Principal Engineer – Substation Automation

Qualus

Principal Engineer leading protection, control, and substation automation for Qualus, a power infrastructure solutions firm. Governing high-voltage designs, technical approvals, commissioning, and engineering standards.

Posted 9/10/2026full-timeVancouver • 🇨🇦 CanadaLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in Automation Protection and Control, with a strong focus on high-voltage substations, technical governance, and compliance with NERC standards. Proven ability to lead complex projects, mentor engineers, and provide strategic technical oversight.

Highest-signal resume keywords

20+ Years Utility-Focused ExperienceProfessional Engineer (P.Eng.) RegistrationSubstation Protection Philosophy ExpertiseStrong Knowledge of DNP3 and IEC 61850Experience with EMS, DMS, and SCADA Systems

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Protection Coordination StudiesRelay Settings for High-Voltage SystemsSystem ArchitectureField CommissioningTroubleshootingOutage PlanningTechnical Judgment on Complex ApplicationsSubstation ConstructionCost EstimatesFeasibility Studies

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationMentoring

Tools & Technologies

RTUPLCHMITelemetryCommunications Protocols

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical EngineeringProfessional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada

Industry Keywords

NERC ComplianceEPC ProjectsUtility Maintenance PracticesHazard and Risk AssessmentsSenior-Level Design Reviews

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Act as Qualus’ Automation Protection & Control Subject Matter Expert, providing technical governance across multiple projects and programs
Set and uphold automation standards and best practices for high-voltage substations
Serve as Principal Engineer or Technical Authority on complex, high-risk, or non-standard projects, providing final technical approval and direction
Review and approve protection planning, philosophy, and application documents
Review and approve one-lines, schematics, logic diagrams, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams
Review and approve RTU, PLC, HMI, embedded controller, and communications system configurations
Chair or participate in senior-level design reviews, hazard and risk assessments, and near miss investigations
Advise project teams on construction sequencing, outage planning, and commissioning strategy
Provide technical oversight for project scopes, feasibility studies, cost estimates, and definition-phase deliverables, including review of assumptions and risks
Support Business Development with technical strategy, execution approaches, and risk assessments for proposals and pursuits
Act as a primary technical escalation point for clients, internal teams, and external partners
Mentor senior and junior engineers
Lead continuous improvement of Automation standards, tools, and engineering practices

Requirements

What you’ll need

20+ years of utility-focused protection, control, and metering engineering experience, with demonstrated system-level responsibility
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized university
Registration as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada, or eligibility to obtain; U.S. PE considered an asset
Recognized expertise in substation protection philosophy, including transmission line, transformer, bus, and feeder protection
Extensive experience with EMS, DMS, SCADA Masters, RTUs, PLCs, HMIs, telemetry, and communications protocols
Strong knowledge of DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850, and related utility protocols
Experience performing protection coordination studies and relay settings for high-voltage transmission systems
Proven success in system architecture, field commissioning, troubleshooting, and stakeholder engagement
Practical experience with substation construction, commissioning, outage planning, and operational interfaces
Proven ability to provide technical judgment on non-standard, complex, or first-of-kind applications
Strong understanding of NERC compliance and its impact on design activities
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience on EPC projects and familiarity with utility maintenance and operational practices considered strong assets
Demonstrated capability to mentor

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
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
Company holidays