Traction Power and OCS Engineering Design Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Traction Power and OCS Engineering Design Manager

Company: AtkinsRéalis

Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Engineering Management / Rail Infrastructure Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-05

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the engineering design and technical oversight for Traction Power and Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) for the Calgary Green Line LRT project, serving as the Engineer of Record.

• Manage multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants, ensuring seamless coordination and high-quality deliverables throughout the project lifecycle from concept to construction.

• Establish and enforce system design criteria, performance requirements, and regulatory compliance for critical rail infrastructure.

• Provide crucial engineering support during the construction phase, including responding to RFIs, conducting field reviews, and managing design changes to ensure constructability and adherence to specifications.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized and critical to the success of a major public transit infrastructure project. The "Engineer of Record" designation signifies ultimate technical responsibility and liability, requiring a deep understanding of both design principles and construction realities in the rail sector. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for on-site presence for critical phases like construction support and team coordination, balanced with remote flexibility.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the designated Engineer of Record (EOR) for all Traction Power and Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) design elements related to the Calgary Green Line LRT project, assuming ultimate technical accountability.

• Lead and manage the comprehensive design development of traction power substations, distribution networks, and OCS, from initial concept and feasibility studies through to detailed design packages (pre- and post-IFC).

• Direct and coordinate the efforts of internal multidisciplinary engineering teams (electrical, civil, structural, system integration) and external specialist consultants to ensure integrated and optimized system designs.

• Establish, document, and maintain robust system design criteria, technical specifications, performance standards, and safety protocols in alignment with project requirements and industry best practices.

• Provide essential engineering support and technical guidance during the construction phase, including timely review and response to Requests for Information (RFIs), conducting site inspections and field reviews, and managing the technical aspects of design modifications and variations.

• Proactively coordinate and manage technical interfaces and dependencies between traction power and OCS systems and other project disciplines, including trackwork, civil structures, signaling, communications, power utilities, and any third-party stakeholders.

• Facilitate and oversee the technical aspects of system testing, commissioning, and final handover procedures, ensuring all systems perform to specified requirements.

• Ensure strict adherence to all relevant codes, standards, regulations, and client specifications throughout the design and construction lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly outline a senior engineering leadership role with significant project ownership. The emphasis on "Engineer of Record" and "responsible charge" highlights the need for a candidate with proven decision-making authority and a deep understanding of the legal and technical implications of engineering design in a public infrastructure context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience specifically in the design, engineering, and management of traction power and/or overhead catenary systems (OCS) for railway, light rail transit (LRT), or similar heavy rail infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated and documented experience serving as the Engineer of Record (EOR) for significant rail infrastructure components.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in Traction Power Systems design, including AC/DC substations, power distribution, and protection schemes for electrified rail.

• In-depth knowledge of Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) design principles, including catenary wire configuration, support structures, tensioning systems, and pantograph interaction.

• Proficiency in Engineering Design Management, including team leadership, project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for complex engineering initiatives.

• Strong technical leadership capabilities, with the ability to guide and mentor engineering teams and make critical technical decisions.

• Exceptional multidisciplinary coordination skills, with a proven ability to integrate electrical systems with civil, structural, track, and other project disciplines.

• Thorough understanding of relevant Canadian and international codes, standards, and regulations pertaining to railway electrification and power systems (e.g., CSA, IEEE, CIGRE).

• Experience in providing comprehensive engineering support during the construction phase, including RFI management, site inspections, and technical problem-solving.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with specific rail transit projects in Canada, particularly those involving urban light rail or metro systems.

• Knowledge of power system analysis software relevant to traction power studies (e.g., ETAP, PSS/E).

• Familiarity with project management software and tools for tracking progress and managing documentation.

• Experience in stakeholder management and communication with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The P.Eng. requirement and eligibility for practice in Alberta are non-negotiable, emphasizing the critical nature of regulatory compliance and professional accountability. The 10+ years of experience, specifically in traction power and OCS, combined with EOR experience, positions this as a senior-level role requiring deep subject matter expertise rather than general engineering management.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a portfolio showcasing significant contributions to the design and successful delivery of at least two major railway electrification projects, specifically highlighting Traction Power and OCS components.

• Include detailed case studies of projects where you served as the Engineer of Record, clearly outlining your technical decision-making process, design methodologies, and accountability for design quality and safety.

• Present examples of complex multidisciplinary coordination challenges you've managed, illustrating your approach to integrating electrical systems with civil, track, and other infrastructure elements.

• Showcase documentation of system design criteria, standards, and performance specifications you have developed or implemented, emphasizing how these contributed to project success and compliance.

Process Documentation:

• Document your process for establishing and maintaining system design criteria and performance requirements, from initial project scoping through to detailed design.

• Illustrate your methodology for leading and coordinating multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants, including your approach to design reviews and quality assurance.

• Detail your process for managing technical interfaces and ensuring seamless integration between traction power, OCS, and other project systems and disciplines.

• Provide examples of your workflow for supporting construction, including RFI management, site verification, and the process for implementing design changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role with EOR responsibilities, the portfolio must emphatically demonstrate deep technical expertise, leadership in design quality, and a proven ability to manage risk and accountability. Candidates should be prepared to discuss the specific processes and methodologies behind their portfolio examples in detail.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive Compensation Package: Reflecting the seniority and specialized nature of the role.

• Employee Recognition Programs: Acknowledging significant contributions and achievements.

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan: Including flexible options for health, dental, and vision coverage.

• Wellbeing Support: Programs and resources focused on employee mental and physical health.

• Financial Planning Tools: Including retirement savings plans (e.g., RRSP matching) and other financial wellness initiatives.

• Lifestyle Benefits: Such as employee assistance programs (EAP) and potential for wellness stipends.

• Professional Development: Robust opportunities for training, certifications, and continuous learning in rail engineering and project management.

• Hybrid Working Culture: Offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time hours are typically 40 hours per week. While a hybrid work model is in place, specific on-site requirements may fluctuate based on project phase, particularly during critical design reviews, site construction support, and testing/commissioning activities. Flexibility is expected to meet project deadlines and critical milestones.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary estimate is derived from aggregate data for senior engineering management roles in Canada's infrastructure sector, adjusted for the specific specialization in rail electrification and the high-demand Engineer of Record function. Benefits are tailored based on the provided list and typical offerings for large engineering firms in Canada.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services & Nuclear, with a significant focus on Infrastructure Development, particularly in the Transportation sector (Rail & Transit). AtkinsRéalis is a global leader in these fields, known for delivering complex, large-scale projects.

Company Size: Large Enterprise (typically 10,000+ employees globally, with a substantial presence in Canada). This size offers stability, extensive resources, and diverse career pathways.

Founded: The company has a long history, with roots tracing back to the early 20th century, evolving through mergers and acquisitions into the current AtkinsRéalis. This longevity suggests a stable, experienced, and established organizational structure.

Team Structure:

• The Traction Power and OCS Engineering team is likely a specialized unit within AtkinsRéalis's broader Rail or Transportation division. It will comprise a mix of senior engineers, designers, drafters, and project managers focused on electrified rail systems.

• This role reports to a Director or VP of Engineering within the Rail sector, with direct oversight of a team of electrical engineers and design specialists dedicated to the Calgary Green Line project.

Methodology:

• Operations within AtkinsRéalis are typically data-driven and process-oriented, emphasizing rigorous technical analysis, adherence to international standards, and robust quality management systems.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical, especially for large infrastructure projects where integration and sequencing are paramount. The focus is on delivering compliant, constructible, and cost-effective designs.

• Automation and efficiency practices are likely employed where applicable, particularly in design documentation, BIM modeling, and data management, to enhance productivity and reduce errors.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis's global scale and focus on major infrastructure projects mean this role operates within a highly structured, process-driven environment. The company culture likely values technical excellence, safety, collaboration, and long-term career development.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a senior-level management position, specifically a "Design Manager" with "Engineer of Record" responsibilities. It sits at the intersection of technical expertise and project leadership, requiring a deep understanding of specialized engineering disciplines (Traction Power, OCS) combined with the ability to manage teams, coordinate complex interfaces, and take ultimate technical responsibility for a critical project component. It's a role focused on delivering specific, high-stakes project outcomes.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level engineering director or vice president within AtkinsRéalis's transportation or rail division. They will directly manage a team of engineers and designers focused on the Traction Power and OCS scope for the Calgary Green Line project. This structure implies a need for strong reporting skills and the ability to translate complex technical information upwards.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is profound. As the Engineer of Record for Traction Power and OCS, the manager is directly responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the core electrical systems that power the Calgary Green Line LRT. Successful design and execution directly influence the project's overall success, ridership capacity, operational efficiency, safety record, and long-term functionality, thereby impacting public transit in Calgary.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in advanced rail electrification technologies, potentially leading to roles as a Principal Engineer or technical advisor on future mega-projects.

• Project Leadership Expansion: Progress to broader project management roles, overseeing larger scopes of work or entire transit system packages, moving beyond just the electrical design components.

• Strategic Engineering Roles: Transition into positions focused on developing company-wide engineering standards, R&D, or business development for rail infrastructure solutions.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop leadership skills by mentoring junior engineers, contributing to internal training programs, and shaping the next generation of rail electrification experts within AtkinsRéalis.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Engineer of Record" designation inherently limits upward mobility into purely managerial roles without a continued technical focus. Growth is most likely to occur within specialized technical leadership or broader project leadership for complex infrastructure.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid. This implies a combination of in-office work for collaboration, team meetings, and access to shared resources, and remote work for focused individual tasks. The office is located in a professional business tower in downtown Calgary.

Office Location(s): 144-4th Avenue SW, Suite 2200 (West Tower), Calgary, AB, Canada. This is a central business district location, likely offering good accessibility via public transit and amenities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely foster a collaborative environment, especially for design coordination meetings and cross-functional team interactions. Expect shared office spaces or dedicated project team zones.

• Access to advanced engineering software, CAD workstations, BIM platforms, and high-speed network connectivity will be standard for design and analysis tasks.

• Opportunities for direct interaction with other engineering disciplines (civil, track, systems) and project management staff will be frequent, facilitating integrated problem-solving and design alignment.

Work Schedule: A standard 40-hour work week is typical, but the demands of a major infrastructure project, especially during construction phases, may necessitate working beyond standard hours to meet critical deadlines or address urgent site issues. Flexibility and commitment to project milestones are key.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature suggests a modern work approach balanced with the practical needs of large-scale engineering projects that require significant in-person collaboration and site presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Talent Acquisition will likely conduct an initial review of applications, focusing on P.Eng. status, Alberta eligibility, and minimum years of specialized experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the hiring manager (likely a senior engineering leader) to assess technical depth, leadership style, relevant project experience (especially EOR roles), and cultural fit. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your resume.

• Technical/Panel Interview: A more in-depth discussion with subject matter experts and potential team members. This may involve scenario-based questions, technical challenges related to traction power and OCS design, and a review of your portfolio.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present key projects from their portfolio, focusing on their role, technical challenges, design solutions, and outcomes, particularly highlighting EOR responsibilities and process optimization.

• Final Interview/Offer: A final discussion with senior leadership, potentially including offer negotiation.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Focus on EOR Experience: Clearly delineate projects where you acted as Engineer of Record. Detail your responsibilities, decision-making authority, and accountability for design integrity and safety.

• Quantify Achievements: Wherever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your designs and management. Examples: "Reduced design errors by X% through improved coordination process," "Ensured system reliability meeting X% uptime requirements," "Managed a design budget of $Y million."

• Showcase Process: For each case study, explain your design methodology, stakeholder engagement approach, risk management strategies, and how you ensured constructability.

• Highlight Multidisciplinary Integration: Demonstrate your ability to work effectively with diverse engineering disciplines and external stakeholders. Use examples of successful interface management.

• Prepare for Technical Deep Dives: Be ready to discuss specific technical challenges related to traction power and OCS, such as load flow analysis, fault current calculations, catenary dynamics, or earthing systems.

Challenge Preparation:

• Expect scenario-based questions related to common challenges in rail electrification projects (e.g., unexpected site conditions, stakeholder conflicts, regulatory hurdles, RFI management).

• Be prepared to discuss how you would approach designing a specific system component or troubleshooting a complex technical issue.

• Practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically, demonstrating your problem-solving skills and engineering judgment.

• Understand the Calgary Green Line project context as much as possible to tailor your responses.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on an "Engineer of Record" role means the interview process will heavily scrutinize technical competence, professional judgment, and the ability to assume significant responsibility. A well-prepared technical portfolio is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar for 2D/3D design drafting.

• BIM Platforms: Autodesk Revit or Bentley Systems' equivalent for integrated project modeling and clash detection.

• Electrical Design & Analysis Software:

  • Power system analysis tools such as ETAP, PSS/E, PSCAD/EMTDC for load flow, fault analysis, transient stability, and protection studies.
  • Specialized OCS design software for catenary analysis and stringing calculations.

• Project Management Software: Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar for scheduling and progress tracking.

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Aconex, or proprietary client systems for managing project documentation, RFIs, and submittals.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for performance data analysis and reporting on system design parameters and construction progress.

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how project data flows into client relationship management and enterprise resource planning systems is beneficial.

• Familiarity with workflow automation tools for document processing, RFI routing, and design review cycles.

• Integration Tools: Understanding how different engineering software packages and project management systems integrate or exchange data.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in specialized electrical engineering analysis software for power systems and OCS is a key differentiator. Experience with BIM and integrated project delivery platforms is increasingly important for complex infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence & Safety: A paramount focus on delivering technically sound, safe, and compliant designs that meet or exceed industry standards. This underpins the "Engineer of Record" responsibility.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding professional ethics, taking ownership of decisions, and being accountable for project outcomes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a cooperative environment where diverse teams work together effectively to achieve shared project goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas and approaches to enhance design efficiency, system performance, and project delivery, while always prioritizing safety and compliance.

• Client Focus: Dedication to understanding and meeting client needs and project objectives, ensuring successful project delivery that provides long-term value.

Collaboration Style:

• Expect a highly collaborative and cross-functional approach. Regular meetings, workshops, and integrated design sessions will be common.

• A culture of constructive feedback and open communication is crucial for resolving complex technical challenges and ensuring alignment across disciplines.

• Emphasis on knowledge sharing, particularly through design reviews, lessons learned sessions, and mentorship, to build collective expertise within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's values, particularly around technical excellence, safety, and accountability, are directly reflected in the demanding nature of the Engineer of Record role and the critical infrastructure context.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Integrated Systems: Managing the intricate technical interfaces between traction power, OCS, signaling, communications, and civil infrastructure on a large-scale transit project presents significant coordination challenges.

• Regulatory and Stakeholder Environment: Navigating diverse regulatory requirements, client expectations, and stakeholder interests (including utility providers and community groups) can be complex and time-consuming.

• Design Evolution and Construction Interface: Adapting designs to evolving site conditions, construction progress, and new information received during the construction phase requires agility and robust change management processes.

• Technical Risk Management: As Engineer of Record, identifying, assessing, and mitigating technical risks associated with novel designs or challenging site conditions is a constant responsibility.

• Talent Acquisition and Retention: Attracting and retaining highly specialized engineers with the required P.Eng. credentials and experience in traction power and OCS design can be challenging in a competitive market.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend specialized courses, workshops, and conferences focusing on cutting-edge rail electrification technologies, power systems analysis, and OCS design advancements.

• Professional Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining advanced certifications relevant to rail engineering or project management.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining deeper insights into other engineering disciplines through project involvement and internal knowledge-sharing sessions.

• Leadership Development Programs: Access to leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and exposure to senior management to hone management and strategic thinking skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges highlight the demanding yet rewarding nature of working on a flagship transit project. Growth opportunities are geared towards deepening specialized expertise and expanding leadership influence within the firm's infrastructure division.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you served as the Engineer of Record for a complex rail infrastructure project. What were the key technical challenges, how did you ensure design integrity, and what was the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on accountability, decision-making, and risk management).

• "How do you approach coordinating multidisciplinary engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of traction power and OCS with civil, track, and systems designs? Provide a specific example." (Highlight collaboration, communication, and interface management).

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Based on your understanding of AtkinsRéalis and the Calgary Green Line project, what do you see as the biggest technical challenges for the Traction Power and OCS scope, and how would you lead your team to address them?" (Showcase research, strategic thinking, and leadership).

• "How do you foster a culture of safety and technical excellence within an engineering team, particularly when working under pressure to meet project deadlines?" (Align with company values, demonstrate leadership in quality and safety).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: For each case study, follow a clear narrative: Project Overview -> Your Role (specifically EOR responsibilities) -> Technical Challenges -> Design Solutions & Methodologies -> Coordination Efforts -> Construction Support -> Outcomes & Lessons Learned.

• Quantify: Use data to illustrate the scale of the project, complexity, and impact of your work.

• Visuals: Use diagrams, schematics, or photos (if permissible) to illustrate technical concepts and design elements.

• Focus on Process: Explain how you achieved results, not just what you achieved. Detail your methodologies for design, coordination, and problem-solving.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed technical questions on specific aspects of your presented projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Candidates should prepare concrete examples that directly map to the responsibilities and qualifications listed, with a strong emphasis on their Engineer of Record experience and ability to manage complex technical and collaborative challenges.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided Workday link on the AtkinsRéalis careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Curate your resume and prepare a portfolio that prominently features your experience as an Engineer of Record for Traction Power and OCS in rail/LRT projects. Highlight specific case studies demonstrating your technical leadership, multidisciplinary coordination, and problem-solving abilities.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your P.Eng. designation and eligibility for practice in Alberta. Quantify achievements and use keywords from the job description (e.g., "Traction Power," "OCS," "Engineer of Record," "design management," "multidisciplinary coordination").

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Rehearse your portfolio presentation, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and impact, especially regarding your EOR responsibilities.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AtkinsRéalis's major infrastructure projects, particularly in the transportation sector, and research the Calgary Green Line LRT project's scope and objectives to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding.

⚠️ 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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