Senior Automation Designer

As a top player in Switchgear and E-house Manufacturing and field servicing, a career with us will challenge you to solve some very tough problems. You will be rewarded with growth, personal development & industry expertise. At Powell, we provide a comprehensive salary package, RRSP matching, extensive benefits and job training all within a professional & friendly working environment.

Based out of our Acheson Powell Service Division location, the Senior Automation Designer is responsible for applying innovative and creative solutions to solve problems for our clients. Key responsibilities include engineering, testing, maintaining and supporting automation solutions as well as intelligent products in MV/LV switchgear applications.

Core Responsibilities

• Design & Specification Review: Review and interpret client specifications to produce project Functional Design, drawings, and test documentation in accordance with project requirements and Powell standard procedures.
• Relay Programming & Configuration: Develop and create complex relay setting files, including protection and control elements and logic for various manufacturers such as SEL, GE, ABB, and Siemens.
• System Integration & Logic: Design custom functional logic in protection relays to handle interlocks and remedial action schemes (RAS).
• Automatic Transfer Scheme (ATS) Design: Desing, program and test ATS logic to manage power source transitions in industrial and utility environments, ensuring high availability and system reliability.
• IEC 61850 Implementation: Design and configure digital substation solutions using IEC 61850. This includes GOOSE messaging for high-speed horizontal communication between IEDs and MMS for vertical communication to SCADA systems.
• Technical Documentation & Field Leadership: Author comprehensive test plans and commissioning procedures for FAT and SAT. Provide expert on-site guidance to technicians during testing, ensuring proper equipment setup, troubleshooting wiring or logic discrepancies, and overseeing the successful start-up of all protection systems.
• Commissioning & Testing: Perform Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) to validate system performance and contract compliance.
• Secondary Injection & Logic Validation: Verify relay settings and logic schemes through advanced secondary injection. Use Omicron (Test Universe/Protection Suite), Doble, or Megger to perform precise current and voltage simulation, ensuring programmed logic and setpoints meet design specifications.
• Mentorship & Product Expertise: Become proficient in Powell Automation solutions and offerings while mentoring junior staff to foster technical growth within the team.
• Pre-Sales & Estimation Support: Collaborate with the estimation and bidding team to architect protection systems and Automatic Transfer Schemes. Responsible for selecting relay hardware and developing technical proposals that account for complex ATS operating scenarios, including multi-source transitions, failover logic, and system recovery sequences.
• HSE Compliance: Ensure that the company’s Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) policies and procedures are constantly adhered to in all aspects of Site Services.

• Operational Support: Perform other duties as assigned or required to support project and departmental goals

Required Qualifications

• At least 10+ years of relevant Automation experience with a minimum of 5 years in substation protection and control systems projects.
• Hands‑on experience programming, configuring, and testing and commissioning protection relays.
• Proficiency with core industrial communication standards/protocols such as Modbus (RTU/TCP), IEC 61850, DNP3, and similar standards.
• Familiarity with HMI and SCADA systems programming and field commissioning (considered a plus).
• Holistic design mindset – able to work from minimal client input, envision the full system, and produce comprehensive design and cost‑estimate packages.
• Strong analytical and trouble shooting skills.
• Solid grounding in three‑phase power, electrical theory, and distribution equipment.
• Knowledge of applicable electrical codes, standards, and regulations.
• Practical experience applying electrical‑power‑system knowledge to solve customer issues and recommend upgrades.
• Familiar with test equipment and testing procedures for power delivery.
• Valid driver’s licence with a clean record.

Skills, Abilities & Other Requirements

• Outgoing self-starter with a drive to act quickly.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team; adaptable, self‑starting, and innovative, and willing to make a difference
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, and ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with customers and team members
• Familiarity with environmental protection procedures and basic electrical safety practices
• Commitment to maintaining a safe work site for oneself and teammates.
• Ability to read, interpret, and develop electrical drawings, procedures, and documentation.
• Well organized.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a customer‑focused attitude.
• Proven capability to prioritize and manage multiple concurrent tasks.

Work Authorization: This is a permanent position. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in Canada at the time of hire. Immigration sponsorship is not typically available and will be considered only where supported by business needs and applicable legal requirements.

Working Conditions

• Willingness and ability to travel 10% of the time

Physical Requirements

• Be physically capable of lifting, carrying and moving up to 50lbs on a regular basis
• Able to provide a negative pre-employment drug and alcohol test
• Able to bend at the waist, the legs at the knees, and extending arms and hands in any direction in a repetitive manner.
• Maintaining body equilibrium and agility to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching, ascending or descending stairs

Who we are

Powell Canada Inc. is a subsidiary of Powell Industries, which is located in Houston, Texas. Globally, we have over 70 years of experience. Powell Canada is a reputable electrical manufacturing and electrical/instrumentation contracting company. We hold a strong industry presence with offices located in Acheson, Calgary and Montreal.

Powell strives to create one unified company through training, communication and leadership. We offer diversified services based on our customer’s needs, keeping us on the cutting edge of new products and services within our industry.

Your Partner in Safety

Successful candidates must have legal authorization to work in Canada on a full-time basis for any employer, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Powell Canada, Inc is an equal opportunity employer.

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