Testing and Commissioning Lead - Traction Power

Colas is a Canadian leader in transportation infrastructure - materials, construction, and maintenance. From roads to rail, airports to ports, we build some of the most important projects that connect our communities.

Backed by our network of Colas companies across Canada and the Colas Group worldwide, Colas offers a wide range of innovative and sustainable solutions for the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure.

Join the largest transportation infrastructure group in the world and help connect Canada.

Mission

Join us in an exciting adventure to complete the Edmonton Valley Line West LRT - a remarkable legacy project that will redefine our community’s transportation landscape! Be part of this transformative journey and help us create a lasting impact for generations to come!

The Testing and Commissioning Lead - Traction Power will be a key member of the Rail and Systems team, reporting to the Testing and Commissioning Manager, and supporting the day-to-day activities for the delivery of the assigned System package within the project’s allotted time, budget, quality, and safety requirements. This role encompasses the full lifecycle of the system, from design coordination through construction, testing, commissioning (T&C), and post-construction activities until final handover.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the TPSS Testing & Commissioning Strategy, Plans, Procedures, Schedules, and Work Packages.
• Lead the preparation, review, approval, and execution of all TPSS Test Procedures (Factory, Site, Integration, and Performance Tests).
• Coordinate commissioning activities for:
  • Traction Power Substations (TPSS)
  • DC Rectifier Systems
  • Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) Power Systems
  • Protection and Control Systems
  • Traction Power Distribution Equipment
  • Grounding and Bonding Systems
• Manage interfaces between TPSS and other railway systems including Signaling, Communications, Trackwork, Overhead Catenary System (OCS), Vehicles, and Integrated Control Centers.
• Lead Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), System Integration Testing (SIT), Operational Readiness Testing, Trial Running Support, and Final Acceptance activities.
• Verify construction completion and system readiness before commencing testing and commissioning activities.
• Direct and supervise subcontractors, vendors, OEMs, and commissioning teams during testing and energization works.
• Lead energization planning and execution, including switching procedures, isolation plans, permits, safety controls, and stakeholder coordination.
• Ensure all testing activities comply with project specifications, applicable codes, standards, City requirements, and safety regulations.
• Review and resolve Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs), deficiencies, punch list items, and commissioning issues.
• Monitor testing progress, KPIs, commissioning risks, and readiness milestones.
• Coordinate witness testing with the Client, Engineer of Record (EOR), Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ), and independent assessors.
• Ensure complete collection and review of commissioning documentation including test records, certificates, as-built documentation, and final turnover packages.
• Support safety certification, operational readiness, revenue service demonstration, and final system handover.

Requirements

• Degree or diploma in Electrical Engineering, Power Engineering, or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in railway, transit, utility, or power infrastructure projects.
• Minimum 5 years leading Testing & Commissioning activities for TPSS, HV/MV substations, traction power systems, or rail electrification projects.
• Demonstrated experience commissioning:
  • DC Traction Power Substations
  • Rectifier Systems
  • MV Distribution Systems
  • LV Auxiliary Power Systems
  • Protection Relays
  • Grounding and Bonding Systems
  • OCS Power Interfaces
• Strong understanding of V&V processes, systems assurance, safety assurance, and system integration methodologies.
• Experience coordinating with Owners, EORs, Independent Safety Assessors, Contractors, OEMs, and Operations teams.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership of multidisciplinary T&C teams and subcontractors.
• Expert knowledge of railway TPSS testing, commissioning, and energization methodologies.
• Ability to develop commissioning schedules and manage critical path testing activities.
• Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis capabilities during testing and system integration.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strong safety leadership with demonstrated experience leading high-risk electrical commissioning activities.
• Experience with commissioning management systems, NCR management, RTM tracking, and requirements verification tools.
• Proven ability to manage multiple stakeholders while maintaining project schedule, quality, and safety objectives.
• Must be able to negotiate the terrain of an in-process construction site when required, including steep or slippery terrain, climbing stairs and ladders, use of an aerial lift, and working outdoors in all types of Edmonton weather

DIVERSITY IS IMPORTANT TO US
At Colas, we believe our workforce should reflect the diversity of the communities we connect. By living our core values of Caring, Sharing, and Daring, we welcome all those who help create the links that bring us together. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of age, ethnicity, national origin, religious beliefs, disability, marital or family status, gender, gender identity or expression.