Lead Engineer - Transmission Line (Underground)

Qualus; Calgary; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

Life Insurance

Short and Long-Term Disability

RRSP Match

Flexible Spending Accounts

Parental Leave

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Qualus is seeking a Lead Transmission Engineer (Underground Cables) to join our Transmission & Distribution Canada team in Vancouver, BC or Calgary, AB. You will lead complex underground transmission cable projects for utilities and renewable clients across Canada, providing technical leadership through all project phases from routing to commissioning.

The role ideal for an experienced engineer who mentors others, delivers high-quality engineering packages, and can act as PoR on major cable

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or related field and P.Eng. in BC (EGBC) or Alberta (APEGA) or ability to obtain.
• 10–15 years of experience in high voltage transmission/distribution underground cable systems.
• Experience as technical lead or Professional-of-Record on transmission line or cable projects.
• Strong expertise in underground cable design including routing, duct banks, thermal analysis, bonding/grounding, and installation methodologies.
• Experience with urban routing, HDD installations, utility coordination, and permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, routing, design, and execution of underground transmission cable projects from 12 kV to 500 kV.
• Serve as Professional-of-Record, ensuring technical accuracy, quality, and compliance of design deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership for underground cable system design (routing, ampacity, installation design).
• Develop and approve key deliverables (route studies, plan and profile drawings, duct bank and trench designs).
• Oversee advanced analyses (ampacity, thermal performance, short-circuit, grounding).
• Lead constructability efforts focusing on urban constraints, HDDs, crossings, and permitting.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Client-facing

Project management

Technical leadership

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

P.Eng. in BC/AB eligible

Tools

CYMCAP

ETAP

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Power your future with Qualus in our Transmission & Distribution Canada business. We are seeking a Lead Transmission Engineer (Underground Cables) to join our team in Vancouver, BC or Calgary, AB. In this role, you will lead complex underground transmission cable projects supporting utility and renewable energy clients across Canada. You will provide technical leadership across all phases of project execution, from routing and feasibility studies through detailed design, construction, and commissioning, while collaborating with multidisciplinary engineering teams.

This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives in a technical leadership role, enjoys mentoring others, and brings a strong track record delivering high-quality engineering package for underground transmission cable systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, routing, design, and execution of underground transmission cable 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 for underground cable system design, including:
• Cable selection and ampacity analysis
• Thermal resistivity studies and installation design
• Cable routing, trenching, and duct bank design
• Jointing, termination, and transition station design
• Lead the development, review, and approval of key deliverables, including:
• Route selection studies and feasibility assessments
• Plan and profile drawings for cable alignments
• Duct bank and trench designs
• Joint bay, termination, and transition station designs
• Installation details and construction packages
• Oversee and review advanced engineering analyses, including:
• Cable ampacity and thermal performance (e.g., CYMCAP)
• Short-circuit and sheath bonding analysis
• Induced voltage and grounding studies
• Cable pulling and installation calculations
• Provide leadership in constructability, with a focus on urban constraints, HDD installations, crossings, and permitting considerations
• Develop and approve engineering documents such as design criteria, technical specifications, and reports
• Act as a key technical interface with clients, utilities, and stakeholders, supporting project delivery and business development
• Support proposals, including scoping, estimating, and technical approach development for underground cable opportunities
• Lead client meetings, routing workshops, and technical design reviews
• Mentor and develop engineers, EITs, and designers
• Review and approve vendor submissions and coordinate with cable suppliers and installers
• Provide senior engineering support during construction, including site reviews, RFI responses, and resolution of complex field issues
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (overhead, civil, geotechnical, environmental, permitting, and utilities) to ensure integrated and constructible designs
• Ensure projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget while maintaining high-quality standards
• Champion safety-by-design, quality, and continuous improvement across all work

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering discipline
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in BC (EGBC) or Alberta (APEGA), or ability to obtain
• 10-15 years of experience in high voltage transmission/distribution underground cable systems
• Demonstrated experience acting as technical lead or Professional-of-Record on transmission line or cable projects
• Strong expertise in underground cable design, including routing, duct banks, thermal analysis, bonding/grounding, and installation methodologies
• Experience with urban routing, HDD installations, utility coordination, and permitting processes
• Experience with Canadian utilities is an asset
• In-depth knowledge of applicable codes and standards (Canadian Electrical Code [CSA C22.1], IEEE, IEC) and understanding of OH&S requirements
• Proficiency with relevant tools (e.g., CYMCAP, ETAP, AutoCAD); familiarity with Civil 3D for cable routing and corridor coordination is an asset
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Be a team player and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong client-facing experience

Benefits & Compensation

Qualus benefits offered include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, RRSP Match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays, for those who qualify.

The final salary awarded for this role may vary from the above range based on several factors including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs. The salary range provided in this job posting may be subject to change for business purposes.

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.