Temporary Technical Specialist, Advanced Planning

Join our team
Technical Specialist, Advanced Planning (Non-Union)
(Temporary Contract - 12 months)
Vaughan, ON or Guelph, ON
Full-time, 35 hours/ week, Hybrid
At Alectra, we’re not just about powering communities; we’re about empowering our people. We prioritize well-being through a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation and continuous growth. We believe in providing a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and make an impact.
Are you a forward-thinking technical specialist with a passion for innovation in utility operations? The Technical Specialist, Advanced Planning, under the guidance of the Technical Manager, Advanced Planning, plays a crucial role in researching, evaluating, and supporting the deployment of advanced technologies to optimize Alectra's distribution grid. This position focuses on developing artificial intelligence and machine learning initiatives, analyzing utility data, and integrating electric vehicle infrastructure and emerging grid-edge solutions.
What you’ll do
**Innovation and Technology Development**:

- Collaborate with business stakeholders to support the end-to-end development of AI solutions, including problem scoping, model design, execution, and deployment.
- Conduct market research and technical evaluations of emerging grid technologies.
- Assist in designing and integrating new technologies into the utility grid, ensuring compatibility with existing operational protocols and creating necessary single-line diagrams.

**Project Deployment and Maintenance**:

- Support the deployment, commissioning, measurement, and verification of pilot projects for emerging grid technologies.
- Maintain Alectra’s infrastructure, including EV chargers, microgrids, residential nano grids, and IoT devices across service territories and customer locations.

**Documentation and Reporting**:

- Assist in developing user manuals, documentation, and reports for new solutions.
- Contribute to writing technical sections for RFPs and funding proposals.

**Data Analysis and Strategic Support**:

- Perform data aggregation and analysis to drive utility grid innovation.

**Industry Engagement and Professional Development**:

- Participate in industry events, conferences, demonstration tours, and customer visits to stay informed and engaged with current trends.

Who you are
Education & Specialized Knowledge
- Degree in Electrical Engineering or a quantitative/technical discipline such as Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics
- Skilled in coding (preferably Python), with experience in analytics, algorithm development, and machine learning techniques
- Knowledge of distribution systems and technologies
- Knowledge of smart grid technologies
- Knowledge of communication systems (serial, Ethernet) and standards including protocols such as Modbus, IEC61850, DNP3, etc.
- Knowledge of data analytics

Experience
- 2 to 3 years of related work experience, preferably specializing in energy or utilities
- Knowledge of communication networks is a strong asset

Skills/Abilities/Competencies
- Strong strategic, analytical, and communication skills
- Thrive in new and rapidly changing environment
- Ability to provide innovative solutions to complex issues in a timely manner
- Advanced understanding of the operation of distribution grids, smart grid technologies, and data analytics
- Strong research, both qualitative and quantitative, and creative problem-solving skills
- Quality driven with keen attention to details
- Strong results orientation and the ability to effectively manage and deliver technical operations which support the company’s strategic direction
- Energetic and enthusiastic team player to overall success of the organization
- Must hold and maintain a valid class “G” driver’s license

Working Conditions
- Work performed in an environment with minor or almost no exposure to disagreeable or challenging working conditions.

Where you will work
- Location: Vaughan (Cityview) or Guelph (Southgate)/ Hybrid

Who we are
As the largest municipally owned electric utility in Canada, we are committed to growing, evolving and remaining innovative to build a sustainable and brighter future. Our values set us apart and are our fundamental beliefs about our organization:
**Safety**: Stay aware, prevent risks and protect each other.
**Respect**: Value everyone, act honestly and foster inclusion.
**Customer Focus**: Be reliable, anticipate needs and deliver exceptional solutions with care.
**Excellence**: Elevate performance, embrace diversity and deliver quality through collaboration.
**Innovation**: Drive growth by embracing change, creativity and continuous improvement.
**Here’s why Alectra might be your ideal workplace**:

- We invest in your career development. At Alectra, we care about our team’s future through offering ongoing trainings, mentorship and opportunities for advancement.
- We care about you work-life balance. Understanding that taking time off is essential to emplo