Substation Electrical Engineer

Primary Engineering and Construction Corporation; Canada; Remote; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Primary Engineering and Construction Corporation is seeking a Substation Engineer to lead design of high-voltage substations and power system studies, delivering safe, reliable, and scalable solutions.

You will mentor engineers, prepare technical deliverables, engage with clients, and coordinate across cross-functional teams in a remote-friendly environment. Located near Burnaby, Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, or Mississauga preferred but remote work options are available.

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 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 (bus configurations, grounding, transformers, breakers).
• Perform and review power system studies (load flow, fault, arc-flash, voltage drop, etc.).
• Develop engineering solutions through system modelling and analysis.
• Manage technical execution ensuring quality, budget, schedule, and compliance.
• Mentor engineers, designers and drafters to achieve project objectives.
• Prepare project estimates, material take-offs, procurement documentation, and specifications.
• Build and maintain client relationships and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Support site visits, inspections, construction activities, testing and commissioning.
• Maintain project documentation and promote a collaborative, safety-focused team.

Skills

Electrical engineering knowledge

Team leadership

English proficiency

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.

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.

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.