Engineering Associate, Network Operations / Alectra Utilities

Engineering Associate, Network Operations

Alectra is committed to putting our people first in providing a positive employee experience and a safe work environment. Our Hybrid Workplace policy allows for an effective balance for employees with the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment; a combination of Remote / In-office work based on operational requirements.

Position Purpose:

The Engineering Associate, Network Operations supports and performs: Various Network Operations initiatives such as asset inspections and maintenance, locates, reliability, new technologies, process & procedure development, contractor relationship management, efficiency & performance analysis, estimating & design, automation, protection and control, SCADA, metering, telecommunications, substations, and investigating operational issues.  Works with various stakeholders throughout the organization such as Network Services, Health & Safety, Regulatory, Finance, and Logistics/Supply Chain as well as external customers and stakeholders.

This Role may include temporary rotations to other departments in the company to gain knowledge and experience.

Responsibilities:

• Adhere to the safety responsibilities of the job in accordance with Alectra procedures and policies and the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
• Perform studies and analyses on a variety of operational data from multiple sources.  Develop comprehensive written reports, plans and presentations for audiences at various levels of the organization Provide recommendations and sensitivity analysis of options and alternative solutions.
• Participate on and lead cross-functional teams to advance initiatives such as system improvements and projects, new technologies and systems, procedure development, process improvement and RFPs.  Implement new solutions that involve stakeholders from across the organization as well as external entities.
• Maintain relationships with external contractors, including investigating, reporting on and planning to realize opportunities for efficiencies and improvements in work methods and program execution, as well as understanding capacity, communicating Alectra’s needs and resolving issues.
• Analyze, design, and implement systems and equipment related to protection and control, automation, system control, metering, telecommunications, and substations.   Prepare training materials and deliver associated training for new systems and equipment.Prepare engineering designs, CAD drawings, technical calculations and estimates for capital and maintenance projects.  Evaluate alternative solutions and practice continual improvement.  Work with Standards and other stakeholders to provide operational support and input.
• Perform field visits to inspect projects, explore various construction options, participate in site meetings, meet with customers, contractors, consultants, and other entities.  Incorporate customer preferences and priorities in to solutions, products and services for the distribution system. 
• Investigate and analyze distribution system issues to identify root causes. Support failure investigations, customer power quality issues and joint safety/environmental/reliability issues.   Propose methods and prudent solutions to improve distribution system design and performance.
• Support initiatives that involve Health & Safety elements such as Work Instructions.  Support Environmental initiatives including inspections and remediations.
• Liaise with external parties such as customers, municipalities, contractors and other utilities.  Consider financial, environmental, reputational, safety, capacity and compliance implications when developing solutions.  Assess the probability and impact of risks.
• Support the Network Operations team with new technologies, processes, and equipment.  Lead and assist in the rollout of new devices and advancements.   Provide operational representation with ERP system upgrades and improvements and various corporate initiatives.
• Conducts self in a professional manner and actively demonstrates the Corporate Values
• Any other duties that may be assigned from time to time.

Education & Specialized Knowledge

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent academic qualifications) as determined by the Professional Engineers of Ontario and eligible to work towards obtaining a Professional Engineer License
• Must be eligible for being licensed as an Engineer with the PEO with a clear path to the P.Eng. designation
• Working knowledge of the power distribution industry and related codes, regulations, and standards, construction methods are considered an asset
• Knowledge of Project Management methodologies
• Working knowledge of systems and software such as SCADA, OMS, CYME, ETAP, PSS/E, AutoCAD, Hexagon GIS/Intergraph GIS, Alteryx, CopperLeaf C55, JD Edwards is an asset
• Proficiency with MS Office applications (advanced proficiencies with Excel, PowerBI, Power Automate, are an asset)

Experience

• Experience with working in the power and energy sector is an asset
• Experience with a unionized utility environment an asset

Skills/Abilities/Competencies

• Advanced problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to provide practical and/or innovative solutions to complex technical issues
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively explain and present technical information to various audiences across the organisation
• Ability to plan, prioritize and execute multiple projects and initiatives within established timelines   
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively with some degree of autonomy commensurate with experience

Working Conditions

• Work performed in an environment with occasional exposure to disagreeable or challenging working conditions
• Working effectively from multiple office and remote locations

• Some travel required between office locations, to job sites, and meetings.

How to Apply

If you would like to be considered for this position and meet the qualifications, please submit your resume by visiting our Careers page at https://www.alectra.com/careers.

Alectra is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing a recruitment process that respects the dignity and independence of all candidates. Alectra will consult with all applicants who request accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs, to the point of undue hardship.

We thank all applicants for their interest in a career with Alectra. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.