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 Support

Date Posted: April 07, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive the end-to-end production and documentation of comprehensive electrical and instrumentation & control (I&C) project deliverables, ensuring adherence to industry standards and client specifications.

• Lead the drafting and development of critical project documents, including single line diagrams, schematic diagrams, instrumentation loop diagrams, control panel layouts, and site electrical drawings, leveraging advanced CAD software.

• Champion the establishment and maintenance of robust drawing standards, version control, and document management practices to ensure consistent quality and efficiency across all projects.

• Act as the primary technical liaison for electrical design, collaborating closely with engineering, fabrication, sales, and external stakeholders to facilitate seamless project execution and optimal outcomes.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of AWC's Quality Management System by actively participating in design reviews, feedback sessions, and process optimization initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned as a dedicated technical resource for electrical design, emphasizing ownership and excellence in drawing production and documentation, which is a critical function within operations and project execution for an industrial solutions provider.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the development and drafting of full electrical and I&C project document packages, encompassing 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 and markups into complete, submission-ready drawing packages, utilizing AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical to create and update engineering drawings.

• Ensure consistency and accuracy across all project deliverables by coordinating drawings across multiple disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, instrumentation, and process.

• Prepare detailed control panel layouts and wiring diagrams by leveraging established templates and AutoCAD Electrical, ensuring adherence to design specifications.

• Generate comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOMs), drawing schedules, and materials lists to support efficient fabrication and procurement processes.

• Support Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) of electrical control panels by collaborating with hardware and control systems teams, bridging the gap between design and implementation.

• Develop and maintain standardized drawing libraries, file structures, naming conventions, and robust version control and document management practices to enhance traceability and efficiency.

• Conduct thorough reviews of drawings to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable codes and standards (e.g., CEC, NEC, IEC) before submission.

• Proactively develop and refine drawing templates and standards to promote consistent, efficient electrical design practices across the organization.

• Contribute to AWC’s Quality Management System by participating in design reviews, providing constructive feedback, and actively engaging in process improvement initiatives.

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

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

• Assist the sales team by contributing to proposals, cost estimates, and technical materials required for pre-sale engagements.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and emerging technologies through ongoing training and dedicated self-improvement initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities outline a blend of core drafting duties, quality assurance, and cross-functional support, typical for a senior technologist role focused on operational efficiency and project delivery in an industrial engineering context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Diploma or degree from a technical institution with relevant CAD or electrical engineering coursework.

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

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in the electrical design of industrial equipment and packaged systems.

• Demonstrable 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 experience working with AutoCAD Electrical drafting software.

• 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, providing valuable domain expertise.

• Experience with instrumentation, controls, and automation systems is an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to integrate complex systems.

• Experience with the fabrication and/or construction of custom electrical control panels is considered a valuable asset, offering practical insight into manufacturing processes.

Required Skills:

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

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

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, essential for effective collaboration and documentation.

• Self-motivated with a proactive, continuous improvement mindset, driving efficiency and innovation.

• Proficiency in AutoCAD and AutoCAD Electrical for creating and modifying complex engineering drawings.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with water and wastewater treatment systems.

• Familiarity with instrumentation, controls, and automation systems.

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

• 3D modeling proficiency.

• E.T. or C.Tech. designation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on specific deliverables like single line diagrams and loop diagrams, coupled with experience in AutoCAD Electrical and relevant codes (CEC/NEC), indicates a need for a technically proficient designer focused on industrial automation and process solutions.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a range of completed electrical design projects, demonstrating proficiency in drafting core deliverables such as single line diagrams, schematic diagrams, instrumentation loop diagrams, and control panel layouts.

• Include examples of Bills of Materials (BOMs) and material lists generated for fabrication and procurement, highlighting accuracy and detail.

• Present case studies of how drawing standards, version control, and document management were implemented and maintained to ensure project consistency and quality.

• Demonstrate experience in coordinating electrical drawings with other disciplines (mechanical, process, instrumentation) to ensure integrated and accurate project documentation.

Process Documentation:

• Provide examples of how engineering specifications and markups were translated into complete, submission-ready drawing packages, detailing the workflow.

• Illustrate the process of developing and maintaining drawing libraries, file structures, naming conventions, and version control systems.

• Showcase experience in reviewing drawings for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to applicable codes and standards before submission.

• Detail the methodology used for collaborating with fabrication and control systems teams during the design and FAT stages of control panel projects.

• Include documentation of contributions to Quality Management System initiatives, such as design reviews and process improvement feedback.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio is crucial for this role, as it directly validates the candidate's ability to execute the core technical responsibilities. Emphasis should be placed on demonstrating practical application of drafting skills, process adherence, and quality control in an industrial engineering context.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $70,000 - $95,000 CAD per year (Estimated)

Explanation of Estimate: Based on industry benchmarks for an Electrical Design Technologist with 5-10 years of experience in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, particularly within the industrial equipment and process solutions sector. This range accounts for the required technical skills, specific software proficiency (AutoCAD Electrical), and the comprehensive responsibilities outlined. Factors such as the specific depth of experience in water/wastewater treatment, instrumentation, and 3D modeling could influence placement within this range.

Benefits:

• Bonus plan: Performance-based bonus opportunities designed to recognize and reward individual and team achievements.

• Extended health benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents.

• Group RRSP program: Company-sponsored Registered Retirement Savings Plan program to support long-term financial planning.

• Employee recognition program: Regular acknowledgment of individual and team accomplishments, fostering a culture of appreciation.

• Fitness and wellness program subsidies: Financial support for employees to engage in health and wellness activities.

• Professional development opportunities: Active support for employees pursuing further education, training, and skill enhancement.

• Complimentary snacks and refreshments: Well-stocked staff rooms to maintain energy levels throughout the workday.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week. Standard business hours are typical, with potential for occasional overtime depending on project timelines and demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate based on typical market rates for this role and location. The provided benefits package is comprehensive, aligning with industry standards for full-time technical roles and emphasizing long-term employee well-being and professional growth.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Water and Wastewater Treatment Solutions / Industrial Packaged Solutions. AWC Process Solutions Ltd. operates within the critical infrastructure and industrial manufacturing sectors, delivering specialized solutions that are essential for environmental management and industrial operations. This context means projects often involve stringent regulatory compliance, high reliability requirements, and complex integration challenges.

Company Size: AWC Process Solutions Ltd. is a growing company. While the exact number of employees isn't specified, the description suggests a dynamic environment where individual contributions are visible and impactful. This size often fosters a closer-knit team atmosphere and allows for greater individual ownership of processes and projects.

Founded: The founding date is not explicitly stated, but the company's emphasis on "advanced in-house engineering and design with 3D modeling, piloting, fabrication and machining, an in-house control panel shop, and a full range of field services" suggests a well-established entity with a comprehensive service offering. This implies a culture built on technical expertise and end-to-end project delivery capabilities.

Team Structure:

• Operations team aspect 1: The Electrical Design Technologist will be part of a growing electrical design capability, working alongside a core engineering team. This suggests a specialized but integrated function within the larger project execution framework.

• Operations team aspect 2: The role involves close collaboration with internal departments including engineering, fabrication, and sales, indicating a matrixed or project-based reporting structure where dotted-line responsibilities are common. The Technologist will likely report directly to an Electrical Engineering Lead or a similar management role overseeing design functions.

Methodology:

• Operations process 1: Data analysis and insights are critical, particularly in translating engineering markups and specifications into accurate drawings and BOMs. The role requires meticulous data handling and interpretation.

• Operations process 2: Workflow planning and optimization are central, as the Technologist is expected to develop and improve drawing templates and standards, manage document control, and ensure efficient production of drawing packages.

• Operations process 3: Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged through the use of AutoCAD Electrical and the drive to standardize processes, aiming to streamline the design-to-fabrication pipeline.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's focus on turn-key solutions and in-house capabilities suggests a strong emphasis on technical expertise, project execution, and collaborative problem-solving, making this a prime environment for a detail-oriented design technologist.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is defined as a "career-level technologist role," explicitly stated as "not a steppingstone." This indicates the position offers significant responsibility, autonomy, and the opportunity to become a subject matter expert within AWC's electrical design function. It implies a stable, long-term career path focused on technical mastery and process ownership rather than rapid advancement into pure management.

Reporting Structure: The Electrical Design Technologist will work alongside the engineering team and act as the dedicated technical resource for drawing production and documentation. While likely reporting to an Engineering Manager or Lead Electrical Engineer, the role is designed to provide direct technical leadership for all electrical design documentation, collaborating closely with various internal departments.

Operations Impact: The role's impact is significant, directly influencing the accuracy, completeness, and efficiency of project execution. High-quality electrical documentation is fundamental for seamless fabrication, procurement, and installation, minimizing costly errors, delays, and rework. By freeing up engineers to focus on design decisions, this role enhances overall project delivery efficiency and contributes directly to AWC's ability to provide turn-key solutions. The support provided to the sales team also impacts business development by ensuring accurate technical proposals and cost estimates.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations skill advancement and specialization paths: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like industrial automation, advanced control panel design, or 3D modeling, potentially leading to specialized technical roles or project leadership within design.

• Industry conference and certification participation: AWC supports professional development, which can include attending industry-specific conferences related to water treatment, automation, or electrical design, and potentially pursuing certifications to enhance skills and credentials.

• Operations mentorship and leadership potential: While not a direct management track, the role offers leadership opportunities in technical guidance, process improvement, and mentoring junior designers or drafters as the team grows. This can lead to senior technologist or lead design roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "career-level" designation is a key differentiator, suggesting this role is ideal for an experienced technologist seeking stability, ownership, and the chance to be a recognized expert rather than pursuing a traditional engineering management ladder.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site role based in Calgary, Alberta. The description implies a professional office environment where engineers and technologists collaborate on project documentation. It is likely a hybrid of individual workspace for focused CAD work and collaborative spaces for team meetings and project discussions.

Office Location(s): Calgary, Alberta, Canada. This location is a major hub for the energy and industrial sectors in Western Canada, providing access to a skilled workforce and a robust business ecosystem. Specific office amenities like well-stocked staff rooms suggest a supportive and comfortable working environment.

Workspace Context:

• Workspace aspect 1: A collaborative environment is emphasized through requirements to coordinate drawings across disciplines and interact with various internal departments. This suggests a dynamic workspace that encourages teamwork and open communication.

• Workspace aspect 2: Access to industry-standard operations tools and technology is implied, particularly AutoCAD Electrical, and potentially other design and project management software necessary for industrial solutions.

• Workspace aspect 3: Opportunities for interaction with operations teams, including fabrication and engineering, are integral to the role, facilitating a practical understanding of design application and problem-solving in real-world industrial settings.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week, typically during regular business hours. Given the project-based nature of the work, there might be occasional requirements for flexibility or overtime to meet critical project deadlines or support FAT activities, though the emphasis is on a structured work environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement fosters direct collaboration and hands-on involvement, which is often preferred in industrial design roles where understanding the physical implementation of designs is crucial.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Process step 1: Initial screening to assess qualifications and experience against the job requirements, with a focus on CAD proficiency and relevant project history. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with AutoCAD Electrical and specific types of electrical drawings.

• Process step 2: Technical interview involving a deeper dive into electrical design principles, code compliance, and problem-solving scenarios. This may include a review of portfolio samples and discussions on how specific challenges were overcome.

• Process step 3: A potential practical assessment or design exercise, possibly involving a small drafting task or a case study to evaluate technical skills, attention to detail, and workflow efficiency. This stage will also assess cultural fit and collaboration style.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Portfolio tip 1: Organize your portfolio to clearly showcase a range of electrical design projects, highlighting your proficiency in creating single line diagrams, schematic diagrams, instrumentation loop diagrams, and control panel layouts. Use clear headings and brief descriptions for each project.

• Portfolio tip 2: For each project, structure your presentation to detail the problem or requirement, your design approach, the specific tools and standards used (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, CEC), and the successful outcome or impact (e.g., improved efficiency, reduced errors). Quantify achievements where possible.

• Portfolio tip 3: Be prepared to walk through specific examples of your work, explaining your decision-making process, how you ensured accuracy and compliance, and how you managed version control and documentation. Demonstrate your understanding of the connection between design and fabrication.

Challenge Preparation:

• Challenge preparation 1: Be ready for technical questions related to electrical codes (CEC/NEC), schematic interpretation, control panel design best practices, and troubleshooting common electrical system issues.

• Challenge preparation 2: If a practical exercise is given, focus on accuracy, adherence to standards, and efficient use of time. Clearly articulate your thought process and any assumptions made.

• Challenge preparation 3: Prepare to discuss how you collaborate with other disciplines (mechanical, process, instrumentation) and how you handle conflicting requirements or design challenges. Emphasize problem-solving and communication skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on a portfolio review and potential practical assessment means candidates should prioritize showcasing their technical drafting skills and process adherence, directly linking their past work to the requirements of this specific technologist role.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD Electrical: Essential for creating and modifying electrical drawings, schematics, control panel layouts, and single-line diagrams. Proficiency in its features for generating BOMs, wire numbering, and component tagging is critical.

• AutoCAD: General CAD proficiency for creating and editing various types of engineering drawings, including site layouts and general arrangements.

• 3D Modeling Software (Asset): Experience with 3D modeling tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar) would be beneficial for creating detailed panel layouts and performing clash detection, enhancing design accuracy.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Bill of Materials (BOM) Generation Tools: Integrated within AutoCAD Electrical or standalone software for creating accurate parts lists for procurement and fabrication.

• Document Management Systems: Experience with systems for version control, file structure management, and document tracking is crucial for maintaining drawing integrity and project traceability.

CRM & Automation:

• Project Management Software (Implied): Familiarity with project management tools used for tracking drawing progress, task assignments, and project timelines.

• ERP/MRP Systems (Implied): Understanding how electrical design documentation (BOMs, material lists) integrates into Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems for procurement and inventory management.

• Integrated Control Panel Design Software (Potential Asset): Software that integrates schematic design with panel layout and potentially PLC programming interfaces.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology requirement is AutoCAD Electrical, but familiarity with broader design, documentation, and project execution tools common in industrial engineering environments will be advantageous.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A strong emphasis on accuracy, quality, and adherence to standards in all electrical design and documentation work, reflecting the critical nature of water and wastewater treatment systems.

• Collaboration: A commitment to working effectively across disciplines and departments, fostering open communication and shared problem-solving to achieve integrated project success.

• Continuous Improvement: A proactive mindset towards refining processes, developing better templates, and adopting new technologies to enhance efficiency and design quality.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of electrical design deliverables, ensuring deadlines are met and that the documentation is reliable for fabrication and implementation.

• Customer Focus: Understanding that the quality of electrical design directly impacts the performance and reliability of the final solutions delivered to clients.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional operations integration: The role necessitates deep collaboration with mechanical, process, and instrumentation engineers, as well as fabrication teams, to ensure designs are practical, manufacturable, and meet system requirements.

• Process review culture: An environment where drawing standards, templates, and workflows are open to review and improvement, encouraging feedback and iterative enhancements.

• Knowledge sharing practices: A culture that supports sharing best practices, lessons learned from projects, and technical insights to elevate the collective expertise of the design and engineering teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's culture appears to be built around technical expertise, collaborative project delivery, and a commitment to quality, which aligns well with the core competencies expected of a seasoned design technologist.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing complex project documentation across multiple disciplines simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Ensuring absolute accuracy and compliance with evolving electrical codes and standards in a technically demanding industry.

• Integrating designs with emerging automation and control technologies as projects evolve.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Operations skill advancement: Deepening expertise in industrial electrical design, control panel fabrication processes, and specific automation technologies relevant to water and wastewater treatment.

• Industry conference and certification participation: Opportunities to attend relevant industry events (e.g., WEFTEC for water treatment, automation trade shows) and potentially pursue certifications like P.Eng. (if eligible and desired for career progression) or specialized CAD certifications.

• Operations mentorship and leadership development: The role offers a path to become a senior technical expert, potentially mentoring junior staff, leading design initiatives, and contributing to process improvements, offering leadership without necessarily moving into formal management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in industrial design, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement within a specialized and critical sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex electrical design project you managed from concept to completion. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them using AutoCAD Electrical and adhering to standards like CEC?" (Focus on process, problem-solving, and standard adherence)

• "How do you ensure accuracy and consistency when coordinating electrical drawings with mechanical, instrumentation, and process engineering teams? Provide an example." (Focus on collaboration and attention to detail)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about AWC Process Solutions Ltd. and our focus on integrated water and wastewater treatment solutions?" (Research company mission, values, and projects)

• "How do you approach continuous improvement in your drafting and documentation processes? Can you give an example of a standard or template you've improved?" (Demonstrate proactive mindset)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Presentation strategy 1: Start with an overview of your most relevant projects, perhaps focusing on industrial equipment or packaged solutions. For each, clearly state the project's scope, your role, the key deliverables you produced, and the impact of your work.

• Presentation strategy 2: For selected projects, deep-dive into the technical details. Show examples of single line diagrams, schematics, and panel layouts, explaining your design choices, how you incorporated codes, and the specific features of AutoCAD Electrical you utilized.

• Presentation strategy 3: Be prepared to discuss your process for managing revisions, ensuring version control, and collaborating with other departments. Highlight any contributions you've made to improving design standards or documentation efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare to demonstrate not just technical proficiency but also a strong understanding of process, collaboration, and the practical application of their designs within an industrial manufacturing and project execution context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Electrical Design Technologist position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on Workable.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 5+ years of experience in industrial electrical design, specifically mentioning your proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical and experience with deliverables like single line diagrams, schematics, and control panel layouts. Quantify achievements where possible (e.g., "Managed documentation for X projects," "Reduced drawing errors by Y% through improved standards").

• Portfolio Preparation: Assemble a digital portfolio showcasing your best work. Include examples of electrical drawings, panel layouts, BOMs, and any documentation related to standards development or process improvement. Be ready to present selected pieces and discuss your design process in detail.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AWC Process Solutions Ltd., their core business in water/wastewater treatment and industrial packaged solutions, and their commitment to turn-key services. Understand their industry context and potential project types.

• Technical & Behavioral Preparation: Prepare for technical questions regarding electrical codes (CEC/NEC), schematic interpretation, and CAD software. Also, prepare for behavioral questions about collaboration, problem-solving, and continuous improvement, drawing on examples from your past roles.

⚠️ 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.