Electrical Engineer: Utility

Excellence in Energy Innovation

Saint John Energy is an award-winning, internationally recognized distribution utility serving the citizens of Saint John, New Brunswick since 1922. We deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions while championing sustainability and the well-being of our community.

Guided by our principles of Safety & Wellness, Customer & Community, Integrity, and Bravery, we are committed to providing exceptional customer value, advancing clean energy, and investing in our people and communities.

Saint John Energy is a forward-thinking, community-owned utility committed to delivering safe, reliable energy while leading the transition toward a clean, sustainable future. Through our flagship Zero30 initiative, we are pioneering one of Canada's most innovative pathways to net-zero-combining renewable energy, energy storage, digital modernization, and distributed-energy resource (DER) integration to reshape how a utility can operate in the 21st century.

As we build the Utility of the Future, we are transforming our grid into a modern, flexible, and intelligent energy system that supports electrification, clean-energy adoption, advanced analytics, and evolving customer needs. We are seeking engineers who share our commitment to innovation-individuals eager to contribute to grid modernization, renewable integration, asset management, and next-generation energy solutions that will power a sustainable tomorrow for Saint John and beyond.

Applications for the role of Distribution Engineer will be accepted until Monday, February 9th at 11:00am.

Role Overview

The Distribution Engineer contributes to the planning, design, analysis, and continual improvement of Saint John Energy's electrical distribution system, asset management programs, and emerging grid technologies. This role spans hands-on engineering, system analysis, innovation, and support for modernization and sustainability goals. Candidates with a broad range of experience levels are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering Design & System Analysis

- Support or lead the design, development, and implementation of distribution electrical projects, including lines, substations, street lighting, and system upgrades.

- Prepare technical specifications, design packages, estimates, and contract documentation.

- Conduct electrical system studies (e.g., load flow, short circuit, reliability, protection).

- Perform system protection analysis and participate in the implementation of protection plans.

- Maintain and update engineering records, standards, and system documentation.

Asset Management & System Performance

- Monitor asset lifecycles and contribute to risk-based asset management decisions.

- Support the development and implementation of asset management plans across critical asset classes.

- Participate in improving asset-health models (probability of failure, consequence of failure, risk).

- Assist in optimizing enterprise asset management systems.

- Contribute to budgeting and planning for capital and operational programs.

Renewables, DER Management & Emerging Grid Technologies

- Support the expansion, engineering, and integration of renewable energy resources, distributed energy resource (DER) management capabilities, and enabling technologies.

- Contribute to initiatives that enhance system visibility, automation, reliability, and operational performance.

- Participate in the research, evaluation, and deployment of emerging distribution and clean-energy technologies that strengthen grid flexibility, resilience, and intelligence.

- Support innovation initiatives related to digitalization, automation, advanced analytics, and modern utility data systems-including technologies that enable effective monitoring, control, and optimization of renewable and DER assets.

- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners on technology and modernization projects aligned with organizational strategy.

Project Execution & Coordination

- Coordinate internal and external resources for engineering and construction projects.

- Support procurement activities, including the preparation of specifications, tenders, and vendor coordination.

- Liaise with external agencies, customers, and contractors regarding technical requirements.

- Participate in project management activities throughout the project lifecycle.

- Provide technical input into business case development and strategic decision-making.

Collaboration, Compliance & Organizational Support

- Work closely with Operations, Technology, Asset Management, and Regulatory teams to align engineering work with organizational objectives.

- Support environmental management initiatives, including ISO14001 EMS participation.

- Contribute to NERC reliability compliance activities.

- Provide technical guidance or training to colleagues as required.

- Participate in safety investigations and maintain a strong safety-first culture.

Working Conditions

- 40 hours per week (8:00-5:00).

- Combination of office and field environments, including construction site exposure.

- Ability to verify or physically implement aspects of distribution system designs.

Qualifications

Education & Licensing

- Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering (or related discipline).

- Eligibility for, or registration with, APEGNB (EIT or P.Eng).

- Valid class 5 Driver's Licence

Technical Skills & Experience

Experience in any of the following areas is considered valuable:

- Distribution system planning, analysis, and design (e.g., CYME).

- Line design and structural analysis tools (e.g., PLS-CADD, SPIDAcalc).

- Grid automation, communications systems, or digital grid technologies.

- Asset management methodologies or reliability engineering.

- System protection analysis and protection coordination.

- Development of engineering specifications, drawings, and contract documents.

- Project management, vendor coordination, and construction support.

- Knowledge of industry regulations, utility standards, and NERC requirements.

Professional & Behavioural Attributes

- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

- Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across diverse teams.

- High level of professionalism, discretion, and business decorum.

- Self-motivated and able to work independently when required.

- Passion for sustainability and commitment to net-zero goals.

Assets (Not Required)

- Experience with renewable energy, DERMS, distribution automation, or energy storage technologies.

- Supplemental training in project management, finance, or applied engineering.

- Experience preparing business cases or participating in feasibility studies.