Principal Engineer-Substations Major Equip & Flexible AC Trans System (FACTS)
Top Benefits
About the role
Job Level: ENG DP
Date Posted: July 17, 2025
Closing Date: July 24, 2025
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Category: Internal/External Opportunities
We power Alberta. Our transmission lines deliver electricity to millions of Albertans 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you’re on our team, you’re supporting our province’s homes, farms, businesses and industries by providing safe, reliable and cost-effective service. Whether working in the field or in the office, every AltaLinker contributes to keeping the lights on.
Today, the transmission system is more important than ever. As we connect new sources of renewable energy to the grid and support Alberta’s energy transition to net-zero emissions, AltaLink’s transmission system is the backbone of the changing electricity system. With our head office in Calgary, and regional offices in Greater Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge, we have central and southern Alberta covered.
We offer work with meaning, incredible opportunities for development, work life balance and opportunities to contribute to your community. Join our team!
Job Description:
An opening currently exists for a Principal Engineer of Substations Major Equipment & Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) in the Maintenance Program Delivery team within Operations.
This role will appeal to strategic thinking individuals who enjoy technical leadership and solving significant and ambiguous problems leading to better business results.
The Principal Engineer must have well developed leadership capability along with extensive technical expertise in substation equipment and design, both from a vendor and owner perspective. In addition, the Principal Engineer must have a strong understanding of AltaLink’s business including current challenges, opportunities, threats, and direction. In carrying out their duties, the successful candidate will need to engage and collaborate with AltaLink’s extensive engineering community, key business leaders and numerous external parties.
This individual must be comfortable creating long term views and strategies for equipment and technology, developing innovative solutions, setting standards, mentoring junior staff, and challenging the status quo. The Principal Engineer – Substations Major Equipment & Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) interacts with a variety of business units and may be involved in project assignments. Time-management, organizational and interpersonal skills are critical for success in the role.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure alignment of standards and execution across the lifecycle of major equipment and FACTS facilities—from design and construction to operation, maintenance, and end-of-life.
- Collaborate with various teams to set a long-term direction, associated high level strategies, fundamental engineering philosophies and governing principles for analyzing and planning for Major Equipment & Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS).
- Collaborate with project, operations, lifecycle, and field teams to establish and maintain business processes that support safe and reliable equipment operation.
- Work closely with the Principal Engineering group, including the Principal of Substations, to set direction and strategies for major equipment and FACTS systems.
- Provide leadership in resolving complex technical issues related to substation major equipment, FACTS devices, and associated control and auxiliary systems.
- Communicate complex technical and commercial issues clearly to peers and senior management.
- Support internal teams and contractors through technical guidance, training, and mentorship.
- Develop, review, and approve engineering standards, application drawings, testing plans, and training materials.
- Conduct market research, prepare technical specifications, evaluate equipment, and make procurement recommendations.
- Provide technical input and review project scope documents, preliminary and final designs and commissioning test results for maintenance driven capital projects associated with Substations.
- Provide support in the management of equipment databases, analysis tools, system models and testing plans.
- Be a key leader to inspire and facilitate innovation, development, and collaboration within AltaLink’s engineering community.
- Contribute to the continued building of AltaLink’s reputation as a Leader/Innovator in the Power Industry that can be leveraged for AltaLink’ advantage.
- Perform the duties of a Responsible Member as outlined in AltaLink's PPMP.
Requirements
* Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in utility substation equipment, installation, testing, maintenance, and operations.
- Registered or eligible to register as a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
- Proven technical capability associated but not limited to specification, design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, testing, maintaining, and lifecycle planning the following high voltage AC and DC substation systems: Circuit breakers, transformers, regulators, instrument transformers, reactive devices, FACTS equipment such as HVDC systems, SVCs, series and shunt compensation and associated control and auxiliary systems.
- Experience in developing standards, functional specifications, and preparation of test procedures.
- Technical knowledge and understanding of electric transmission system operation, maintenance, performance, power equipment and substation design.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interface with team members and customers to promote positive customer outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to positively influence others and develop strong internal and external working relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience writing clear and concise documentation.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to simultaneously manage a wide variety of issues.
- Demonstrated leadership ability.
- An understanding of the Alberta Transmission Grid technical policy, its suite of technical specifications and compliance requirements would be an advantage.
- A valid driver’s license as some travel within Alberta will be required.
- Proven track record of good attendance and performance.
Notes:
AltaLink employees should be aware that we may contact your manager during the selection process. Some positions may require job specific assessments, regular criminal record checks, additional AltaLink training, medical assessments, annual drivers abstract, and drug tests. Please contact the Hiring Manager or Recruiter for further clarification if required.
We thank all candidates for their interest in a career with AltaLink. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be contacting candidates being considered for an interview. We sincerely appreciate all interest and invite all candidates to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and/or X.
In proceeding with your application, you will be required to submit personal information to AltaLink through our applicant tracking service provider and this information will be accessible to AltaLink personnel involved in AltaLink’s hiring processes. AltaLink also relies on third parties to assist in the hiring process and your information may be provided to them for this purpose. In the application process, AltaLink will require you to provide consent to the collection, use, and storage of your personal information for these purposes.
At AltaLink, we celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fair employment practices, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, family status, source of income, sexual orientation or any other category protected by applicable provincial or federal law.
For eligible positions AltaLink offers optional hybrid work that provides flexibility between working from home and the office.
Benefits
* Extended Healthcare Plan (Medical, Disability, Dental & Vision)
- Spending Accounts
- Competitive Compensation and Bonus Plan
- Defined Contribution Pension Plan and Group RRSP
- Group Life Insurance
- Hybrid Work Schedule for Eligible Roles
- Employee Assistance Program
- Vacation, Earned Time off, Birthdays Off Work and 13 Recognized Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Social Club
- Onsite Parking and Onsite Gym
- Wellness Programs
Principal Engineer-Substations Major Equip & Flexible AC Trans System (FACTS)
Top Benefits
About the role
Job Level: ENG DP
Date Posted: July 17, 2025
Closing Date: July 24, 2025
Job Type: Full-time Permanent
Category: Internal/External Opportunities
We power Alberta. Our transmission lines deliver electricity to millions of Albertans 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you’re on our team, you’re supporting our province’s homes, farms, businesses and industries by providing safe, reliable and cost-effective service. Whether working in the field or in the office, every AltaLinker contributes to keeping the lights on.
Today, the transmission system is more important than ever. As we connect new sources of renewable energy to the grid and support Alberta’s energy transition to net-zero emissions, AltaLink’s transmission system is the backbone of the changing electricity system. With our head office in Calgary, and regional offices in Greater Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge, we have central and southern Alberta covered.
We offer work with meaning, incredible opportunities for development, work life balance and opportunities to contribute to your community. Join our team!
Job Description:
An opening currently exists for a Principal Engineer of Substations Major Equipment & Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) in the Maintenance Program Delivery team within Operations.
This role will appeal to strategic thinking individuals who enjoy technical leadership and solving significant and ambiguous problems leading to better business results.
The Principal Engineer must have well developed leadership capability along with extensive technical expertise in substation equipment and design, both from a vendor and owner perspective. In addition, the Principal Engineer must have a strong understanding of AltaLink’s business including current challenges, opportunities, threats, and direction. In carrying out their duties, the successful candidate will need to engage and collaborate with AltaLink’s extensive engineering community, key business leaders and numerous external parties.
This individual must be comfortable creating long term views and strategies for equipment and technology, developing innovative solutions, setting standards, mentoring junior staff, and challenging the status quo. The Principal Engineer – Substations Major Equipment & Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) interacts with a variety of business units and may be involved in project assignments. Time-management, organizational and interpersonal skills are critical for success in the role.
Responsibilities:
- Ensure alignment of standards and execution across the lifecycle of major equipment and FACTS facilities—from design and construction to operation, maintenance, and end-of-life.
- Collaborate with various teams to set a long-term direction, associated high level strategies, fundamental engineering philosophies and governing principles for analyzing and planning for Major Equipment & Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS).
- Collaborate with project, operations, lifecycle, and field teams to establish and maintain business processes that support safe and reliable equipment operation.
- Work closely with the Principal Engineering group, including the Principal of Substations, to set direction and strategies for major equipment and FACTS systems.
- Provide leadership in resolving complex technical issues related to substation major equipment, FACTS devices, and associated control and auxiliary systems.
- Communicate complex technical and commercial issues clearly to peers and senior management.
- Support internal teams and contractors through technical guidance, training, and mentorship.
- Develop, review, and approve engineering standards, application drawings, testing plans, and training materials.
- Conduct market research, prepare technical specifications, evaluate equipment, and make procurement recommendations.
- Provide technical input and review project scope documents, preliminary and final designs and commissioning test results for maintenance driven capital projects associated with Substations.
- Provide support in the management of equipment databases, analysis tools, system models and testing plans.
- Be a key leader to inspire and facilitate innovation, development, and collaboration within AltaLink’s engineering community.
- Contribute to the continued building of AltaLink’s reputation as a Leader/Innovator in the Power Industry that can be leveraged for AltaLink’ advantage.
- Perform the duties of a Responsible Member as outlined in AltaLink's PPMP.
Requirements
* Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in utility substation equipment, installation, testing, maintenance, and operations.
- Registered or eligible to register as a Professional Engineer with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA).
- Proven technical capability associated but not limited to specification, design, manufacture, installation, commissioning, testing, maintaining, and lifecycle planning the following high voltage AC and DC substation systems: Circuit breakers, transformers, regulators, instrument transformers, reactive devices, FACTS equipment such as HVDC systems, SVCs, series and shunt compensation and associated control and auxiliary systems.
- Experience in developing standards, functional specifications, and preparation of test procedures.
- Technical knowledge and understanding of electric transmission system operation, maintenance, performance, power equipment and substation design.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in a team environment.
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills to interface with team members and customers to promote positive customer outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to positively influence others and develop strong internal and external working relationships.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience writing clear and concise documentation.
- Excellent organizational skills and the ability to simultaneously manage a wide variety of issues.
- Demonstrated leadership ability.
- An understanding of the Alberta Transmission Grid technical policy, its suite of technical specifications and compliance requirements would be an advantage.
- A valid driver’s license as some travel within Alberta will be required.
- Proven track record of good attendance and performance.
Notes:
AltaLink employees should be aware that we may contact your manager during the selection process. Some positions may require job specific assessments, regular criminal record checks, additional AltaLink training, medical assessments, annual drivers abstract, and drug tests. Please contact the Hiring Manager or Recruiter for further clarification if required.
We thank all candidates for their interest in a career with AltaLink. Due to the high volume of applications, we will only be contacting candidates being considered for an interview. We sincerely appreciate all interest and invite all candidates to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and/or X.
In proceeding with your application, you will be required to submit personal information to AltaLink through our applicant tracking service provider and this information will be accessible to AltaLink personnel involved in AltaLink’s hiring processes. AltaLink also relies on third parties to assist in the hiring process and your information may be provided to them for this purpose. In the application process, AltaLink will require you to provide consent to the collection, use, and storage of your personal information for these purposes.
At AltaLink, we celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fair employment practices, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, family status, source of income, sexual orientation or any other category protected by applicable provincial or federal law.
For eligible positions AltaLink offers optional hybrid work that provides flexibility between working from home and the office.
Benefits
* Extended Healthcare Plan (Medical, Disability, Dental & Vision)
- Spending Accounts
- Competitive Compensation and Bonus Plan
- Defined Contribution Pension Plan and Group RRSP
- Group Life Insurance
- Hybrid Work Schedule for Eligible Roles
- Employee Assistance Program
- Vacation, Earned Time off, Birthdays Off Work and 13 Recognized Holidays
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Social Club
- Onsite Parking and Onsite Gym
- Wellness Programs