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.

• 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…