EMS Engineer or Senior EMS Engineer

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.

We are looking for a talented Engineer to join our Operations Systems department. As part of the Energy Management System (EMS) team, you will be an integral member of the maintenance and enhancements to the core functionality of the EMS, including but not limited to the Habitat, Generation, and Power system applications of the software suite, including any real-time event analysis on the performance of the system. Other responsibilities include designing enhancements to the software, providing requirements, solutions, and test plans to power system control projects and facilitating the implementation of system software in line with Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards.

As the power grid transitions, and with the implementation of more renewable generation sources on the power grid, the EMS will continue to support the tools and processes used by the grid operators to manage the changing grid. You will support this effort in translating detailed power system requirements into solutions that are deployed into the real-time control system.

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.
Signs you will enjoy working with us:

• 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 are purpose driven and are excited to help the AESO deliver for Albertans.

• You have a curious mind and enjoy digging in deep to learn how things work.

• You are comfortable working in a highly secure environment where we consistently follow security protocols.

Accountabilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide technical support for day-to-day maintenance of the real-time systems (such as EMS, power system apps, Infrastructure) as well as support system administration of the GE Habitat application suite along with OSI PI and third-party tools.

• Provide recommendations on changes to the environment as part of the operation and cyber security strategy.

• Actively monitor and guide designers and developers to ensure designs are understood, meeting requirements and implemented correctly.

• Review of application patches and system configurations; support testing of software security updates, such as patches and anti-virus.

• Provide code review for 3rd party developed code prior to adoption and implementation.

• Design and implement custom code to facilitate system monitoring and control aligning to business requirements.

• Contribute to deployment plans and work closely with the operations and support teams during production deployments to ensure a smooth transition.

• Ensure the operations and support teams have required information to support the system.

• Assist with the development of site-based procedures for effective real-time system operation, integrity, availability, utilization, data backup, and disaster recovery.

• Execute on established AESO cyber & physical policies and procedures across the BES systems to ensure AESO’s compliance with all CIP related standards.

• Work with technical and non-technical resources to clarify and refine business requirements.

• Establish design and coding standards that align with business and architectural objectives.

• Provide technical support to coworkers, management, developers, consultants, and vendors as required.

• Assist in networking infrastructure monitoring, such as local and wide area networking.

• Define, coordinate, or execute the development, testing, and implementation of the technical solution, and validate the final product satisfies the defined requirements.

• Perform objective analyses of data and processes and develop recommendations.

• In consultation and collaboration with the EMS Specialist Engineer, provide technical solutions and design recommendations to EMS Manager.

• Input into scheduling and costing.

What you’ll bring to us:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, computer science, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Professional designation from the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists in Alberta (APEGA) or equivalent.

• Minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience.

• Programming experience in C/C++, Perl, Python, and PowerShell.

• Experience with system integration and management.

• Knowledge of Bulk power system software applications, tools, and industry best practices.

• Experience with GE EMS habitat and application suite is preferred.

• Experience with CI/CD tools, and code management an asset.

Application deadline: March 7, 2025

#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 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.