What is the Opportunity?
AUE is seeking a Design Team Lead to guide a multidisciplinary team in delivering high-quality FTTH and coaxial network designs. As Design Team Lead, you will oversee end-to-end design workflows – from mentoring staff and approving technical packages to resolving field conflicts and driving continuous improvement across CAD, GIS, and permitting processes.
What You'll Do Here
- Lead and mentor Design QC Specialists and Project Designers by setting clear goals, providing coaching, and delivering performance feedback.
- Plan and manage workload across multiple programs; assign design packages and monitor throughput, quality, and schedule adherence.
- Review and approve HLD/LLD packages for FTTH and coaxial builds, including fiber routing, splitter hierarchy, splice plans, cable counts, bill of materials, and construction notes.
- Ensure constructability by validating clearances, utility separation, and adherence to layer/symbology standards for aerial and underground designs.
- Deliver permit-ready drawing sets (i.e., municipal consent, utility permits, traffic control sheets) that meet compliance and client requirements.
- Resolve design conflicts in collaboration with Permitting, CAD, Field/GIS, and Construction teams (i.e., pole loads, depth of cover, utility clashes).
- Establish stage-gate reviews and acceptance criteria aligned with client SOWs and Aecon standards; communicate risks and mitigation plans to PMs and clients.
- Champion data integrity and version control between CAD and GIS; ensure drawing package completeness (cover, legend, plan/profile, details).
- Drive quality control by implementing standardized checklists and ensuring redlines/as-built updates are reflected in client systems (i.e., GIS/NetX).
- Support quantity take-offs (MTO/BOM) and respond to vendor/contractor queries related to design intent.
- Provide expert guidance on AutoCAD and MicroStation workflows, layer management, and productivity tools/scripts.
- Leverage design automation tools (i.e., ABD/AUD) to improve quality and efficiency where applicable.
- Develop onboarding and training materials covering design standards, QC methods, and permitting nuances; coordinate cross-training with CAD/GIS teams.
- Define and track performance metrics such as first-pass yield, rework rate, cycle time, and non-conformances, report progress and corrective actions.
- Standardize templates and QC logs; lead post-mortems and lessons-learned sessions to drive continuous improvement.
- Promote a Safety Always mindset.
What You Bring to the Team
- 5+ years of telecommunications design experience, including 2+ years leading design or QC teams.
- Strong proficiency in AutoCAD; experience with MicroStation, SPIDA Calc, PLS-CADD, and IKE Office is an asset.
- Working knowledge of FTTH/coax network design, municipal/CSA standards, permitting processes, and as-built documentation.
- Clear, confident communicator with both technical and non-technical stakeholders; proven leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong attention to detail and quality focus; able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Self-motivated and adaptable, with a demonstrated ability to learn new skills, take initiative, and collaborate effectively in team settings.
- Post-secondary education in Electrical/Civil Engineering, Architectural Technology, or a related discipline (asset).
- Experience with RFPs, RFIs, and full execution of lump sum bidding requirements is a strong asset.