Substation Electrical Engineer

Primary-Engineering-and-Constructio; British Columbia; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Primary is seeking a Substation Engineer to lead the design of high-voltage utility and private substations across Canada. You will oversee deliverables, perform system studies, and mentor engineers while ensuring quality, schedule, and regulatory compliance.

Ideally, you hold a P.Eng in Canada or eligibility, with 6–8 years in power systems. The role offers hybrid work options across provincial locations and strong client engagement responsibilities.

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 and/or power systems engineering.
• Experience in electric substation design, power utility engineering, or industrial electrical infrastructure.
• 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 representing Primary in professional manner.
• Class 5 driver's license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage utility and private substations, serving as the primary technical authority.
• Prepare and oversee engineering deliverables, including single-line diagrams, drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical reports.
• Design and specify substation systems and equipment, including bus configurations, grounding and lightning protection systems, transformers, breakers.
• Perform and review power system studies, including load flow, fault, arc-flash, voltage drop, grounding, insulation coordination, and equipment sizing analyses.
• 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.

Skills

English proficiency

Autonomous workload management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Job description

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

At Primary we 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 Substation Engineer, you will be at the forefront of powering communities, integrating innovative 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.

Reports to: Manager, Utility Operation / Team Lead

Location: BC, AB, SK, MB or ON: remote work arrangements may be considered

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage utility and private substations, serving as the primary technical authority.
• Prepare and oversee engineering deliverables, including single-line diagrams, drawings, calculations, specifications, and technical reports.
• Design and specify substation systems and equipment, including bus configurations, grounding and lightning protection systems, transformers, breakers.
• Perform and review power system studies, including load flow, fault, arc-flash, voltage drop, grounding, insulation coordination, and equipment sizing analyses.
• 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 and/or power systems engineering.
• Experience in electric substation design, power utility engineering, or industrial electrical infrastructure.
• 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 representing Primary in professional manner.
• Class 5 driver's license.

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.