Power System Engineer

INDEPENDENT ELECTRICITY SYSTEM OPERATOR (IESO)

Why join us? 

You’ve got great skills. And you want to use them in an organization where you know what you do every day matters. We get that.
We also know that ensuring Ontarians have access to affordable and reliable power doesn’t happen by accident. So we give you the tools, flexibility and support you need to achieve your goals, and development opportunities to help you grow. You’ll thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment that values your unique skills and experiences – and recognizes that when you do better, we become even better too.  

Who we are 

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the centre of the province’s power system, ensuring Ontarians have access to reliable and cost-effective electricity when and where they need it. We operate the province’s electricity grid 24/7, design, run and oversee the wholesale electricity markets, and plan and prepare to meet Ontario’s electricity needs – now and into the future.

 

Overview

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) works at the heart of Ontario’s power system to ensure that there is enough electricity to keep the lights on, today and into the future. We operate the power system in real time, oversee Ontario’s electricity markets, deliver energy efficiency and plan for Ontario’s future energy needs. In today’s fast-changing energy landscape, ensuring Ontario’s businesses and communities have access to reliable and affordable power is becoming more complex – and more exciting. That’s why now, more than ever, we need value-driven and agile professionals to provide diverse perspectives, embrace innovation, and thrive in a collaborative environment built on shared values and a powerful purpose.

We are seeking bright, talented and ambitious Electrical Engineers who are eager to apply their power system engineering skills to support the transformation of the Ontario electricity sector while ensuring a reliable and cost effective power grid in the role of a Power System Engineer. A successful candidate is an effective team player, creative problem solver, strong communicator and has an excellent grasp of power system operations and electricity markets fundamentals.

This is a promotion-in-place (PIP) affected role, candidates with lesser qualifications would be considered for a Power System Engineer-in-Training role.

The Opportunity

The Power System Engineer conducts engineering studies and analysis by application of specialized technology in the field of power systems to support real-time operations, operations planning, reliable integration of system changes and system planning activities for the Ontario power grid; Provides analytical and technical support for the development of operating and planning policies, operating agreements, equipment specifications, operational and outage plans and system investments; Conducts model development, studies and analysis that:

• Assess the impact of new or modified facilities and equipment on power system reliability and find solutions to integrate them into the grid;
• contribute to the production of Operating Instructions (including identifying the limitations of the power system and prescribing mitigating actions) to be used for real-time grid operations;
• support IESO security, adequacy and operability obligations found in the IESO Market Rules and applicable North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) and North East Power Coordinating Council (NPCC) reliability standards;
• model and validate new or modified equipment to ensure all performance requirements are met as specified in the applicable IESO Market Rules and NERC standards;
• develop and maintain power system and security applications and models (both for real-time Operation and offline studies) for Ontario and neighbouring systems;
• prepare next-day system operations by performing system reliability assessments for equipment outage plans submitted by market participants and neighbouring systems;
• support the coordination with neighboring systems on NERC, NPCC and regional markets in the area of reliability matters.

What you need to succeed

Education:

• Requires engineering knowledge of electrical theory, power system analysis and control, mathematics, computer science and the like to conduct engineering, economic or analytical studies related to the management and control of the bulk power system
• Requires knowledge of technical writing to prepare effective reports
• This knowledge is acquired through the completion of an engineering/applied sciences degree from an accredited university or by having the equivalent education
• Must be able to obtain a professional engineering license from Professional Engineers Ontario within a reasonable period of time, with a competency in the field of electrical engineering

Experience:

• Requires experience in the electricity industry to become familiar with the general system operation, organizational structure and to establish a broad base of contacts
• Requires experience to become familiar with the nature of studies and investigations carried out by the different sections and groups of the organization
• Requires further on the job experience to become familiar with methods and practices associated with the work functions
• A period of over 6 years, up to and including 8 years is considered necessary to gain this experience

What the IESO offers:

• Work with the top engineers in the industry and be part of a team that supports your continuous growth and development;
• Engage with power system experts across the electricity industry;
• A comprehensive training and mentorship program based on experience and theory, geared towards developing highly skilled power system engineers;
• A strong sense of accomplishment as your work not only shapes the current operation of the Ontario power grid, but sets the standard for future changes;
• Competitive salary and opportunities for promotion;
• Education assistance for programs and courses to develop and enrich staff;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Team sizes to facilitate effectiveness and meaningful interaction;
• Great work-life balance with 35-hour work-weeks; and
• Extra-curricular activities both on and off-site, that provide opportunities to build relationships and contribute to a positive working environment.

Core Competencies:

Competency Focus #1: Shape our Future

• Anticipate the future and demonstrate thought leadership
• Build organizational capability by aligning resources to strategic priorities
• Drive change and continuous improvement to support business transformation

Competency Focus #2: Energize our People

• Communicate with authenticity and clarity to inspire a shared purpose
• Develop, empower and motivate people to achieve high performance
• Model core values and invest in continuous learning

Competency Focus #3: Deliver our Mandate

• Demonstrate agility to adapt to evolving market and customer needs
• Exercise savvy risk taking and make informed decisions
• Leverage and bridge diverse perspectives to facilitate collaboration

Values we live by:

• Expertise with Humility
• Commitment & Accountability
• Genuine Caring
• Purposeful Engagement
• Openness to Change
• Collaboration & Teamwork

What’s in it for you
 

• A comprehensive total rewards program, including best-in-class benefits and a flexible workplace 
• A challenging, fast-paced and collaborative team environment, where your perspectives and experiences matter 
• Leaders who support your growth and success through regular feedback and coaching
• The opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry
   

For future reference, please ensure to save a copy of the job description as it will no longer be available once the posting closes.

At the IESO, we know that achieving great results depends on embracing diversity by attracting, developing and retaining people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We do this by ensuring our recruitment and advancement policies are fair and equitable, and by creating an accessible and inclusive environment – one that values every team member’s unique skills and experiences and ensures they have the support they need to achieve their potential. If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

We thank you for your interest in a career at the IESO, but we will only contact those candidates selected for an interview. 

Note: The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a background check.

The IESO offers a Hybrid Work Model Program. The Model allows for remote working up to three days per week, based on business needs. When working in the office, you will be located at our Mississauga location.

Join our talent community

Sign up for talent community; stay in touch, find out about new opportunities – and discover how you can make a difference. Discover how we use our expertise and commitment to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to Ontario’s businesses and communities, and how we’re innovating to secure a stronger energy future for all Ontarians. Visit Careers at IESO and be sure to follow us on LinkedIn.

Find out why we were selected as Greater Toronto’s Top 2023 Employers, and what we offer.