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

Reporting to the Director, Grid Planning & Operations Engineering, the Manager, System Projects leads a team of engineers in converting AESO’s Long Term Plan into actionable transmission system projects. This includes preparing and filing Needs Identification Document (NID) applications with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and guiding projects through regulatory approval and delivery by transmission facility owners (TFOs).

The role requires close collaboration with TFOs and internal teams such as Grid Planning, Regulatory, Communications, Markets, and Customer Grid Access to ensure project success. Strong expertise in power flow analysis, system stability, and regulatory frameworks is essential to drive strategic decisions and overcome transmission system challenges.

This is a unique opportunity to shape Alberta’s transmission future by leading the transition from planning to execution.

This full-time permanent opportunity offers room for growth, competitive compensation, and a variable pay program. We also have paid vacation and flex time, health & dental benefits, a defined contribution pension plan, and learning and development opportunities as part of your overall compensation package.

Signs you will enjoy working in this team:

• You thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment and are excited about contributing to the transformation of Alberta’s energy system.
• You enjoy collaborating with a team of bright professionals, engaging in thoughtful discussions, and solving complex challenges.
• You embrace change and adapt quickly, seeing it as an opportunity to drive innovation and improvements.
• You thrive in a diverse atmosphere—our team brings a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and you excel at bringing out the best in everyone.
• You have a strong desire to continuously learn and take on new challenges, and you lead by example, inspiring others to do the same.
  
  

Signs you will enjoy this role:

• You enjoy creating engaging and empowering employee experiences, including onboarding, coaching, performance management, and fostering both technical and professional development. You are passionate about growing your team’s capabilities, from early career professionals to seasoned experts.
• You are skilled at navigating technical, regulatory, and business perspectives and can convey complex information to various audiences. Your expert opinions will be valued in both external forums and in internal discussions with AESO senior leadership and external stakeholders, as you communicate engineering findings, recommendations, and risks.
• You have an innate ability to identify efficiencies and optimize processes. Your enthusiasm for continuous improvement is contagious, and you inspire others to constantly seek out ways to improve.
• You lead teams with a strong desire to develop and mentor employees, providing them with opportunities to thrive and reach their full potential.
• You possess excellent communication skills—both written and verbal—and demonstrate a proven ability to build and develop relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  
  

Key Accountabilities

• Administer the System Projects group, including budgeting, staffing and ensuring adherence to corporate policies.
• Implement transmission planning aspects of the Transmission Regulation
• Prepare Need Identification Documents for transmission system projects, and support the projects in the regulatory process and through to delivery.
• Develop and evaluate alternatives and recommend preferred alternatives to meet system project needs, considering technical, economic, social and environmental factors; including non-wires alternatives where appropriate.
• Prepare system planning studies to support NID applications, including power flow, voltage and transient stability, and any other studies that may be needed.
• Lead stakeholder engagement activities related to system projects and NIDs.
• Act as an expert witness during public hearings to support system NID applications.
• Provide transmission system planning support to the Transmission Connection Projects team.
• Develop and maintain a cooperative working relationship with TFOs to support the development of their Facility Applications.
• Oversee System Projects’ involvement in external organizations including WECC, NERC, NWPP, IRC, etc.
• Initiate and develop channels for dialogue and the exchange of information and views among individuals in disciplines related to system planning; provide a unifying network and community of practice.
• Provide technical leadership and advice to the System Projects and Planning teams by promoting a common understanding of issues; monitoring meetings to maintain perspective on matters relating to planning; and encouraging responsiveness, consistency, and creative problem-solving.
  
  

Skills and experiences that will support your success in this role:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or similar areas.
• Professional Engineer registered with APEGA. Will need to be the Responsible Member in this area.
• A minimum of 15 years related experience in the electricity industry including 8+ years of transmission planning experience.
• Possesses a clear understanding of the company vision, strategies and goals as well as an understanding of transmission development policy and Alberta's regulatory framework.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Deep understanding of power system power flow, transient, dynamic, and steady-state voltage stability, off-nominal frequency behaviour, sub-synchronous interactions, and challenges associated with IBRs.
• Capability to effectively manage cross functional initiatives.
• Capability to effectively manage conflicts.
• Capability to make effective and high-quality decisions, considering risks and benefits.
• Knowledge of the electricity industry and other industrial activity in Alberta is required, including energy markets and commercial practices, electricity transmission and distribution, and resource exploration and project development.
  
  

Application deadline: May 29, 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.