CAD Design Technologist - Facilities (Co-op)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: CAD Design Technologist - Facilities (Co-op)

Company: S&C Electric Company

Location: Etobicoke, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full-time (Co-op Term)

Category: Operations – Facilities & Engineering Support

Date Posted: 2026-09-08

Experience Level: Entry-Level (Co-op Student)

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This co-op role focuses on supporting the Facilities Engineering team by maintaining and updating critical plant layout and design documentation using CAD software.

• The position involves hands-on experience in ensuring design standards are met and assisting with project coordination for capital budget initiatives.

• Candidates will contribute to quality improvement efforts for the company's drawing processes and gain exposure to the power industry's operational infrastructure.

• This role is ideal for engineering students seeking practical application of CAD skills in a manufacturing and facilities management context.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the raw job description is for a "CAD Design Technologist - Facilities (Co-op)," this enhancement frames it within an "Operations – Facilities & Engineering Support" category to align with the operational nature of maintaining and updating facility infrastructure and related documentation. The focus is on the support and maintenance aspects critical to ongoing operational efficiency.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Review and update plant layout documents and electrical/mechanical drawings using AutoCAD, ensuring adherence to S&C's established design standards.

• Maintain comprehensive backups of all CAD designs to ensure data integrity and accessibility for future reference and audits.

• Perform accurate data entry to establish and manage parts storage information within the company's facilities software system.

• Provide direct support to the Project Coordinator by ensuring capital budget projects align with established project timelines and documentation requirements.

• Actively participate in quality improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of S&C's drawing and documentation processes.

• Assist in managing and organizing facility-related documentation, ensuring it is up-to-date and readily available for operational and engineering needs.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing and maintenance, to gather information for design updates and resolve discrepancies.

• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the Facilities Engineering department's operational objectives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core responsibilities have been expanded to highlight the operational impact of CAD management, data integrity, project support, and quality improvement within a facilities engineering context. This emphasizes the role's contribution to smooth operational workflows and infrastructure reliability.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Currently enrolled and registered in a diploma or degree engineering co-op program (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering are preferred).

• Must be eligible for a 4-month co-op work term commencing in Winter 2027. Experience:

• Demonstrated coursework and practical experience utilizing AutoCAD for design and drafting purposes.

• Prior co-op or internship experience in a manufacturing, engineering, or facilities-related environment is beneficial. Required Skills:

• AutoCAD Proficiency: Demonstrated ability to create, edit, and manage 2D and potentially 3D CAD drawings.

• Technical Drawing Comprehension: Ability to read, interpret, and update electrical and mechanical facility drawings.

• Data Management: Experience with data entry and maintaining accurate records in software systems.

• Project Support: Understanding of project timelines and the ability to assist with coordination tasks.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Outlook for documentation, data tracking, and communication.

• Communication Skills: Strong oral and written communication abilities for effective team collaboration and reporting.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: A positive, flexible, and team-oriented approach, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

• Initiative & Self-Motivation: The capacity to take ownership of tasks and drive them to completion with minimal supervision.

• Detail Orientation & Resourcefulness: A keen eye for detail and the ability to find solutions to challenges effectively.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with facilities management software or Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS).

• Basic understanding of electrical or mechanical systems within an industrial manufacturing setting.

• Experience with quality improvement methodologies or documentation standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: The qualifications have been detailed to reflect the specific technical skills (AutoCAD, technical drawing), operational support functions (data management, project support), and soft skills crucial for a co-op student in a facilities engineering role. The emphasis on "engineering co-op program" and "prior co-op terms" is retained to reflect the target audience.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• CAD Drawing Samples: Showcase examples of AutoCAD drawings, including plant layouts, schematics, or equipment details, demonstrating proficiency in drafting standards and clarity.

• Documentation Updates: If possible, provide examples of how you've updated or revised existing technical drawings, highlighting your attention to detail and adherence to specifications.

• System Data Entry Examples: Illustrate experience with data entry in a structured system (e.g., a spreadsheet showcasing organized data, or a description of a database you've worked with).

• Project Support Documentation (Conceptual): Describe a situation where you supported a project, even if it was academic, outlining the process you followed to ensure tasks were completed on time and accurately.

• Quality Improvement Proposals (Conceptual): Outline a process or workflow you observed or participated in that could be improved, detailing your proposed changes and the expected benefits.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Design & Optimization: Demonstrate an understanding of how to document existing workflows and suggest improvements for efficiency and accuracy in design processes.

• System Implementation Support: Show experience in assisting with the setup or maintenance of systems, particularly regarding data input and organization.

• Measurement & Analysis: While not a primary focus for this co-op, understanding how to track progress or identify discrepancies in documentation is valuable.

📝 Enhancement Note: Portfolio requirements are tailored for a co-op student, focusing on academic projects and conceptual examples where direct professional experience may be limited. The emphasis is on demonstrating foundational skills in CAD, data management, and process thinking relevant to facilities operations.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $22.70 - $36.40 per hour (CAD)

Explanation of Range:

The provided hourly pay range of $22.70 - $36.40 CAD is determined by several factors, including:

• Year of Study: Students further along in their academic program may command higher rates.

• Type of Academic Program: Degree programs may be compensated differently than diploma programs.

• Prior Co-op Work Terms: Previous relevant work experience as a co-op student can influence placement within the range.

• Location: While Etobicoke is part of the Greater Toronto Area, specific cost of living adjustments are typically factored into these ranges for co-op positions.

Benefits:

• Subsidized Public Transit Program: Financial assistance towards commuting costs, promoting sustainable transportation for employees.

• Discounted Food & Beverage: Opportunities to purchase meals and refreshments at a reduced cost within the company's facilities.

• Paid Co-op Term: While not explicitly stated as paid, co-op terms are generally compensated, as indicated by the hourly wage.

• Hands-on Experience: Invaluable practical experience in a professional engineering and facilities management environment.

• Networking Opportunities: Exposure to industry professionals and potential for future career connections.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours for a co-op term, typically 40 hours per week.

• The work arrangement is strictly on-site, requiring physical presence at the Etobicoke facility.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is directly extracted. The explanation provides context for co-op compensation, which is often tiered based on academic progression and prior experience. Benefits are listed as provided, with added context on their value to a co-op student.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Electrical Power Systems Manufacturing and Equipment. S&C Electric is a leader in providing solutions for power grid reliability, resilience, and modernization, serving utilities and critical infrastructure clients globally. The facilities team supports the operational backbone of their Canadian manufacturing and engineering operations.

Company Size: S&C Electric Company is a global organization with over 3,500 team members. The Canadian division, S&C Electric Canada Ltd., contributes significantly to this workforce. This size indicates a stable, established company with structured processes and opportunities for learning within a larger corporate framework.

Founded: S&C Electric Company was founded in 1909, with over 70 years of innovation in Canada. This long history signifies a deep understanding of the industry, established best practices, and a commitment to long-term growth and stability.

Team Structure:

• Facilities Engineering Department: The co-op student will be part of the Facilities team, likely working closely with a Project Coordinator and reporting to a Facilities Engineering Manager or Supervisor.

• Reporting Structure: The role involves direct support to the Project Coordinator and general duties as assigned by the Facilities team lead, indicating a clear hierarchy for guidance and task assignment.

• Cross-functional Collaboration: While primarily within Facilities, the role requires interaction with manufacturing, maintenance, and potentially other engineering departments to gather information and ensure design updates align with operational needs.

Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design Updates: Emphasis on maintaining accurate and up-to-date CAD drawings as the foundation for facility operations and modifications.

• Process Standardization: Adherence to S&C's specific design standards and participation in quality improvement initiatives for drawing processes.

• Project Management Support: Assisting in the structured execution of capital budget projects, focusing on timelines and resource alignment.

Company Website: https://www.sandc.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: Company context is fleshed out using provided information and general knowledge of the power industry. The focus is on how the company's mission and scale impact the operations support role within the facilities team.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Entry-Level Co-op Student. This role is designed for individuals currently pursuing an engineering education and seeking practical, hands-on experience. It serves as a foundational stepping stone, providing exposure to professional engineering practices within an operational context.

Reporting Structure: The co-op student will report to a Facilities Engineering Manager or Supervisor and work closely with a Project Coordinator. This structure provides direct mentorship and task supervision, essential for learning and development in a co-op setting.

Operations Impact: While this role is supportive, its impact is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of S&C's manufacturing and operational facilities. Accurate CAD documentation is vital for planning maintenance, equipment installations, safety upgrades, and future expansions, directly contributing to operational continuity and safety.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Significant opportunity to enhance AutoCAD proficiency, learn about industrial facility design standards, and gain practical experience in data management and project support.

• Industry Exposure: Exposure to the power industry and manufacturing operations, providing insights into the complexities of maintaining critical infrastructure.

• Professional Networking: Building relationships with experienced engineers and operations professionals within S&C Electric, which can be invaluable for future career prospects.

• Potential for Future Roles: Successful co-op students may be considered for future internships or entry-level positions within S&C Electric, provided they demonstrate strong performance and alignment with company needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth opportunities are framed specifically for a co-op student, focusing on skill acquisition, industry exposure, and potential pathways within the company, rather than traditional career advancement.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site. This is a fully in-office role, requiring the student to be present at the S&C Electric facility in Etobicoke, Ontario.

Office Location(s): 90 Belfield Road, Etobicoke, ON M9W 1G4. This location is accessible within the Greater Toronto Area. The company offers a subsidized public transit program, which can assist with commuting costs.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires close collaboration with the Facilities Engineering team, including the Project Coordinator. This suggests a team-oriented workspace where knowledge sharing and direct communication are encouraged.

• Tools and Technology: Access to AutoCAD software and relevant facilities management systems will be provided. The workspace will likely be equipped with standard office technology and potentially access to areas of the manufacturing facility for site inspections or information gathering.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact with a team of experienced professionals in facilities engineering, offering mentorship and guidance.

Work Schedule:

• The position is for a 4-month co-op term (Winter 2027, January - April).

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week) are expected, Monday through Friday, during regular business hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment is described based on the "Onsite" designation and the nature of facilities work, emphasizing collaboration, the tools available, and the structured schedule typical for a co-op placement.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Applications will be reviewed, potentially with AI assistance, to identify candidates meeting the basic program and AutoCAD experience requirements.

• Technical Interview: Expect questions focused on AutoCAD capabilities, understanding of technical drawings, and problem-solving scenarios related to facility layouts. You may be asked to describe your approach to updating drawings or managing design data.

• Behavioral Interview: Questions assessing teamwork, communication, initiative, and how you handle challenges. Be prepared to provide examples from academic projects or previous work experiences.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present or discuss examples from their portfolio, demonstrating their CAD skills and understanding of design documentation.

• Team/Manager Interview: A final discussion to assess cultural fit, enthusiasm for the role and company, and to answer any remaining questions.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Relevant Examples: Select 2-3 strong examples of your AutoCAD work that best represent your skills in technical drawing, plant layout, or any relevant engineering design.

• Showcase Process: For each example, briefly explain the objective, your role, the tools used (AutoCAD features), and the outcome or key learning.

• Highlight Detail & Accuracy: Emphasize your attention to detail, how you ensured accuracy, and any standards you followed.

• Prepare for Discussion: Be ready to elaborate on your design choices, challenges faced, and how you overcame them.

• Demonstrate Understanding of Operations: If possible, connect your work to how it supports operational efficiency or facility management.

Challenge Preparation:

• AutoCAD Scenarios: Be prepared for hypothetical scenarios where you need to suggest how to update a drawing based on new equipment installation or a change in layout.

• Problem-Solving: Think about how you would approach a task with incomplete information or a discrepancy in existing documentation.

• Process Improvement: Consider how you might identify an inefficiency in a design documentation workflow and propose a solution.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview and portfolio tips are tailored for a co-op student applying for a technical support role, focusing on demonstrating core technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity for learning and collaboration within an operational setting. The AI screening disclosure is incorporated.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: The core software for reviewing and updating electrical and mechanical designs and plant layouts. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Microsoft Office Suite:

  • Word: For creating reports, documentation, and general correspondence.
  • Excel: For data entry, maintaining parts storage lists, and potentially tracking project timelines or data.
  • Outlook: For email communication, scheduling meetings, and calendar management.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary analytics role, the ability to interpret data from drawings and potentially facility software reports is necessary. CRM & Automation:

• Facilities Software System: Used for maintaining parts storage data. The specific system is not named, but familiarity with data management within specialized software is beneficial.

• Project Management Tools (Implicit): Assisting the Project Coordinator implies some exposure to project tracking or scheduling tools, even if indirectly.

📝 Enhancement Note: The tools listed are directly from the job description or are logical extensions for the role's responsibilities. The emphasis is on AutoCAD and standard office productivity tools essential for design support and data management.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: As a core value of S&C Electric, safety will be paramount in all activities, including site visits or interactions within the manufacturing environment.

• Integrity & Quality: Upholding high standards in design documentation and data management is crucial for operational reliability and compliance.

• Collaboration: Working effectively within the Facilities team and with other departments is essential for successful project execution and problem resolution.

• Innovation: Contributing to quality improvement initiatives demonstrates a proactive approach to enhancing operational processes.

• Reliability: The work directly supports the reliability of S&C's electrical grid solutions by ensuring the facilities that produce them are well-maintained and documented.

Collaboration Style:

• Team-Oriented: The role requires working closely with a Project Coordinator and other members of the Facilities team, emphasizing shared goals and mutual support.

• Process-Focused: Collaboration will likely involve reviewing existing processes, discussing design changes, and ensuring that all documentation aligns with established standards.

• Knowledge Exchange: Opportunities to learn from experienced engineers and technicians, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: Team culture and values are inferred from S&C's stated values and the nature of facilities engineering within a manufacturing context, focusing on how these values translate into daily work practices for a co-op student.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Learning Curve with AutoCAD: For students with foundational knowledge, mastering specific company standards and advanced features of AutoCAD within a real-world context can be a challenge.

• Understanding Facility Systems: Gaining familiarity with the complex electrical and mechanical systems within a manufacturing facility to accurately update drawings.

• Data Management Accuracy: Ensuring the precision and completeness of data entered into the facilities software system, as errors can impact operations.

• Balancing Academic Demands: Managing coursework and academic deadlines alongside co-op responsibilities.

• Adapting to Professional Environment: Transitioning from an academic setting to a corporate work environment with established protocols and expectations.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• CAD Mastery: Deepening expertise in AutoCAD through practical application on complex projects.

• Industrial Design Standards: Learning industry-specific design standards and best practices for facilities and manufacturing environments.

• Project Coordination Basics: Gaining insight into project timelines, documentation, and support functions within engineering projects.

• Operational Insight: Understanding how facility design and maintenance directly impact manufacturing operations and overall business objectives.

• Professional Skill Development: Enhancing communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management skills in a professional setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Challenges and growth opportunities are framed to be relevant to a co-op student in a technical support role, focusing on skill acquisition, practical application, and professional development rather than high-level strategic challenges.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• AutoCAD Application: "Describe a complex drawing you created or updated in AutoCAD. What were the key steps, challenges, and how did you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on demonstrating technical skill and process.)

• Problem-Solving Approach: "Imagine you find conflicting information in two different versions of a plant layout drawing. How would you approach resolving this discrepancy?" (Assess critical thinking and methodical problem-solving.)

• Process Improvement Idea: "If you noticed a recurring inefficiency in how design documents were being updated, what steps might you take to suggest an improvement?" (Gauge initiative and understanding of process optimization.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Motivation for S&C: "Why are you interested in interning at S&C Electric, specifically in a Facilities CAD Technologist role?" (Show research into the company and alignment with your career goals.)

• Teamwork Experience: "Describe a time you worked effectively as part of a team on a challenging project. What was your role, and how did you contribute to the team's success?" (Highlight collaboration and communication skills.)

• Handling Feedback: "How do you typically respond to constructive feedback on your work?" (Demonstrate openness to learning and improvement.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Overview: For each portfolio piece, provide a brief context (project goal, your role) followed by a demonstration of your CAD skills.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you used AutoCAD, not just what you drew. Highlight specific commands or techniques if relevant.

• Quantify Impact (if possible): Even for academic projects, mention any improvements in clarity, accuracy, or efficiency your work achieved.

• Be Ready for Detail: Prepare to answer questions about specific elements within your drawings.

• Connect to the Role: Briefly explain how the skills demonstrated in your portfolio are directly applicable to the responsibilities of this co-op position.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation focuses on questions relevant to a co-op technical role, emphasizing the demonstration of core skills, problem-solving, and the ability to integrate into a professional team environment. Portfolio presentation advice is practical for students.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Oracle Cloud HCM portal link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your academic program (Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering), your current year of study, and any prior co-op terms or relevant project experience. Clearly list your AutoCAD proficiency and any other relevant software skills.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Gather 2-3 strong examples of your AutoCAD work, technical drawings, or related projects that showcase your design and documentation skills. Be ready to articulate your process and the outcomes.

• Research S&C Electric: Understand the company's mission, products, and its role in the power industry. Familiarize yourself with their commitment to safety and reliability.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare for technical questions about AutoCAD and problem-solving scenarios, as well as behavioral questions about teamwork and initiative. Practice articulating your portfolio pieces clearly and concisely.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.