Lead Engineer, System Planning

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

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Reporting to the Manager, System Planning, the Lead Engineer, System Planning will support the development of the AESO’s Long-Term Transmission Plan, which outlines Alberta’s future transmission infrastructure needs. The group ensures compliance with transmission planning standards and develops projects as required to maintain reliability.

The role involves applying both technical and economic analysis to optimize transmission development. The Lead Engineer will coordinate and supervise the work of engineers, provide peer review, and take professional responsibility for deliverables. They will also design and oversee business processes that enable transmission plans reflecting both cost-benefit and technical considerations.

This position is ideal for someone who can combine engineering expertise with leadership skills to guide interdisciplinary teams, deliver high-quality and complex work products, and operate with a high degree of autonomy.

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 flourish in 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 thrive in a fast-paced, challenging, and dynamic environment and are looking for an opportunity to embark on transformative industry change.

- 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 embrace change and pivot and adapt with ease.

- You have a curious mind and appreciate opportunities to broaden your skill set.

- Your superior time management and prioritization skills show your strong commitment to meeting deadlines and providing sound judgement calls.

- You have a strong business acumen, combined with the ability to work with internal and external stakeholders in a professional and constructive manner.

- You have a knack for leading, motivating, and mentoring staff.

- You value professionalism and understand the importance of handling sensitive/confidential situations delicately.

- You are interested and engaged in both technical leadership and helping people achieve their key results and career objectives.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

- Support the evolution of the regulatory framework for transmission planning in Alberta.

- Develop a vision for the architecture of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System.

- Develop and implement system planning processes and business practices.

- Coordinate long-term planning activities across a broad array of business units, including Forecasting, Analytics, Operations, and Customer Connections.

- Advise on and develop new analytical methods, tools, and practices for system planning, including direct hands-on contributions to the development of software tools.

- Conduct power system analyses to assess grid reliability and evaluate project alternatives.

- Power flow, voltage stability, and dynamic simulations using PSS/E.

- Production cost modeling and generator dispatch simulation.

- Review work products and provide technical guidance and training.

- Assess the economic costs and benefits of system plans.

- Prepare and review engineering study reports, documentation, and public relations materials.

- Assess compliance and comply with Alberta Reliability Standards and ISO Rules.

- Consult with transmission and distribution facility owners.

- Represent the AESO in regulatory proceedings, interjurisdictional technical groups (e.g. WECC), and stakeholder engagements.

- Communicate system plans to internal and external stakeholders.

What you’ll bring to us:

- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field; graduate degree (Ph.D., M.Sc., or M.Eng.) strongly preferred.

- Registered, or eligible for registration, as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with APEGA.

Basic Qualification:

- 15 years of experience in the electricity industry, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Experience with transmission planning, customer interconnection studies, grid operations, or simulation and modeling.

- Articulate and concise written and verbal communications.

Preferred Qualification:

- Supervising, managing, teaching, or training engineers,

- Power flow studies and dynamic simulations, especially using PSS/E,

- Software development, especially engineering or scientific simulation software using Python,

- Mathematical modeling, especially optimization (e.g., OPF),

- Engineering economics, including production cost modeling, market simulation and modeling, or cost estimating,

- Working within the Alberta regulatory framework for electricity.

Application deadline: October 8, 2025

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.