Electrical Design Technologist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Electrical Design Technologist

Company: AWC Process Solutions Ltd.

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Operations / Technical Design

Date Posted: 2026-09-17

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the production of comprehensive electrical and I&C (Instrumentation & Controls) project documentation packages, ensuring adherence to industry standards and client specifications.

• Lead the drafting and development of essential electrical design deliverables, including single line diagrams, schematic diagrams, instrumentation loop diagrams, control panel layouts, and site electrical drawings.

• Collaborate extensively with engineering, fabrication, and sales teams to ensure seamless integration of electrical designs into the overall project lifecycle, from initial proposals to final construction.

• Champion drawing standards, quality control, and document management practices to foster consistency, efficiency, and accuracy across all project documentation.

• Act as the dedicated technical resource for electrical design, empowering engineers to focus on critical design decisions and strategic project planning.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a career-level technologist position, emphasizing ownership and technical leadership in electrical design documentation rather than a stepping stone. The focus is on driving drawing production and documentation excellence, indicating a significant impact on project efficiency and engineering team productivity.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the comprehensive development and drafting of electrical and I&C project document packages, including but not limited to: Electrical Single Line Diagrams, Schematic Diagrams, Instrumentation Loop Diagrams, Control Panel Layouts, Site Electrical Drawings, Cable Schedules, Cable Tray Layout Drawings, and General Arrangement Drawings.

• Translate engineering specifications, markups, and design intent into complete, submission-ready drawing packages utilizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical.

• Ensure consistency and accuracy across all project deliverables by coordinating drawings and technical information with other disciplines, including mechanical, instrumentation, and process engineering.

• Prepare detailed control panel layouts and wiring diagrams by leveraging established templates and advanced features within AutoCAD Electrical.

• Generate accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawing schedules, and material lists to support efficient fabrication, procurement, and project cost management.

• Assist with Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of electrical control panels, actively engaging with both hardware and control systems teams to validate design and functionality.

• Develop, maintain, and enforce drawing libraries, file structures, naming conventions, version control protocols, and robust document management practices.

• Conduct thorough reviews of electrical drawings to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements prior to submission.

• Proactively develop and refine drawing templates and standards to promote consistent, efficient, and high-quality electrical design output across all projects.

• Contribute to AWC's Quality Management System through active participation in design reviews, feedback sessions, and the identification of opportunities for process improvement.

• Serve as the primary electrical design lead on assigned projects, providing technical support and guidance to engineering and fabrication teams throughout the entire project lifecycle.

• Foster strong collaborative relationships with internal departments (e.g., fabrication, sales, engineering) and external stakeholders, including vendors, owners, and owners’ engineers, to achieve project objectives.

• Support the sales team by contributing to proposals, developing cost estimates, and preparing technical materials for pre-sale requirements.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and relevant codes and standards through continuous training and self-improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of core drafting tasks and process ownership. The emphasis on developing and maintaining drawing libraries, improving templates, and contributing to the QMS indicates a need for a candidate who can not only execute but also optimize the design documentation process.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Diploma or degree from a technical institution with a strong emphasis on CAD or electrical engineering coursework.

• An accredited Diploma in Engineering Technology, CAD Technology, or a closely related field is highly preferred.

• E.T. (Engineering Technologist) or C.Tech. (Certified Technologist) designation is considered a significant asset. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in the electrical design of industrial equipment and packaged systems is required.

• Demonstrated hands-on experience with the full spectrum of electrical drafting deliverables, including single line diagrams, cable schedules, electrical schematics, interface drawings, site layouts, panel drawings and schedules, conduit layouts, and instrumentation loop diagrams.

• At least 3 years of dedicated working experience with AutoCAD Electrical drafting software is essential.

• Familiarity with applicable electrical codes and standards such as the Canadian Electrical Code (CEC), National Electrical Code (NEC), and relevant International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards.

• Experience with water and wastewater treatment process design is considered a strong asset, indicating a preference for candidates with relevant industry exposure.

• Experience with instrumentation, controls, and automation systems is an asset, suggesting a need for an understanding of integrated system design.

• Experience with the fabrication and/or construction of custom electrical control panels is an asset, providing practical insight into manufacturing processes.

• Experience with 3D modeling software is considered an asset, indicating a potential future focus on advanced design visualization. Required Skills:

• Exceptional attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to drawing quality, accuracy, and technical integrity.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex drawing packages simultaneously, prioritize tasks independently, and consistently meet demanding project deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, enabling effective collaboration and clear technical articulation.

• Demonstrated self-motivation with a proactive, continuous improvement mindset focused on optimizing processes and outcomes.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for precise and efficient design drafting.

• Solid understanding of electrical codes and standards (CEC, NEC, IEC) relevant to industrial applications.

• Ability to interpret engineering markups and specifications accurately. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with water and wastewater treatment processes.

• Familiarity with instrumentation, controls, and automation systems.

• Experience in the fabrication or construction of custom electrical control panels.

• 3D modeling software proficiency.

• E.T. or C.Tech. designation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirements strongly emphasize practical, hands-on experience with specific drafting deliverables and software. The preference for an E.T. or C.Tech. designation suggests a value placed on formal technical training and professional certification within the engineering technology field.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 distinct projects demonstrating a comprehensive range of electrical design deliverables, including single line diagrams, schematics, panel layouts, and site drawings.

• Highlight projects where you were responsible for the end-to-end drafting process, from initial engineering markups to final construction-ready drawing packages.

• Include examples of control panel design, detailing layout, wiring, and BOM generation, ideally using AutoCAD Electrical.

• Demonstrate your understanding of applicable electrical codes and standards (e.g., CEC, NEC, IEC) through clear labeling and adherence in your project examples.

• Present projects that involved coordination with other disciplines (mechanical, process, instrumentation) to illustrate your ability to integrate designs. Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how you have developed or maintained drawing libraries, file structures, and naming conventions to ensure organization and version control.

• Include documentation or explanations of your quality control process for reviewing drawings before submission, detailing checks for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

• If possible, showcase templates or standards you have developed or improved to enhance consistency and efficiency in electrical design.

• Be prepared to discuss your experience contributing to Quality Management Systems and participating in design reviews or process improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: For this role, the portfolio should heavily emphasize technical drawing accuracy and adherence to standards. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process for ensuring quality and efficiency in design documentation, demonstrating not just technical skill but also a systematic approach to their work.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Based on industry benchmarks for an Electrical Design Technologist with 5-10 years of experience in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, the estimated annual salary range is $75,000 - $100,000 CAD. This estimate considers the cost of living in Calgary, the demand for specialized technical skills in the industrial sector, and the company's stated commitment to "industry-leading compensation."

Benefits:

• Bonus Plan: Performance-based bonus opportunities to reward individual and team achievements.

• Extended Health Benefits: Comprehensive coverage for medical, dental, and vision care.

• Group RRSP Program: Company-matched retirement savings plan to support long-term financial security.

• Fitness and Wellness Program Subsidies: Financial assistance to encourage healthy lifestyles and personal well-being.

• Professional Development Opportunities: Support for ongoing learning, training, and skill enhancement, including potential subsidies for further education.

• Complimentary Snacks and Refreshments: Fully stocked staff rooms to maintain energy levels throughout the workday.

Working Hours:

The standard workweek is likely 40 hours, typical for a full-time role. Given the hybrid nature of the position, there may be some flexibility regarding daily start and end times, subject to project needs and team coordination.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on market data for similar roles in Calgary. The company's specific compensation details, including bonus structure and RRSP matching percentages, should be confirmed during the interview process. The inclusion of fitness/wellness subsidies and professional development support points to a company culture that invests in employee well-being and growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Industrial Water and Wastewater Treatment Solutions, Specialized Packaged Systems, Engineering, Design, Fabrication. AWC Process Solutions Ltd. operates within a critical infrastructure sector, providing essential services and engineered solutions for municipal and industrial clients. This context implies a focus on reliability, regulatory compliance, and robust engineering practices.

Company Size: AWC Process Solutions Ltd. is part of AWC Industries, which is described as having 51-200 employees on LinkedIn. This suggests a medium-sized company environment where individuals can have a significant impact and work closely with various departments, yet still benefit from established processes and resources.

Founded: AWC Industries was founded in 1986. This long history indicates stability, extensive experience in the market, and a deep understanding of water and wastewater treatment technologies and industrial packaged solutions.

Team Structure:

• The Electrical Design Technologist will be part of the broader engineering and design department, likely working within a team of engineers and other technologists.

• The role involves close collaboration with fabrication teams, control systems specialists, project managers, and potentially sales engineers.

• Reporting likely falls under an Electrical Engineering Manager or Lead Engineer, with direct interaction and support for project engineers. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: Projects are driven by client needs and specific process requirements, requiring careful analysis of technical specifications and site conditions.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The emphasis on developing standards, templates, and efficient drawing production suggests a methodical approach to workflow optimization within the design process.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not explicitly stated as a primary focus for this role, the use of AutoCAD Electrical and the goal of freeing up engineers indicates an appreciation for leveraging technology to improve efficiency.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's specialization in water and wastewater treatment means that candidates with relevant experience will have a distinct advantage. The medium company size suggests a dynamic environment where cross-functional collaboration is key to success.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is defined as a "career-level technologist role, not a steppingstone." This indicates a position of significant responsibility where the individual is expected to be a subject matter expert in electrical design documentation and contribute to process improvement. It suggests a stable, impactful position rather than an entry-level or junior role.

Reporting Structure: The Electrical Design Technologist will report to engineering leadership, likely an Electrical Engineering Manager or a Senior Project Engineer. They will work closely with project engineers, mechanical designers, and fabrication teams, acting as a key technical contributor within project teams.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts project timelines, costs, and quality by ensuring accurate, compliant, and efficient electrical design documentation. By producing high-quality drawing packages, the technologist enables smooth fabrication, installation, and commissioning of water and wastewater treatment systems, directly contributing to AWC's ability to deliver successful turn-key solutions and maintain client satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific areas of electrical design, I&C, or specialized industrial systems through project experience and training.

• Process Improvement Leadership: Take on greater responsibility for developing and implementing new design standards, documentation processes, and quality control measures.

• Project Support & Mentorship: Grow into a role that involves mentoring junior designers or providing advanced technical support to project teams.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Develop a broader understanding of project lifecycles and potentially move into roles with more project management or engineering coordination responsibilities, leveraging their deep technical documentation background.

• Industry Certifications: Pursue advanced certifications (e.g., P.Eng. eligibility pathway if applicable, specialized CAD certifications) to further enhance professional credentials.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on this being a "career-level" role suggests that AWC values long-term contributors who can become subject matter experts and process owners within their technical domains. Growth is likely to be focused on deepening expertise and influencing internal processes rather than rapid hierarchical promotion.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The position is described as Hybrid, indicating a blend of remote work and on-site presence at the Calgary office. This offers flexibility while ensuring essential in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Specific details about office amenities and accessibility would typically be available upon inquiry or during a site visit.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The role requires significant interaction with engineers, fabrication teams, and potentially sales. The office environment likely supports this through shared workspaces, meeting rooms, and project collaboration areas.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical), potentially 3D modeling tools, and document management systems is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities for direct engagement with colleagues through project meetings, design reviews, and informal discussions are integral to the hybrid model.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour workweek is typical. The hybrid arrangement likely allows for some flexibility in daily scheduling, balancing remote work with necessary on-site days for collaboration and specific project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern workplace that balances flexibility with the need for in-person collaboration, particularly crucial for design roles that involve coordination with fabrication and engineering teams.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

1. Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess alignment with the core requirements, particularly experience with AutoCAD Electrical, drafting deliverables, and industrial systems.

2. Technical Interview: This stage will likely involve detailed questions about your experience with specific electrical design documentation (single lines, schematics, panel layouts), your proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical, and your understanding of electrical codes and standards. Expect scenario-based questions related to managing drawing packages and quality control.

3. Portfolio Review: Be prepared to present and discuss selected projects from your portfolio. Focus on your role, the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the specific deliverables you produced. Highlight your process for ensuring accuracy and compliance.

4. Team/Hiring Manager Interview: This interview will assess your fit with the team culture, your communication style, and your approach to collaboration. You may be asked about your experience in water/wastewater treatment or controls systems. Behavioral questions focusing on problem-solving, prioritization, and continuous improvement are likely.

5. Final Assessment: May involve a technical challenge or a discussion with senior leadership to finalize the decision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 3-5 projects that best showcase your capabilities in electrical design drafting for industrial equipment. Ensure a variety of deliverables are represented.

• Focus on Impact: For each project, clearly articulate your specific responsibilities, the challenges encountered, the technical solutions you provided, and the final outcomes. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "reduced drafting time by X%," "ensured zero drawing-related issues during fabrication").

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to walk through your workflow for creating drawings, your methods for quality control, and how you incorporated feedback or adhered to standards. Use visual aids effectively.

• Highlight Software Proficiency: Clearly show your expertise with AutoCAD Electrical. If you have 3D modeling experience, include relevant examples.

• Code Compliance: Ensure your portfolio examples clearly demonstrate adherence to relevant electrical codes and standards. Be prepared to discuss your knowledge in this area.

Challenge Preparation:

• Drafting Exercise: You might be given a set of engineering markups or specifications and asked to create a specific drawing (e.g., a control panel schematic or a single line diagram) within a time limit. Focus on accuracy, clarity, and adherence to formatting standards.

• Process Improvement Scenario: Be ready to discuss how you would improve a given design documentation process, perhaps by developing new templates or implementing a better version control system.

• Problem-Solving: Prepare for questions about how you handle conflicting design requirements, tight deadlines, or errors found late in the design cycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application and process ownership. A well-prepared portfolio that clearly articulates the candidate's contribution, process, and adherence to standards will be crucial for success.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for general drafting and technical drawing creation.

• AutoCAD Electrical: The core software for this role, used for creating electrical schematics, panel layouts, single line diagrams, and other electrical documentation. Proficiency is a key requirement.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Including Word for documentation, Excel for BOMs and schedules, and Outlook for communication.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary focus of this role, familiarity with tools used for BOM management and potentially basic data analysis related to drawing revisions or project scope might be beneficial. CRM & Automation:

• Not directly relevant to this technical drafting role, but understanding how design documents feed into project management or ERP systems is advantageous. Other Potential Tools:

• 3D Modeling Software (Asset): Software like Autodesk Inventor or SolidWorks could be utilized for panel layout or equipment modeling, if applicable to specific projects.

• Document Management Systems (DMS): Experience with systems for organizing, storing, and tracking revisions of technical documents.

• Project Management Software: Familiarity with tools like MS Project, Asana, or similar for understanding project timelines and dependencies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is heavily centered around AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate deep proficiency in these tools, as they are the primary means of executing the core responsibilities of the role.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Quality & Accuracy: A fundamental value, reflected in the emphasis on meticulous drawing production, adherence to standards, and rigorous quality control processes. Operations professionals in this role are expected to take pride in the technical integrity of their work.

• Efficiency & Continuous Improvement: The drive to develop better templates, streamline workflows, and free up engineers signifies a commitment to operational efficiency. Candidates should demonstrate a mindset of seeking better ways to perform tasks.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: The role requires seamless integration with engineering, fabrication, and sales. AWC values individuals who can communicate effectively and work harmoniously across different departments to achieve common project goals.

• Integrity & Reliability: Working in the water and wastewater treatment sector demands a high level of trust and dependability. Operations professionals are expected to be reliable in their output and uphold ethical standards in their work.

• Technical Expertise: A deep respect for technical knowledge and skill is evident. The company seeks experienced professionals who can be relied upon for their specialized expertise in electrical design and documentation.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a collaborative environment where electrical design is tightly integrated with mechanical, process, and controls engineering. Open communication and proactive information sharing are key.

• Process Review Culture: The role involves contributing to quality management and process improvement, suggesting an environment where feedback on design processes is encouraged and acted upon.

• Knowledge Sharing: The emphasis on developing standards and improving documentation practices implies a culture that values sharing best practices and technical knowledge among team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to value technical excellence, efficiency, and collaborative problem-solving. Candidates who can demonstrate a commitment to quality, a proactive approach to process improvement, and strong interpersonal skills will likely find a good fit.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Balancing the needs of various projects simultaneously, each with unique specifications and deadlines, requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Ensuring Cross-Disciplinary Consistency: Coordinating electrical drawings with mechanical, process, and instrumentation designs to maintain overall project integrity and avoid conflicts.

• Adhering to Evolving Standards: Keeping abreast of and applying the latest electrical codes, industry standards, and company-specific documentation requirements.

• Translating Complex Engineering Concepts: Accurately converting engineering markups and specifications into clear, unambiguous technical drawings that are easily understood by fabrication and installation teams.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Expertise in Water/Wastewater Systems: Gain extensive experience with the electrical design requirements specific to water and wastewater treatment plants and packaged solutions.

• Master Advanced AutoCAD Electrical Features: Explore and implement more advanced functionalities within AutoCAD Electrical for enhanced design efficiency and accuracy.

• Contribute to Standards Development: Play a key role in defining and refining AWC's internal electrical design standards and documentation best practices.

• Exposure to Controls and Automation: Develop a better understanding of instrumentation and control systems through collaboration with the controls team and involvement in FAT processes.

• Potential for 3D Modeling Integration: If 3D modeling is increasingly adopted, there's an opportunity to develop skills in this area for panel design or layout visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are typical for a design technologist role in an industrial engineering environment. The growth opportunities are focused on deepening technical expertise within the company's specific domain and contributing to process optimization.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe your process for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of electrical drawings before they are submitted for fabrication or client review." (Focus on your quality control steps, use of checklists, and coordination methods.)

• "How do you manage competing priorities when working on multiple projects with different deadlines?" (Highlight your organizational tools, prioritization techniques, and communication strategies.)

• "Walk me through a time you had to interpret complex engineering markups or specifications. What challenges did you face, and how did you resolve them?" (Emphasize your problem-solving approach and attention to detail.)

• "How have you contributed to improving design documentation processes or standards in previous roles?" (Be ready to discuss specific examples of template development, library management, or workflow optimization.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about working specifically with water and wastewater treatment systems?" (Connect your skills and career goals to the company's industry.)

• "How do you approach collaboration with engineers and fabrication teams?" (Emphasize communication, understanding different perspectives, and working towards a shared goal.)

• "Describe your understanding of electrical codes and standards like CEC or NEC, and how you apply them in your work." (Showcase your technical knowledge and commitment to compliance.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure Your Presentation: For each project, clearly state the project type, your role, the key deliverables you produced, any significant challenges, and how you overcame them.

• Highlight Technical Detail: Be prepared to zoom in on specific drawings to explain your design choices, symbol usage, and adherence to standards.

• Demonstrate Software Skills: Show your comfort and efficiency with AutoCAD Electrical. If possible, briefly demonstrate a specific feature you used effectively.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, mention the impact of your work, such as ensuring smooth fabrication, contributing to project timelines, or maintaining high quality.

• Engage Your Audience: Make it a conversation. Ask if they have questions about specific drawings or processes as you go.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of processes. Your portfolio should be a visual testament to your capabilities.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Electrical Design Technologist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Tailor Your Resume: Ensure your resume prominently features keywords from the job description, such as "AutoCAD Electrical," "single line diagrams," "schematic diagrams," "control panel layout," "industrial equipment," and "electrical codes." Highlight your 5+ years of relevant experience and specific deliverables.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a digital portfolio (e.g., PDF) showcasing 3-5 key projects that demonstrate your expertise in electrical design drafting for industrial systems. Ensure it includes examples of the required deliverables and highlights your process for quality and compliance.

• Practice Portfolio Presentation: Rehearse walking through your portfolio with a focus on clearly explaining your contributions, technical challenges, and solutions, especially concerning accuracy and adherence to standards.

• Research AWC: Familiarize yourself with AWC Process Solutions Ltd.'s projects, values, and the water/wastewater treatment industry to articulate your interest and fit during interviews.

⚠️ 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.

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