Senior Engineer, Model Validation

AESO•Calgary, AB

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. If you are a current AESO employee or contractor, please view openings and apply through our internal site at Workday. 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.

Requirements

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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Additional experience in transmission planning, power system operations and customer access studies will be an asset.
Experience in developing and validating power system models for both Electromagnetic Transient and Phasor domain simulations will be an asset.

Responsibilities

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.