Description

At Hydro Ottawa, we empower the lives of the people in the communities we serve. 

We help to power your professional growth at every step of your engineering career. For those starting out, we provide the training and skills needed to achieve your P.Eng. designation, and for established engineers, our structured framework offers a clear, transparent pathways to intermediate and senior levels. Wherever you are in your career, there’s a path for growth ahead of you here.

As the electricity distributor to the Nation’s Capital, our work powers the essential activities that make up our lives - at home, at work and at play. And as Ontario’s largest municipally-owned producer of green power, we are leading the way to a greener tomorrow. 

We are seeking a Smart Grid Engineer, a strategic thinker who can take initiatives from concept to completion and engineer the way to a smart energy future.

Are you ready to make a difference in our community?

JOB SUMMARY

The Smart Grid Engineer is responsible for spearheading the modernization, management, and optimization of Hydro Ottawa’s operational technology (OT) to enhance grid reliability, durability, and flexibility while maximizing distribution asset return on investment. Beyond standard operational support, this role takes ownership of OT systems, drives data analytics initiatives, and architect interfaces that integrate diverse OT systems. Partnering across Digital Transformation and Distribution divisions, the Smart Grid Engineer translates complex operational challenges into scalable, automated, and data-backed solutions. 

Additionally, this role provides strategic technical direction for OT system deployment, vendor evaluations and future customer needs. The Smart Grid Engineer oversees core grid technology functions, including technical design, end-to-end project management, implementation, workflow automation, and budget planning, in addition to contributing to engineering standards and processes.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee, manage, and optimize OT applications (including SCADA, ADMS, OMS, and GIS) to ensure maximum availability, security, and operational efficiency.
• Architect, develop, and secure scalable IT/OT infrastructure and interfaces, seamlessly integrating diverse systems with cybersecurity protocols and data management frameworks to ensure system resiliency.
• Oversee and optimize operational databases and data platforms (e.g., SQL, PI Historian, Snowflake), maintaining data integrity, high availability, and optimal query performance.
• Develop and leverage data analytics utilizing tools such as PI, Snowflake, or AI/ML frameworks to support corporate efforts to extend distribution asset life  and optimize grid performance.
• Automate and enhance operational workflows, establishing standardized technical documentation to streamline departmental processes and improve efficiency.
• Translate complex operational technical data into clear, actionable insights for cross-functional stakeholders.
• Evaluate emerging vendor technologies and engineer scalable solutions to resolve ambiguous issues and high-impact distribution grid challenges.
• Drive the OT technology roadmap, providing strategic input into system deployments, project planning, budget development, and business planning processes.
• Lead special projects and perform other related duties as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Undergraduate degree in Engineering from an accredited university
• Professional Engineer, licensed or able to be licensed in the province of Ontario
• Experience in requirements gathering and cross-functional coordination with clients and vendors to deliver robust solutions for complex technical challenges
• Experience in enterprise architecture, interface design/development, database administration (e.g., relational, time-series), and data management systems (e.g. Pi Historian, Snowflake) considered an asset
• Strong technical background with exposure to cybersecurity, system integrations, Artificial Intelligence (AI), or infrastructure protocols considered an asset
• Experience in an electric utility engineering environment considered an asset
• Project Management and/or PMP Certification considered an asset
• Experience in managing, deploying, and optimizing OT applications (such as SCADA, ADMS, OMS, or GIS) is considered an asset.
• Strong computer skills; proficient in the use of office productivity and collaboration tools, preferably Google Workspace

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• English essential, both oral and written; Bilingual (English/French) considered an asset

This is a management group opportunity and salary will be commensurate with qualifications.

Hydro Ottawa offers a Hybrid Work Model. Hybrid work is position specific, details of the hybrid model will be discussed with successful candidates.

Hydro Ottawa may use artificial intelligence (“AI”) during the recruitment process to aid in the screening and selection of candidates.