Lead Electrical Engineer - Substation

Job summary

The Lead Electrical Engineer will oversee the planning, design, and delivery of complex substation projects ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV. They will serve as the Professional-of-Record, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams to ensure project quality and compliance.

Job details

Position Overview Power your future with Qualus in our Transmission & Distribution Canada business. We are seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer (P.Eng.) to join our growing team in Calgary, AB. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex substation projects, support utility and renewable energy clients, and play a key role in expanding our presence in Canada. You will provide technical leadership across all phases of project execution, from concept development through detailed design, construction, and commissioning. This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a leadership role, enjoys mentoring others, and brings a strong track record of delivering high-quality substation designs. Responsibilities Lead the planning, design, and delivery of electrical substation projects ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV. Serve as Professional-of-Record (PoR), taking accountability for technical accuracy, quality, and compliance of design deliverables. Provide technical leadership and oversight for substation design activities, including layouts, station service systems, and equipment selection. Lead the development, review, and approval of key deliverables, including: One-line and phasing diagrams Substation layouts, sections, and equipment arrangements Grounding/grid design and studies Conduit and cable routing designs Oversee and review advanced engineering analyses, including grounding, lightning protection, insulation coordination, and bus design. Develop and approve engineering documents such as design criteria, specifications, reports, and construction packages. Act as the primary technical interface with clients, utilities, and stakeholders, supporting business development and project execution. Lead client meetings, technical workshops, and design reviews, including constructability and risk assessments. Provide mentorship, guidance, and technical oversight to engineers, EITs, and designers. Review and approve vendor drawings and technical submissions to ensure alignment with specifications and project requirements. Provide senior engineering support during construction, including field reviews, responding to RFIs, and resolving complex technical issues. Coordinate across multidisciplinary teams (civil/structural, protection & control, telecom, etc.) to ensure integrated designs. Ensure projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget while maintaining high-quality standards. Champion safety-by-design principles, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives. Prepare estimates and proposals based on Request for Quotation (RFQ) requirements. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized university. Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada (registration in British Columbia or ability to obtain). 10–15 years of experience in transmission & distribution, with a strong focus on substation design. Demonstrated experience acting as technical lead or Professional-of-Record on substation projects. Strong expertise in substation design, including layouts, grounding systems, bus design, and major equipment integration. Experience working with Canadian utilities (e.g., BC Hydro, ENMAX, FortisBC, Hydro One, Hydro Quebec, etc.) is highly desirable. In-depth knowledge of applicable codes and standards (Canadian Electrical Code [CSA C22.1], IEEE, IEC) and understanding of OH&S requirements. Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development capabilities. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong client relationships. Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with sound engineering judgment. #LI-MM1 Benefits & Compensation Qualus offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, Retirement Savings Plans (including employer matching where applicable), Flexible Spending and/or Health Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays. Benefits offerings may vary based on position, work location, and eligibility requirements. The compensation range for this position is provided in accordance with applicable laws and market practices. The final base salary offered may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, internal equity, performance, and business needs. Compensation ranges are subject to change at the Company's discretion and as permitted by applicable law. Company Overview Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, energy efficiency and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 2,000 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada. Equal Opportunity Employer We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US. We are committed to a secure and transparent hiring process. We do not request payment or sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, during the application process. Please use caution and verify opportunities through our official channels.

What you’ll do

The Lead Electrical Engineer will oversee the planning, design, and delivery of complex substation projects ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV. They will serve as the Professional-of-Record, providing technical leadership, mentorship, and coordination across multidisciplinary teams to ensure project quality and compliance.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and be a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada. The role requires 10–15 years of experience in transmission and distribution with a strong focus on substation design and expertise in relevant codes and standards.

Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Short-term Disability
• Long-term Disability
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Parental Leave
• Paid Time Off
• Company Holidays

Listed skills

• Engineering Analysis · Preferred
• Quality assurance · Preferred
• Regulatory Compliance · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Stakeholder Management · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Substation Design
• Electrical Engineering
• Technical Leadership
• Project Management
• Grounding Design
• Lightning Protection
• Insulation Coordination
• Bus Design
• Mentoring
• Stakeholder Management
• Construction Support
• Quality Assurance
• Safety-by-design
• Engineering Analysis
• Regulatory Compliance
• Request For Quotation (RFQ)
• Safety by Design
• Workplace Inclusivity
• Technical Issues
• Accountability
• Cable Routing
• Ability To Meet Deadlines
• Time Off Management
• Project Implementation
• Equipment Selection
• Resilience
• Planning
• Electrical Power Transmission And Distribution
• Telecommunications
• Social Security
• Business Development
• Construction
• Decision Making
• Communication
• Constructability
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Data Security
• Engineering Design Process
• Grounding Systems
• Electrical Codes
• Employee Assistance Programs
• Engineering Support
• Leadership
• Interpersonal Communications
• Problem Solving
• Legislation
• Mentorship
• Program Management
• Quality Management
• Risk Analysis

Job areas

• Engineering
• Energy
• Management & Leadership
• Construction
• Consulting
• Substation Electrical Engineer
• Electrical Substation Engineer
• Electrical Engineers

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