Lead Designer

Position Overview

Power your future with Qualus in our Transmission & Distribution Canada business. We are seeking a Lead Designer (Underground Cables) to join our team in Vancouver, BC or Calgary, AB. In this role, you will lead complex underground transmission cable design projects supporting utility and renewable energy clients across Canada.

This position is ideal for an experienced designers who thrives in a technical leadership role, enjoys mentoring others, and brings a strong track record delivering high-quality engineering package for underground transmission cable systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, and execution of underground transmission cable projects ranging from 12 kV to 500 kV
• Serve as Professional-of-Record (PoR), taking accountability for technical accuracy, quality, and compliance of design deliverables
• Provide technical leadership for underground cable system design, including:
• Cable selection and ampacity analysis
• Thermal resistivity studies and installation design
• Cable routing, trenching, and duct bank design
• Jointing, termination, and transition station design
• Lead the development, review, and approval of key deliverables, including:
• Route selection studies and feasibility assessments
• Plan and profile drawings for cable alignments
• Duct bank and trench designs
• Joint bay, termination, and transition station designs
• Installation details and construction packages
• Oversee and review advanced engineering analyses, including:
• Cable ampacity and thermal performance (e.g., CYMCAP)
• Short-circuit and sheath bonding analysis
• Induced voltage and grounding studies
• Cable pulling and installation calculations
• Provide leadership in constructability, with a focus on urban constraints, HDD installations, crossings, and permitting considerations
• Develop and approve engineering documents such as design criteria, technical specifications, and reports
• Act as a key technical interface with clients, utilities, and stakeholders, supporting project delivery and business development
• Support proposals, including scoping, estimating, and technical approach development for underground cable opportunities
• Lead client meetings, routing workshops, and technical design reviews
• Mentor and develop engineers, EITs, and designers
• Review and approve vendor submissions and coordinate with cable suppliers and installers
• Provide senior engineering support during construction, including site reviews, RFI responses, and resolution of complex field issues
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams (overhead, civil, geotechnical, environmental, permitting, and utilities) to ensure integrated and constructible designs
• Ensure projects are delivered within scope, schedule, and budget while maintaining high-quality standards
• Champion safety-by-design, quality, and continuous improvement across all work

Minimum Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience in high voltage transmission/distribution underground cable systems
• Demonstrated experience acting as technical lead or Professional-of-Record on transmission line or cable projects
• Strong expertise in underground cable design, including routing, duct banks, thermal analysis, bonding/grounding, and installation methodologies
• Experience with urban routing, HDD installations, utility coordination, and permitting processes
• Experience with Canadian utilities is an asset
• In-depth knowledge of applicable codes and standards (Canadian Electrical Code [CSA C22.1], IEEE, IEC) and understanding of OH&S requirements
• Proficiency with relevant tools (e.g., CYMCAP, ETAP, AutoCAD); familiarity with Civil 3D for cable routing and corridor coordination is an asset
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a deadline-driven environment
• Be a team player and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with strong client-facing experience

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Benefits & Compensation

Qualus offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, which may include Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, Retirement Savings Plans (including employer matching where applicable), Flexible Spending and/or Health Spending Accounts, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), Parental Leave, Paid Time Off, and Company Holidays. Benefits offerings may vary based on position, work location, and eligibility requirements. The compensation range for this position is provided in accordance with applicable laws and market practices. The final base salary offered may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, internal equity, performance, and business needs. Compensation ranges are subject to change at the Company's discretion and as permitted by applicable law.

Company Overview

Qualus is a leading pure-play power solutions firm and innovator at the forefront of power infrastructure transformation, with differentiated capabilities across grid modernization, resiliency, security, and sustainability. The firm partners with utilities, commercial, industrial, data center, and government clients, and renewable and energy storage developers, offering comprehensive solutions through boutique and integrated advisory, planning, engineering, digital solutions, program management, energy efficiency and specialized field services. Qualus also provides software and technology enabled services and develops breakthrough solutions for critical power industry challenges such as distributed and variable resource integration, emergency management, and secure data exchange. The firm has over 2,000 professionals, with offices throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on any grounds protected by applicable human rights legislation across Canada and the US.

We are committed to a secure and transparent hiring process. We do not request payment or sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers or banking details, during the application process. Please use caution and verify opportunities through our official channels.