Substation Electrical Engineer

Socket.dev; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RRSP match

Health benefits

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Primary Engineering and Construction Corporation is seeking a Substation Engineer to lead high-voltage substation design, power system studies, and project delivery across Canada. You will serve as the technical authority, oversee deliverables, and mentor engineers, designers, and drafters to ensure quality and safety.

Ideal candidates are located near Burnaby, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, or Mississauga, with remote work options for the right profile and a track record in utility

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.
• Strong English language skills (verbal and written).
• Class 5 driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and engineering of high-voltage utility and private substations.
• 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

Substation design

Power systems engineering

Client relationship

Mentoring

Autonomous workload management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada

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 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.

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

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.

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.