Protection and Control Substation Engineer

Socket.dev; Saskatoon, Winnipeg; Hybrid; CAD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

RRSP matching

Generous vacation & benefits

Mentorship & growth opportunities

Safety‑driven culture

Flexible/hybrid work schedule

Job summary

Primary Engineering and Construction Corporation is seeking a Protection and Control Engineer to lead the design of high‑voltage substations, focusing on protection, control, automation, and related systems across Canada.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering and is a P.Eng in Canada or eligible, with 6–8 years of experience. Hybrid work options are available; strong English communication is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Professional Engineer in Canada or eligible for registration.
• 6–8 years of relevant experience in electrical utility, power systems, protection and control, or substation engineering.
• Experience in protection and control design for electric substations.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks with accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and engineering of high‑voltage substations for protection, control, automation, and related systems.
• Prepare and oversee engineering deliverables: schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, control logic, and equipment specifications.
• Develop protection and control systems including relays, instrument transformers, metering, and annunciation.
• Perform studies and calculations: short-circuit, coordination, CT/VT application, relay settings, load calculations.
• Mentor engineers, manage project execution, and maintain client relationships.

Skills

Protection & control design

High voltage substations

Project leadership

Electrical engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Protection relaying

Single-line diagrams

Control systems

Job description

Primary Engineering and Construction Corporation (Primary) is a leading provider of professional engineering and construction services. Our diverse teams and inclusive culture are the core that powers Primary, enabling us to tailor solutions to clients' and Engineering communities’ specific needs through listening to and embracing unique perspectives. Primary connects them to what is possible today and provides a solid foundation for tomorrow.

We offer an extensive array of comprehensive engineering design and design/build services encompassing power system engineering, design-build services for utilities, joint use and telecommunication design, traffic and transportation engineering, and renewable energy systems. These services cater to a diverse range of clients, including electric utility companies, developers, builders, commercial and industrial businesses, mining companies, government, and private contractors. We are driven to build long-term relationships with both our customers and employees.

At Primary, we are dedicated to fostering an open and safe environment where all voices, whether from our team members, clients, or community, are valued and heard. As we grow our company, we remain committed to breaking down barriers and creating new opportunities within our industry.

Are you ready to electrify your career and help shape the grid of tomorrow?

At Primarywe aren’t just keeping the lights on, we are engineering the high-voltage backbone of a cleaner, smarter, and more resilient energy future. As a Protection and Control Engineer, you will be at the forefront of powering communities, integrating cutting-edge renewable technologies, and driving the transition toward a sustainable energy landscape.

If you are a forward-thinking engineer who thrives on technical challenges, dives in and solves complex real world power challenges, loves working alongside cross-functional teams, and wants to see your designs come to life on a massive scale, your next big adventure starts here.

We are looking to grow our Substation teams across the organization with immediate needs in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. The ideal candidate is located near one of our locations; however, we can offer remote work options for the right candidate.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage utility and private substations, serving as the primary technical resource for protection, control, automation, and associated systems.
• Prepare and oversee engineering deliverables, including protection and control schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, control logic, protection settings, equipment specifications, calculations, and related design documentation.
• Design and develop protection and control systems for substations, including protective relaying, instrument transformers, station service systems, breaker and switchgear controls, metering, annunciation, and automation systems.
• Perform and oversee engineering studies and calculations related to protection and control, including short-circuit analysis, protection coordination, CT/VT application, relay settings, load calculations, and control circuit design.
• Develop innovative engineering solutions through system modelling, analysis, and problem-solving.
• Manage the technical execution of projects, ensuring quality, budget, schedule, and regulatory compliance requirements are met.
• Mentor and direct engineers, designers, and drafters to achieve project objectives and maintain technical excellence.
• Prepare project estimates, material take-offs, procurement documentation, and technical specifications.
• Build and maintain client relationships, coordinate with stakeholders, and provide technical leadership during vendor and contractor engagements.
• Support site visits, inspections, construction activities, testing, and commissioning to ensure safe and accurate implementation of designs.
• Maintain project documentation and contribute to a collaborative, safety-focused, and high-performing engineering team.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university.
• Registered or eligible for registration as a Professional Engineer in Canada.
• Minimum 6-8 years of relevant experience in electrical utility, power systems, protection and control, or substation engineering.
• Experience in protection and control design for electric substations.
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to autonomously manage workload to control multiple tasks with a high degree of accuracy, while meeting project deadlines.
• Strong English language skills (verbal and written), with the ability to develop strong business relationships and represent Primary in a professional manner.

Additional Assets:

• Be a self-starter and able to plan ahead and solve engineering problems.
• Good aptitude for business development, establishing new client contacts and developing collaborative relationships.
• Is a team player and supports professional development and knowledge sharing and supporting other team members including junior engineers/EITs, designers, and drafters.

Why Join Primary?

At Primary, we don’t just deliver engineering and construction solutions — we build careers, communities, and lasting partnerships. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Competitive Compensation:Our total rewards package includes competitive salaries, annual bonuses, company matching RRSP, generous vacation allowances and flex / PTO days, extended health and dental benefits, including a Health Care Spending Account and an Employee and Family Assistance Program, and more.
• People-First Culture:We believe that great work starts with great people. Our collaborative and inclusive culture fosters open communication, mutual respect, and a genuine sense of belonging.
• Innovation Meets Impact: With over 20 years of experience delivering infrastructure solutions across Canada, we’re known for our forward-thinking approach and commitment to quality.
• Growth & Development:We invest in our people. We offer mentorship, training programs, and opportunities to expand your skills across disciplines and projects.
• Flexibility & Work-Life Balance:Our flexible work schedules and hybrid work options (where applicable) support a healthy work-life balance.
• Commitment to Safety & Integrity:Safety is our top priority — in our field work, our offices, and our culture.

Candidates must be legally eligible to work in Canada at the time of application.

We thank all candidates for their applications; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.