Senior Engineer, Modelling
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, Standards & Modelling, we are looking for a Senior Modelling Engineer to join our team. Standards & Modelling is a cross-functional team with a broad range of responsibilities including power system models, Alberta Reliability Standards (ARS), loss factor, and accountabilities to provide engineering expertise on various topics such as transmission equipment, power quality and metering.
You will support the development and maintenance of accurate modelling data packages for power systems (in PSSE and PSCAD) and analyze their performance across different scenarios. This involves integrating topological models, dynamic data, electro-magnetic transient models, historical and forecast load, generation data, performing simulations and analysis to verify the performance of the power system models, which are applied for complex simulation studies.
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 embrace change, pivot, and adapt with ease.
Accountabilities include but are not limited to:
Create and maintain PSSE base cases and study data packages, including load flow data, dynamic data, sequence data, Remedial Action Schemes (RAS) models, and load and generation forecast data, for the purpose of planning and operation studies.
Create and maintain PSCAD models for power system components to support electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies conducted by other teams within the organization.
Ensure consistency and accuracy in modeling practices.
Review and verify power system models (PSSE and PSCAD) submitted by Market Participants to ensure compliance with the requirements specified in the ISO Rules, Alberta Reliability Standards, and relevant industry standards, as well as to evaluate model performance.
Provide technical guidance as a subject matter expert to other teams within the organization regarding power system models and model validation.
Provide technical support to external stakeholders in relation to requests concerning system modeling.
Consult with study engineers to define study needs and requirements.
Incorporate new tools, scripts, and data sources into the development of study models.
Develop new analytical tools and enhance existing simulation testing scripts to ensure the accuracy and consistency of power system models.
Regularly review, update, and maintain working procedures and related documents to meet the requirements of current and future tasks.
Lead stakeholder engagement for modeling requirements for the Alberta system and participate in industry organization technical committees such as WECC, NERC, IEEE, and CIGRE.
Provide guidance and support to junior engineers as a mentor.
What you'll bring to us:
B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering; MSc or PhD will be considered an asset.
Registered or eligible to be registered with APEGA as a P.Eng.
At least 10 years of experience in high voltage power systems operation, planning or analysis.
Strong knowledge of transmission system operation and generating facilities.
Deep understanding of the use and limitations of power system models.
Proficient in power system study tools, especially PSSE and PSCAD, with extensive experience in independently performing power system analysis including power flow, voltage stability, dynamics, and EMT studies.
Application deadline: September 30, 2024
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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.
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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.