Engineer, Distribution Planning

Highlights of the job

We are hiring a full-time permanent Engineer, Distribution Planning position working out of Edmonton, AB.

We are looking for a knowledgeable and experienced Engineer to join our System Planning team. As the Distribution Planning Engineer, you plan EPCOR Distribution and Transmission Inc.’s (EDTI) electric distribution system. You use your expertise to identify system deficiencies, develop solutions to meet Edmonton’s increasing load growth and to adapt to grid transformation.

This position is eligible for EPCOR’s hybrid work program.

What you’d be responsible for

• Identifying technical solutions that are feasible and align with EDTI’s Long Term Plan
• Ensuring an understanding of System Planning’s strategy and effectively building relationships in EPCOR and the electric industry
• Ensuring the electric distribution system delivers optimal results against appropriate performance metrics in order to meet customers’ needs for reliable electricity, while supporting engineering and operations groups to ensure a safe and efficient operation of the system
• Understanding of distribution planning processes; support the development of accurate and up-to-date power flow models of EDTI’s electric distribution system; support the development of long-term load forecast for EDTI points of delivery (substations) and distribution circuits; completion of any required engineering studies and APEGA authentication of all final products
• Perform contingency analyses to ensure that the system configuration is adequate for acceptable performance; support development of distribution system expansion plans, including the 10-year distribution system plan, in accordance with prevailing corporate strategies and distribution planning policies, stamp and authenticate all associated outputs.
• Conducting, stamping and authenticating engineering studies to identify acceptable operating modes that will maintain all equipment within their operating limits
• Planning for the interconnection of distributed generation and other distributed energy resources, in accordance with applicable Alberta Reliability Standards, ISO Rules and EDTI’s technical guidelines
• Acting as a consultant to internal stakeholders and providing distribution planning insights
• Providing input into the annual budgeting process for projects within assigned portfolio
• Preparing business cases to support regulatory filings

What’s required to be successful

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
• 5 years of experience in the planning of electric distribution systems
• Registration with APEGA as a Professional Engineer
• Broad knowledge and understanding of electric power systems
• Understanding of regulatory concepts as related to distribution system planning
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to resolve complex technical issues
• Demonstrated ability to apply distribution system planning concepts
• Excellent knowledge of CYMDIST and other simulation software for load flow, power quality and short circuit analysis
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Exposure to Python, Azure, DataBricks, Snowflake or similar data warehousing tools is considered an asset
• Exposure to Microsoft Power BI or equivalent tools for building reports
• Conversant in the use of Microstation CAD and GeoEngineering
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Access) and Visual Basic Applications
• Familiarity with SCADA, Outage Management Systems (OMS), Distribution Management System (DMS), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Distribution Automation (DA)
• Proficient in the use of personal computers, automated tools, and online conferencing applications

As our ideal candidate, you take the initiative in your work and provide solutions to complex issues. You develop and maintain good working relationships with internal and external stakeholders; this includes the City of Edmonton’s Integrated Infrastructure Services, the Alberta Electric System Operator, the Alberta Utilities Commission and industry working groups. You find better, smarter ways to complete work and support the further development of distribution design/planning philosophies, guidelines, practices, processes and criteria to meet the needs of a changing industry, changing system conditions and grid transformation. You demonstrate project management and leadership skills while working in a team environment.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: Professional

Hours of work: 80 hours biweekly

This position may be eligible for a $1000 employee referral reward! Please make sure to list the name of the current employee in your application form.

EPCOR employees: please ensure that you are using your ‘@epcor.com’ email address.

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Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.
• To meet the physical demands required of some positions, candidates must be in good physical condition and willing to work in all weather conditions. Clearance on pre-placement medical and drug and alcohol testing may be required.