Engineering Technical Lead

Engineering Technical Lead

Red Deer Polytechnic’s Energy Innovation Centre (EIC) is at the forefront of applied research and industry collaboration, advancing the integration of next‑generation energy systems across Canada. The EIC enables rapid validation and deployment of innovative energy solutions at scale, anchored by the campus Energy Living Lab, a real‑world, data‑rich environment that integrates renewable energy, smart infrastructure, and advanced control systems.

We are seeking a highly skilled and forward‑thinking Technical Lead to provide technical leadership across a portfolio of complex, multi‑disciplinary energy projects. The successful candidate will design, validate, and deploy intelligent energy systems that integrate renewable generation, storage, and advanced control strategies, leveraging the campus labs for real‑time testing, optimization, and demonstration. The role requires deep expertise in modern power systems, grid optimization, smart grids, digital twins, and connected building ecosystems, with a strong emphasis on translating emerging technologies into scalable, field‑ready applications. The position is term‑certain and is not eligible for conversion to permanent status due to conditional funding.

Position Responsibilities

• 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 research and industry service project requests to determine fit with applied research capabilities, and supports the project manager with assignment of a project leader and team members
• Communicates with external stakeholders regarding 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, province, and worldwide
• Provides leadership and is responsible for supporting the planning, creation, development, delivery, and management of research projects 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
• Develops policies and procedures related to applied research projects, industrial‑sponsored research, and new technologies
• Supervises external customer projects and internal research and development projects, executing per scope and deliverables, and providing technical guidance to deliver high‑quality results
• Develops client‑directed solutions 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 area of expertise, collaborating with vendors, and improving processes through research
• Develops commercial‑ready plans and strategies for clients; improves efficiency by analyzing and planning specific requirements for projects
• 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, and 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, and participating in professional societies
• Authenticates documents as per APEGA and RDP’s PPM
• Responsible for effective recruitment, selection, supervision, and performance enhancement in compliance with People & Culture policies, FOIPP, and collective agreements
• Oversees and supervises technical work of applied research engineering and technical staff, third‑party consultants, and provides indirect management of students involved in projects
• Trains technical team members in best practices, identifies training opportunities, and coaches them through goal setting and career progression
• Reviews, assesses, and provides support to the director and project manager for support structure and processes to ensure effective distribution 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 policy, procedures, and the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act
• Ensures 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 & Culture to ensure compliance with OH&S and WHMIS training

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, with exceptional experience
• Master’s degree in engineering or related field preferred

Experience

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in electrical & power system engineering or similar field
• Minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience in industrial projects or applied research
• Track record of applied research projects with various stakeholders that translate to commercialization and meaningful outcomes
• Professional Engineer with APEGA 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 such as solar PV, CHP, and BESS
• Strong understanding of battery energy storage systems, 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) required skill set (CapEx, OpEx, NPV, IRR, LCOV, etc)

Preferred Qualifications

Values and Ethics

• Promote a positive environment through honesty, integrity, and ethical behavior
• Keep confidential information private and be discreet
• Integrate college values into departmental and individual practices

Self‑Awareness, Self‑Mastery

• Aware of own preferences, traits, and behaviors and their impact on others
• Emotional intelligence in managing own and others’ feelings and behaviors
• Promote a positive environment through honesty and integrity

Interpersonal Skills

• Communicate openly and honestly to promote and enhance a collaborative environment
• Give and receive constructive feedback in a climate of cooperation and respect

Vision and Decision Making

• Articulate and engage others in pursuit of the institution/department vision
• Demonstrate consistency, persistence, and accountability in action taken

Building Teamwork and Community

• Develop and implement processes to build teams
• Promote, enhance, and facilitate a collaborative, cooperative and supportive environment where individuals work together

Developing and Inspiring Others

• Facilitate and promote an environment of growth and success
• Encourage, support, and respect the goals, aspirations and contributions of others
• Positive role model, mentor, and coach

Change and Transition

• Create a safe environment that promotes positive development, transition, and change
• Communicate to support transition and demonstrate patience with change

Benefits

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 allocations, credit tuition waivers and opportunities for professional development funding. Eligibility is dependent upon the exempt terms and conditions of employment and related policies.

EEO Statement

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to a merit‑based hiring process, and we believe in an inclusive workplace that is fair, equitable, supportive, welcoming and respectful. We recognize, value, and leverage differences in identities, abilities, background, cultures, skills, experiences, and perspectives. Our practices are guided by the principles of the Alberta Human Rights Act and support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action.

Contact

Email: View email address on ca.talent.com

Documents Needed To Apply

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Reference Names and Contact Information (optional)
• Letter of Recommendation (optional)