Senior Drafting & Design Technologist

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Senior Drafting & Design Technologist

Company: Irving Oil

Location: Saint John, NB, Canada

Job Type: Full time

Category: Engineering & Design Operations

Date Posted: 2026-09-16

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role focuses on the development of electrical designs and engineering deliverables crucial for supporting capital and expense projects within an industrial environment.

• The position requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including engineering, construction, and operations, to ensure safe, reliable, and fit-for-purpose electrical solutions.

• Key responsibilities involve contributing to project lifecycle stages from initial estimates and equipment procurement through to commissioning and operational support.

• The Senior Drafting & Design Technologist will play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing operational excellence across Irving Oil’s refinery and terminal facilities through robust electrical system design.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is positioned within the broader context of engineering and design operations, with a specific focus on electrical systems. While not a direct Revenue or Sales Operations role, it involves critical operational support functions essential for the company's infrastructure, requiring meticulous process adherence, system understanding, and project execution skills common in operations environments.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive engineering drawings and designs using appropriate electrical discipline software, adhering to industry design standards and established work processes for capital and expense projects.

• Actively contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the Electrical Team and Engineering Services department, identifying and implementing opportunities to enhance safety, efficiency, and innovation in design processes.

• Conduct peer checking of electrical design deliverables, including accurate effort hour estimates, Material Take-Offs (MTOs), design drawings, engineering work orders, and procurement packages, ensuring quality and compliance.

• Provide essential field support to construction contractors during the commissioning of engineering systems at industrial sites, addressing technical queries and ensuring seamless project execution.

• Perform necessary field verifications to ensure design accuracy and alignment with site conditions, facilitating effective decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.

• Engage proactively with vendors, subject matter experts, and other engineering disciplines to collaboratively deliver safe, cost-competitive, and technically sound electrical solutions.

• Manage and direct 3rd party consultants, contractors, and suppliers in an Owner’s Engineer capacity, including scoping, directing, reviewing, and approving outsourced engineering work, developing RFQs, reviewing bids, and responding to clarifications and field changes.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of technical design, project management support, and cross-functional collaboration, typical of senior technical roles that interface heavily with operational aspects of a large industrial company. The emphasis on Owner's Engineer capacity suggests a need for strong vendor management and quality assurance skills.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Post-secondary education in Electrical Engineering Technology, or equivalent.

Experience: 8+ years of electrical design experience in an industrial environment or similar setting.

Required Skills:

• Demonstrated safety-first mindset and commitment to adhering to safety standards.

• Proficiency with drafting software, including AutoCAD and 3D modeling software.

• Ability to develop and interpret various types of electrical drawings, such as Single Line Diagrams, Area Classification Drawings, Electrical Schematics and Wiring Diagrams, Panel Schedules, and Substation Layout Drawings.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills for effective stakeholder interaction and documentation.

• Robust analytical and problem-solving capabilities to address complex technical challenges.

• Excellent interpersonal skills to foster and maintain strong stakeholder relationships across departments and with external partners.

• Keen attention to detail and a strong work ethic, ensuring accuracy and quality in all deliverables.

• Proven ability to multitask and effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.

• Proficiency in MS Office products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for reporting, analysis, and presentation.

• Willingness and ability to work in field environments, including exposure to year-round weather conditions, performing physical tasks, and lifting up to 20lbs while wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Electric Heat Tracing design is considered a significant asset.

• Eligibility for NBSCETT (New Brunswick Society of Certified Engineering Technologists) certification is an advantage.

📝 Enhancement Note: The required skills emphasize a blend of technical proficiency in electrical design and software, critical thinking, and interpersonal abilities essential for a senior role that interfaces with various stakeholders and requires site presence. The mention of NBSCETT eligibility suggests a preference for formally recognized professional credentials within the region.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrate a strong portfolio showcasing completed electrical design projects, with a focus on industrial applications and complex systems.

• Include examples of detailed engineering drawings, schematics, and 3D models that highlight design accuracy, adherence to standards, and problem-solving approaches.

• Present case studies that illustrate your contribution to project lifecycle management, from initial concept and estimation through to construction support and commissioning.

• Showcase proficiency in using relevant design software (e.g., AutoCAD, 3D modeling tools) and your ability to adapt to new technologies and workflows. Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of your ability to develop and follow standardized design processes, ensuring consistency and quality across projects.

• Include examples where you have contributed to or led process improvement initiatives within an engineering or design team, focusing on safety, efficiency, and innovation.

• Document your approach to peer checking and quality assurance, demonstrating a commitment to delivering error-free and compliant engineering deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a Senior Drafting & Design Technologist role, a portfolio is crucial to validate technical skills and project experience. The emphasis should be on practical application, process adherence, and the ability to manage complex industrial electrical design challenges.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,836 - $122,871 CAD per year. Placement within this range will be determined by relevant experience, qualifications, and skills.

Benefits:

• Annual Bonus Plan: Opportunity to earn additional compensation based on company and individual performance.

• Pension Plan: Comprehensive retirement savings plan to support long-term financial security.

• Parking Allowance: Financial assistance towards parking expenses at the work location.

• Flexible Benefits Plan: Customizable benefits package available from day one, with three levels of coverage to suit individual needs.

• Paid Vacation: Generous paid time off, with an annual option to purchase additional vacation days.

• Wellness Support: Includes an annual wellness allowance, paid personal care days, and a 24/7 Employee & Family Assistance Program for mental and physical well-being.

• Community Involvement: Paid volunteer day and company-sponsored volunteer opportunities, along with a donation matching program to support charitable causes.

Working Hours: The standard work week is 40 hours. The role is on-site, implying a structured work schedule within the company's operational hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: The provided salary range is specific to CAD currency. The benefits package is comprehensive, reflecting Irving Oil's commitment to employee well-being, financial security, and community engagement, which are attractive aspects for candidates in engineering and technical roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Irving Oil operates within the energy sector, specifically in refining and marketing petroleum products. This industry context implies a strong emphasis on safety, operational reliability, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement within its facilities.

Company Size: Irving Oil is a large, established organization. This size suggests a structured environment with established processes, opportunities for specialization, and access to significant resources and cross-functional teams.

Founded: Founded in 1924, Irving Oil has a long history, indicating stability, deep industry knowledge, and a well-developed corporate culture. This longevity often translates to robust operational practices and a strong commitment to its employees and communities.

Team Structure:

• The role is part of the Electrical Team within the broader Engineering Services department. This structure suggests a specialized technical group focused on electrical design and support, working collaboratively with other engineering disciplines (e.g., mechanical, civil, instrumentation).

• The reporting structure likely involves a Lead Electrical Engineer or Engineering Manager, with potential for interaction with project managers and site operations personnel.

• Cross-functional collaboration is a key aspect, requiring seamless interaction with project teams, construction crews, procurement specialists, vendors, and site operations staff to ensure project success and operational integration. Methodology:

• The team likely employs a data-driven approach to design and problem-solving, utilizing engineering principles and software tools for analysis and validation.

• Workflow planning and optimization strategies are critical, especially given the focus on capital and expense projects where efficiency and timely delivery are paramount.

• Automation and efficiency practices are encouraged through continuous improvement initiatives, aiming to streamline design processes, reduce errors, and enhance overall project execution.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Irving Oil's long history in the energy sector shapes its culture towards safety, reliability, and operational excellence. The team structure indicates a specialized role within a larger engineering function, emphasizing collaboration with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is a Senior Drafting & Design Technologist role, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires substantial experience and the ability to work independently, mentor junior staff, and contribute to process improvements. The scope involves supporting significant capital and expense projects, implying a high level of responsibility and impact on operational infrastructure.

Reporting Structure: The role reports within the Electrical Team, likely to a more senior electrical engineer or a manager within Engineering Services. This structure allows for specialized technical guidance while providing exposure to broader project management and operational leadership.

Operations Impact: The technologist's work directly influences the safety, reliability, and efficiency of Irving Oil's refining and terminal facilities. High-quality electrical designs are fundamental to preventing operational disruptions, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting the company's core business of energy production and distribution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like Electric Heat Tracing, advanced electrical system design, or specialized software applications.

• Project Leadership: Potential to lead design aspects of smaller projects or take on more significant responsibilities within larger capital projects.

• Mentorship & Training: The senior designation provides opportunities to mentor junior technologists and engineers, contributing to the development of the team's capabilities.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Collaboration with other engineering disciplines and operational teams can broaden understanding of the entire industrial process, opening doors to diverse career paths within Irving Oil.

📝 Enhancement Note: As a senior role, this position offers significant opportunities for technical growth and leadership within a critical operational function. The impact on the company's core infrastructure makes it a pivotal role for career development within the energy sector.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based on-site at Irving Oil's home office building in Saint John, NB. This environment is described as a "beautiful home office building" and offers amenities such as a fitness facility, onsite nurse, and a café, suggesting a supportive and well-equipped corporate setting.

Office Location(s): Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. This location is the primary base for the role.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace is designed for collaboration, with opportunities to interact with colleagues from various departments, fostering a team-oriented atmosphere.

• Access to necessary operations tools and technology, including advanced drafting and design software (AutoCAD, 3D modeling), is expected to support efficient workflow and project execution.

• Opportunities for team interaction are high, given the collaborative nature of engineering projects and the shared office environment.

Work Schedule: The position is full-time, typically involving a 40-hour work week. While the primary work is office-based, the role also requires field presence at industrial sites, which may involve working in varying conditions and potentially outside standard office hours to support construction or commissioning activities. Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and operational needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site work environment at a well-appointed corporate office, combined with the requirement for field work, offers a balanced professional experience. This blend is typical for engineering roles supporting industrial operations, requiring adaptability and a strong presence both in the office and at operational facilities.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Application review focusing on qualifications, experience in industrial electrical design, and proficiency with relevant software. Candidates will be assessed for their fit with the core requirements.

• Technical Interview: A deeper dive into technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and understanding of electrical design principles, standards, and industrial applications. Expect questions related to specific drawing types (SLDs, schematics), software proficiency, and field experience.

• Behavioral & Situational Assessment: Interviews designed to evaluate communication skills, teamwork, safety mindset, attention to detail, and ability to handle challenging situations. Prepare examples demonstrating how you've managed stakeholder relationships, resolved conflicts, or contributed to process improvements.

• Portfolio Review: Candidates may be asked to present and discuss selected projects from their portfolio, highlighting their role, design decisions, challenges faced, and outcomes achieved. Focus on demonstrating impact and problem-solving through specific examples.

• Final Interview: May involve meeting with senior leadership or key stakeholders to assess overall fit with the company culture and strategic direction.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Selectively: Choose 3-5 of your most impactful projects that best represent your skills in industrial electrical design.

• Highlight Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, the tools/processes used, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, safety improvements, efficiency gains).

• Process Focus: Explain the design process followed, any challenges encountered in documentation or design, and how you overcame them.

• Technical Depth: Be prepared to discuss the technical details of your designs, including software used, standards followed, and any specific design considerations.

• Visuals are Key: Use clear, well-organized drawings, schematics, and 3D model screenshots to illustrate your work.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Anticipate hypothetical design challenges related to industrial electrical systems (e.g., power distribution, fault analysis, integration of new equipment).

• Process Improvement Questions: Be ready to discuss how you would approach improving existing design workflows or implementing new safety protocols.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating technical solutions clearly to non-technical audiences and discuss how you would manage differing opinions or requirements from stakeholders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a thorough assessment of technical expertise, practical application through a portfolio, and alignment with the company's safety and operational culture. Strong preparation in discussing specific projects and technical challenges will be key.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• AutoCAD: Essential for 2D drafting and design, used for creating a wide range of electrical drawings. Proficiency in creating layers, blocks, and templates will be expected.

• 3D Modeling Software: Used for developing detailed three-dimensional representations of electrical systems, aiding in visualization, clash detection, and installation planning. Specific software may vary, but familiarity with industry-standard tools is key.

• Electrical Design Software: Potentially specialized software for calculations, load analysis, or specific design tasks (e.g., lighting design, power distribution studies).

Analytics & Reporting:

• MS Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint): Crucial for data analysis, creating reports, developing presentations, and managing project documentation. Excel will likely be used for MTOs, effort hour estimates, and data tracking.

• Project Management Tools: While not explicitly listed, familiarity with tools used for tracking project progress, managing tasks, and coordinating with teams would be beneficial.

CRM & Automation:

• Procurement Systems: Experience with systems involved in creating RFQs, reviewing bids, and managing equipment procurement packages.

• Document Management Systems: Familiarity with systems for storing, versioning, and retrieving engineering drawings and documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard CAD and 3D modeling software is paramount. The role also requires strong analytical skills supported by the MS Office suite and an understanding of procurement and document management processes inherent in large-scale industrial projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Safety First: A paramount value at Irving Oil, expected to be integrated into every aspect of work, from design to field execution. This translates to meticulous attention to safety standards and proactive identification of potential hazards.

• Operational Excellence: A drive to achieve high standards in reliability, efficiency, and performance across all facilities. This means delivering designs that are not only functional but also robust and easy to maintain.

• Integrity & Accountability: Upholding ethical standards and taking ownership of responsibilities, from design accuracy to project support and stakeholder commitments.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: A strong emphasis on working effectively with diverse teams, including other engineering disciplines, construction, operations, and external partners, to achieve common goals.

• Continuous Improvement: A commitment to identifying and implementing enhancements in processes, tools, and methodologies to drive efficiency and innovation.

Collaboration Style:

• The team fosters a collaborative environment where open communication and knowledge sharing are encouraged. Expect regular design reviews, technical discussions, and joint problem-solving sessions.

• A constructive feedback culture is likely present, where team members provide and receive feedback to improve designs and processes.

• Knowledge sharing practices may include team meetings, documentation of best practices, and informal mentoring, ensuring that expertise is disseminated throughout the Electrical Team and Engineering Services.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Irving Oil, particularly within its engineering functions, is deeply rooted in safety, reliability, and collaboration. Candidates should demonstrate an alignment with these values and a proactive approach to teamwork and continuous improvement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Project Demands: Juggling multiple capital and expense projects simultaneously, each with unique requirements, deadlines, and stakeholders, requires strong organizational and prioritization skills.

• Field Work Conditions: Adapting to the physical demands and varying environmental conditions of industrial sites while ensuring safety and productivity.

• Integrating New Technologies: Keeping abreast of evolving electrical design technologies and software, and effectively integrating them into existing workflows and company standards.

• Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Effectively communicating and coordinating designs with diverse engineering disciplines and operational teams, ensuring all perspectives are considered and integrated seamlessly.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to attend specialized courses or workshops in areas like power systems analysis, hazardous area classifications, or specific electrical equipment design.

• Industry Certifications: Support for obtaining or maintaining professional certifications such as NBSCETT or other relevant industry credentials.

• Project Management Skills: Development in managing project scopes, timelines, and budgets through hands-on experience with capital projects.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal or informal opportunities to be mentored by senior engineers or to mentor junior team members, fostering leadership and knowledge transfer.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex industrial design challenges and grow technically within the energy sector. The emphasis on continuous learning and development ensures that professionals can remain at the forefront of electrical engineering technology.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Process Improvement: "Describe a time you identified an opportunity to improve an electrical design process or workflow. What steps did you take, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on demonstrating initiative, analytical skills, and impact.)

• Stakeholder Management: "How do you ensure effective communication and collaboration with different stakeholders, such as construction crews, operations personnel, and external vendors, on complex projects?" (Highlight communication strategies, conflict resolution, and relationship-building.)

• Problem-Solving: "Walk me through a challenging electrical design problem you encountered in an industrial setting. What was your approach to solving it, and what did you learn?" (Prepare a specific, detailed example showcasing your technical expertise and systematic problem-solving.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Irving Oil's commitment to safety, and how would you uphold this value in your role as a Senior Drafting & Design Technologist?" (Showcase understanding of industry safety priorities and personal commitment.)

• "How do you approach collaborating with other engineering disciplines and site operations teams to ensure successful project delivery?" (Emphasize teamwork, adaptability, and a holistic project view.)

• "Describe your experience in an Owner's Engineer capacity, including managing third-party consultants or contractors." (Detail your experience in oversight, review, and approval processes.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: For each project, use a clear narrative: Problem/Objective -> Your Role & Solution -> Key Technical Details -> Challenges & How You Overcame Them -> Results/Impact.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the value of your work (e.g., "reduced design time by 15%", "improved system reliability by X%", "ensured compliance with Y standard").

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Use visuals – clear drawings, schematics, or 3D model screenshots – to illustrate your designs and technical concepts.

• Be Concise and Focused: Tailor your presentation to the time allotted and the specific requirements of the role, focusing on the most relevant and impactful aspects of your experience.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical depth, problem-solving capabilities, a strong safety ethos, and excellent collaboration skills. A well-prepared portfolio presentation is critical for showcasing practical experience and impact.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Senior Drafting & Design Technologist position:

• Submit your application through the Irving Oil careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor your Resume: Ensure your resume clearly highlights your 8+ years of industrial electrical design experience, proficiency with AutoCAD and 3D modeling, and any experience with Electric Heat Tracing or NBSCETT eligibility. Use keywords from the job description.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate a selection of your most relevant projects that showcase your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience with industrial electrical systems. Be ready to discuss these in detail.

• Research Irving Oil: Familiarize yourself with Irving Oil's operations, its commitment to safety, and its role in the energy sector. Understand their values and how they apply to engineering and operational roles.

• Practice Interview Responses: Prepare answers to common technical, behavioral, and situational questions, focusing on providing specific examples that demonstrate your skills and experience. Practice articulating your contributions and the impact of your work.

⚠️ 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.