dynamic and electromagnetic transient studies for interconnection purposes.

• Experience in developing and validating power system models for both Electromagnetic Transient and Phasor domain simulations will be an asset.

#LI-Hybrid

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 (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.