Utility engineer Jobs in Calgary, AB

Job Title: Distribution Designer
Job Description

The Distribution Designer will support the modelling and design of overhead power lines, including joint-use attachments, as well as underground and overhead cable sizing and pulling for electrical distribution projects. This role focuses primarily on pole replacement work and distribution projects in the Calgary area, ensuring that all designs, calculations, and estimates are accurate, constructible, and aligned with utility standards. The Distribution Designer will prepare and hand over high-quality design packages to internal project teams and external clients, support field execution by resolving design-related issues, and collaborate closely with project management to ensure projects are delivered on time and remain profitable.

Responsibilities

• Model and design overhead power lines, including joint-use attachments, for a variety of utility distribution projects.
• Perform design work for pole replacement projects and for underground and overhead cable sizing and pulling in distribution networks.
• Prepare accurate, high-quality engineering drawings, designs, calculations, and estimates for utility projects of various sizes.
• Develop design packages that meet established standards and procedures and ensure they are constructible and compliant with utility requirements.
• Read, interpret, and apply information from electrical and construction plans provided by utilities, customers, and consultants.
• Deliver complete design packages to clients or internal project teams on schedule and in accordance with project requirements.
• Respond to and resolve design-related questions and field-level issues that arise during project execution.
• Work closely with project management to support design/build project delivery, helping to maintain profitability and meet schedule commitments.
• Use CAD and engineering design tools, including PLS-CADD and other relevant software, to produce and refine distribution designs.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of design standards, processes, and templates within the distribution engineering team.

Essential Skills

• Minimum of 1+ years of experience as an electrical distribution designer or electrical engineer working on distribution projects.
• Hands-on experience with overhead line design and pole replacement work for utility distribution systems.
• Ability to prepare engineering drawings from sketches and general engineering and design information in accordance with established standards and procedures.
• Ability to read and comprehend electrical and construction plans from utilities, customers, and consultants.
• Registration or eligibility for registration as an Engineer-in-Training with APEGA, or Technologist-in-Training with ASET, or Associate Member with OACETT.
• Proficiency in distribution design and electrical design principles related to power and utilities.
• Experience with CAD-based drafting and engineering design tools for utility and distribution projects.
• Proficiency with PLS-CADD or equivalent PLS software for overhead line design, including its use on utility distribution projects.
• Working knowledge of AutoCAD for preparing and modifying distribution design drawings.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with design and project-related software such as Bluebeam, MicroStation, and AutoCAD.
• Ability to develop estimates based on drawings and scopes of work for distribution projects.
• Strong theoretical understanding of electrical distribution systems and the ability to apply that knowledge in practical design work.
• Experience in utility design, including coordination with telecommunications and other joint-use stakeholders, is an asset.
• Background in power and utilities engineering design, including familiarity with industry standards and best practices.
• Strong attention to detail, with a focus on accuracy, quality, and constructability of designs.
• Effective communication skills to collaborate with project managers, field personnel, and clients throughout the project lifecycle.

Work Environment

The role is based in a modern office located in southeast Calgary, with the distribution engineering team situated in the Quarry Park area. The engineering group comprises approximately 35 professionals, including around 9 team members dedicated to distribution engineering and a similar-sized substation team, providing a collaborative and multidisciplinary environment. The typical work schedule includes four days in the office and the option to work from home on Fridays, with flexibility to accommodate personal needs when they arise. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes an RRSP matching program starting at 2% and increasing up to 5% after three years, three weeks of vacation to start with an increase to four weeks after five years, and a company-wide one-week break over the Christmas period. A profit-sharing bonus structure is in place, with profit-sharing opportunities available for engineering roles and potential for enhancement under new ownership. The company supports flexible working arrangements, including the ability to travel and work remotely for part of an extended vacation period. The engineering program is growing rapidly, and the organization is planning additional headquarters space to support both construction and design teams, offering opportunities to contribute to a dynamic and expanding operation that makes extensive use of CAD and specialized power utility design tools.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Calgary, AB.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $75000.00 - $85000.00/yr.

Workplace Type

This is a hybrid position in Calgary,AB.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.