Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title
Engineering Technical Lead (Electrical)

Position Summary

The Engineering Technical Lead will oversee the engineering of the projects within a portfolio of Applied Research. This position has accountability to ensure the engineering completed adheres to APEGA guidelines. In this regard, the Engineering Technical Lead will need to bring a blend of technical knowledge, innovative thinking, project management, operational engagement, and employee mentorship to their role. The Engineering Technical Lead will be accountable for responsibly supporting and leading the engineering aspects in their field of expertise.

The Engineering Technical Lead will be responsible for evaluating, researching, and developing new ideas, prototypes, and solutions to support our client needs. In this dynamic, fast paced, and applied research environment, the engineer will be troubleshooting and problem-solving products, designs, and processes. The ideal candidate enjoys solving challenging problems and working with both the Applied Research and RDP team and the companies we serve.

The Engineering Technical Lead will create engineering designs, collaborate with key suppliers, and oversee the various projects within their area of expertise. The engineer will also be responsible for improving the performance and efficiency of existing systems and products.

Position Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Provides engineering advice on an ad-hoc basis or as part of an applied research project
• Provides direct technical oversight for technical team members, work, and projects associated with Applied Research centres
• Contributes to strategic planning and direction for Applied Research centres with technical advice and recommendations
• Identifies growth opportunities for Applied Research, including capacity building and strategic direction, in consultation with Applied Research Leadership
• Assesses all research and industry service project requests to determine fit with Applied Research capabilities, and supports Project Manager with assignment a project leader and team members for each initiative being pursued
• Communicates with external stakeholders with regard to service level capabilities, project scope of work, expectation management, and conflict resolution
• Provides direction and assigns resources for Applied Research
• Works collaboratively with internal and external teams to promote, pursue, and represent RDP's applied research objectives within the region as well as on a provincial, national, and global scale
• Provides leadership and is responsible supporting the planning, creating, developing, delivering, and managing research projects associated with the Applied Research as directed by the Director
• Brings extensive technical knowledge and experience to deliver project-based outcomes directly to industry partners in a timely manner
• Exercises a high level of influence on research activities to support timely, successful outcomes for clients
• Facilitates the communication and support of research results to appropriate parties
• Oversees analysis, interpretation, ethics and dissemination requirements, decisions, and data of participants, including RDP, associated with research projects
• Develops policies and procedures related to Applied Research projects, industrial sponsored research, and new technologies

Technology Development

• Supervises external customer projects and internal research and development projects, execute per the scope and deliverables, and provide technical guidance to the project team to deliver high quality results
• Develops solutions for client-directed applied research considering implementation of innovative technologies in a cost-effective manner, including design feasibility, environmental impact, and safety
• Reviews and applies engineering design expertise to applied research projects, designs, and drawings
• Evaluates and develops products and processes by designing and conducting research programs, applying knowledge within the area of expertise (including engineering specific design, simulation, and integration), conferring with equipment vendors; soliciting observations from operators, and improving processes by researching and studying advancements within the area of engineering practice
• Develops commercial ready plans and strategies for clients; improves efficiency by analyzing and planning specific requirements for the project
• Uses energy systems software for digital twin and simulation for rapid technology adoption, testing and validation.
• Applies industrial standards and certification to applied research projects
• Leads activities to identify applications suitable for advanced technology adoption
• Assures product and process quality by designing testing methods; testing finished-product and process capabilities; establishing standards; confirming processes
• Collaborates with other engineers, technologists, faculty, managers, and business and administrative team
• Estimates and establishes cost parameters and budgets for design
• Modifies existing products or processes to increase efficiency or improve performance
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; participating in professional societies
• Authenticates documents as per APEGA and RDP's PPM

Personnel and Project Management

• Responsible for effective recruitment, selection, supervision, initiates performance enhancement in compliance with People and Culture policies and procedures, FOIPP, and collective agreements in support of a high performing team, escalates issues and actions to supervisor
• Oversees and supervises technical work of Applied Research engineering and technical staff, third party consultants working in a technical capacity, and provides indirect management & coordination of students involved in projects
• Trains technical team members in best practices, identifies training opportunities and coaches' technical staff through goal setting and career progression
• Reviews, assesses, and provides support to Director and Project Manager for the fluid support structure and processes to ensure the effective and efficient distribution and delegation of work
• Directs the day-to-day technical operations of direct reports
• Provides leadership by disseminating information, providing feedback, advising, and coaching all technical employees under direct supervision
• Establishes and maintains a team-based approach among Applied Research employees and collaborators in exploring and completing innovation projects
• Maintains confidentiality of personal information in accordance with Polytechnic policy, procedures, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Ensures that all regulations of Occupational Health and Safety are adhered to in order to provide a safe work environment and follows up on reports generated by People and Culture to ensure compliance with OH&S and WHMIS training

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, with exceptional experience
• Masters' degree in engineering or related field preferred

Experience

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in electrical & power system engineering or similar field
• A minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience in industrial projects or applied research.
• A track record of applied research projects with various stakeholders that translate to commercialization and meaningful outcomes
• P. Eng with APEGA is required

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated experience in commercialization and deployment of advanced energy technologies, including grid-connected systems, microgrids, and energy storage solutions
• Proven expertise in research design, data analytics, and leadership of applied research programs within power systems and energy domains
• Ability to define, negotiate, and align responsibilities, expectations, and deliverables with diverse stakeholders, including utilities, industry partners, and government agencies
• Strong track record in leading and delivering complex, industry-driven projects in electrical power systems, energy infrastructure, or digital energy platforms
• Ability to build and sustain cross-functional teams and external partnerships to successfully execute high-impact energy projects
• Demonstrated agility in adapting to evolving project requirements, emerging technologies, and fast-paced innovation environments
• Excellent communication, technical writing, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex power systems concepts to diverse audiences

Skills and Abilities (Energy Systems Specific)

• Deep expertise in electrical power systems, including grid integration, power distribution, protection systems, and grid modernization
• Hands-on experience with microgrid design, control strategies, and integration of distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar PV, CHP, and BESS
• Strong understanding of battery energy storage systems (BESS), including system sizing, performance analysis, degradation, and grid services applications
• Experience with power system modeling, simulation, and analysis tools (e.g., CMYE Models, ETAP, DIgSILENT PowerFactory, PSCAD, MATLAB/Simulink,)
• Familiarity with digital twin technologies, real-time monitoring systems, and data-driven optimization of energy systems
• Knowledge of smart grid technologies, SCADA systems, IoT-enabled energy platforms, and connected building ecosystems
• Understanding of grid optimization techniques, demand response, and energy management systems (EMS)
• Experience working with electrical codes, standards, and utility interconnection requirements (e.g., CSA, IEEE, NEC where applicable)
• Techno Economic Analysis (TEA) is a required skill set (CapEx, OpEx, NPV, IRR, LCOV etc)

Preferred Qualifications

Values and Ethics
• Ability to promote a positive environment through honesty, integrity and ethical behavior
• Trusted to keep confidential information private and able to be discreet
• Integrates College's values into departmental and individual practices

Self-Awareness, Self-Mastery
• Awareness of own preferences, traits, and behaviors and the impact they can have on others
• Emotional intelligence in managing own and others' feelings and behaviors
• Able to promote a positive environment through honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior

Interpersonal Skills
• Communicates openly and honestly to promote and enhance a collaborative environment
• Able to give and receive constructive feedback in a climate of cooperation and respect

Vision and Decision Making
• Able to articulate and engage others in pursuit of the institution/department vision
• Demonstrates consistency, persistence, and accountability in action taken

Building Teamwork and Community
• Able to develop and implement processes to build teams
• Promotes, enhances, and facilitates a collaborative, cooperative and supportive environment where individuals work together

Developing and Inspiring Others
• Able to facilitate and promote an environment of growth and success
• Encourages, supports, and respect the goals, aspirations and contributions of others
• Is a positive role model, and mentor/coach

Change and Transition
• Able to create a safe environment that promotes positive development, transition, and change
• Communicates to support transition and demonstrates patience with change

Salary or Hourly?
Salary

Salary
$106,957 - $130,007

Benefits and Compensation Information

Red Deer Polytechnic offers a comprehensive benefits package including extended health and dental care through Blue Cross, access to a health spending account, pension plan, Employee & Family Assistance Program, generous vacation allotments, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional devel