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

Date Posted: April 27, 2026

Experience Level: 10+ Years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the engineering design and technical execution for Traction Power and Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) for a major urban transit project.

• Serve as the Engineer of Record (EOR), ensuring technical integrity, safety, and compliance with all relevant codes and standards.

• Manage and coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and external consultants to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.

• Provide critical engineering support throughout the project lifecycle, from concept and detailed design through to construction and commissioning.

• Drive the establishment and enforcement of system design criteria, standards, and performance requirements for traction power and OCS.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is highly specialized within the rail infrastructure sector, focusing on the critical electrical systems (Traction Power and OCS). The "Engineer of Record" designation signifies significant responsibility and accountability for the design's safety and compliance. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work, common in senior engineering roles.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Act as the registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) and Engineer of Record (EOR) for Traction Power and Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) on the Calgary Green Line LRT project.

• Lead the complete design development process for traction power substations, distribution systems, and OCS, from conceptual studies to detailed design packages.

• Oversee and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams, including electrical, civil, and systems engineers, as well as external consultants, to ensure cohesive and integrated designs.

• Develop, implement, and enforce system design criteria, technical standards, and performance specifications for traction power and OCS, aligning with project requirements and industry best practices.

• Provide expert technical guidance and review for all design deliverables, ensuring constructability, maintainability, and compliance with applicable codes, standards (e.g., CSA, IEEE), and client specifications.

• Manage the technical coordination and integration of traction power and OCS with other project disciplines, including trackwork, civil structures, signaling, communications, and station systems.

• Proactively identify and resolve technical challenges and interferences during the design phase, facilitating efficient problem-solving sessions with all stakeholders.

• Provide comprehensive engineering support during the construction phase, including reviewing contractor submittals, responding to Requests for Information (RFIs), conducting field reviews, and managing design change processes.

• Support testing, commissioning, and final system handover activities, ensuring that the installed systems meet design intent and performance criteria.

• Liaise with project stakeholders, including the client, regulatory bodies, utility companies, and contractors, to ensure alignment and successful project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly define a senior technical leadership role with significant accountability. The emphasis on EOR, multidisciplinary coordination, and construction support highlights the need for a candidate with robust project lifecycle experience in rail transit.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in the design and engineering of traction power and/or overhead catenary systems (OCS) specifically for rail transit projects (e.g., Light Rail Transit (LRT), Metro, Commuter Rail).

• Proven track record of successfully serving as the Engineer of Record (EOR) on complex, large-scale infrastructure projects.

• Demonstrated experience managing engineering design development through all project phases, from initial concept and feasibility studies to detailed design, construction, and commissioning.

Required Skills:

• Registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) in Canada, with eligibility for licensure in Alberta.

• In-depth technical expertise in traction power systems, including AC/DC substations, power distribution, SCADA, and protection schemes.

• Comprehensive knowledge of Overhead Catenary Systems (OCS) design principles, including structural analysis, contact wire dynamics, and component selection.

• Strong understanding of rail transit operations, system interfaces, and operational requirements.

• Proficiency in interpreting and applying relevant Canadian engineering standards, codes, and regulations pertaining to electrical systems and public transportation infrastructure.

• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and technical quality for complex engineering packages.

• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

• Strong communication, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to effectively engage with clients, contractors, and regulatory authorities.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with the specific requirements and challenges of the Calgary Green Line LRT project.

• Familiarity with advanced simulation and modeling tools for traction power and OCS analysis.

• Experience in testing, commissioning, and handover of complex rail systems.

• Knowledge of project delivery models, such as Design-Build, and their implications for engineering design.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for P.Eng. in Alberta is critical. The emphasis on both traction power and OCS suggests a comprehensive understanding of the entire electrical power delivery system for rail. The 10+ years of experience, coupled with EOR responsibilities, positions this as a senior-level role requiring deep technical and leadership expertise.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Demonstrations of successfully managed traction power and OCS design projects, clearly outlining your role and responsibilities.

• Case studies showcasing your experience as an Engineer of Record, emphasizing technical decision-making, problem-solving, and accountability.

• Examples of design criteria, standards, and performance specifications you have developed and implemented for rail transit electrical systems.

• Documentation illustrating your experience in multidisciplinary design coordination and interface management on complex infrastructure projects.

Process Documentation:

• Work samples or descriptions of your process for managing design development from concept to construction support, highlighting key milestones and deliverables.

• Examples of your approach to establishing and maintaining design quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) processes for engineering deliverables.

• Descriptions of your methodology for managing RFIs, field reviews, and design changes during the construction phase, with a focus on efficiency and accuracy.

• Documentation of processes you have implemented for stakeholder engagement and technical coordination with various project parties.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a senior engineering role like this, a portfolio is crucial. It should not just list projects but detail the candidate's specific contributions, technical challenges overcome, and the impact of their design decisions, especially in their role as EOR. The focus should be on process and system design, demonstrating a structured approach to complex engineering challenges.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Employee recognition programs to acknowledge outstanding contributions.

• A comprehensive suite of flexible benefits designed to support employee health, wellbeing, financial security, and lifestyle choices. This typically includes health and dental coverage, life insurance, disability insurance, and potentially vision care.

• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, including training courses, certifications, and conferences to enhance skills and expertise in rail engineering and management.

• A hybrid working culture that promotes a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.

• Generous time-off policies, including paid vacation, personal days, and statutory holidays, to support work-life balance.

• Access to employee assistance programs (EAP) for confidential support and resources.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours, typically 40 hours per week.

• The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with expectations for in-office presence for key meetings, collaboration sessions, and site visits as required by project demands.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is estimated based on typical ranges for senior engineering management roles in heavy civil/infrastructure projects in major Canadian cities, considering the specialized nature of rail systems and the EOR responsibility. Benefits are derived from the "Rewards & Benefits" section of the job description and common offerings for similar positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Services, Infrastructure, Nuclear, Construction. AtkinsRéalis operates across multiple sectors, with a strong presence in transportation infrastructure, including rail and transit systems.

Company Size: Large (over 10,000 employees globally). This indicates a robust organizational structure, extensive resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and career advancement.

Founded: 1911. With over a century of experience, AtkinsRéalis has a long-standing reputation for delivering complex engineering solutions worldwide.

Team Structure:

• The Traction Power and OCS Engineering Design team will likely be a specialized unit within the larger rail or transportation engineering division.

• The Design Manager will report to a senior project director or head of engineering for the Calgary Green Line project.

Methodology:

• AtkinsRéalis likely employs a structured, phase-gate approach to project delivery, emphasizing rigorous design reviews, risk management, and adherence to quality standards.

• Data-driven decision-making is expected, utilizing technical analysis, simulations, and performance metrics to validate design choices.

• A strong focus on collaboration, both internally within design teams and externally with clients and contractors, is fundamental to their project execution methodology.

• Emphasis on innovation and leveraging technology to optimize design processes and project outcomes.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: AtkinsRéalis's extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation, suggests a professional and process-oriented work environment. The company's global presence and size offer stability and broad career development pathways.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: Senior Management / Principal Engineer. This role represents a significant step for an engineer, moving into a leadership position with ultimate technical accountability for a critical project system. It requires a blend of deep technical expertise and strong management capabilities.

Reporting Structure: The Design Manager will report to a higher-level project executive or director responsible for the overall Calgary Green Line LRT project. They will, in turn, manage a team of engineers and potentially consultants responsible for the detailed design and technical oversight of traction power and OCS.

Operations Impact: The Traction Power and OCS systems are fundamental to the operational success of any electric rail transit system. The design manager's work directly impacts the safety, reliability, performance, and efficiency of the entire Green Line LRT. Errors or suboptimal designs can lead to significant delays, cost overruns, and operational failures. Conversely, excellent design ensures a robust, efficient, and safe transit system for the city.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced traction power and OCS technologies, potentially becoming a subject matter expert (SME) for AtkinsRéalis on future rail projects.

• Project Leadership: Progress to higher-level project management roles or directorships within the transportation infrastructure sector.

• Business Development: Contribute to winning new projects by leveraging expertise and client relationships.

• Global Mobility: Opportunities to work on international projects within the AtkinsRéalis global network.

• Mentorship: Develop and mentor junior engineers, shaping the next generation of rail system designers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a career pinnacle for many specialized rail engineers, offering substantial impact and growth potential. The EOR designation is a significant professional achievement and responsibility.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid work model, combining office-based work with remote flexibility. This suggests a modern approach to work, balancing the need for in-person collaboration with employee autonomy.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Calgary, Alberta, Canada, specifically at 144 - 4th Avenue SW, Suite 2200 (West Tower). This is a central business district location, likely providing access to professional amenities and collaborative spaces.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is expected to be professional and collaborative, facilitating interaction among diverse engineering disciplines and project teams.

• Access to necessary design software, simulation tools, and communication platforms will be provided to support the hybrid work model and technical tasks.

• Opportunities for team meetings, design reviews, and brainstorming sessions, both in-person and virtually, will be integral to the workflow.

Work Schedule:

• A standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility offered through the hybrid arrangement.

• Project demands, especially during critical design or construction phases, may require extended hours or weekend work, which is common in large-scale infrastructure projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid environment implies a need for strong self-management and communication skills. The Calgary office location places the role within a major Canadian city with a significant engineering and construction presence.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and cover letter to assess qualifications, experience, and P.Eng. status.

• Technical Interview: In-depth discussion focusing on your experience with traction power and OCS design, EOR responsibilities, project management, and technical problem-solving. Expect scenario-based questions related to design challenges, compliance, and team leadership.

• Portfolio Review: A dedicated session to walk through selected projects from your portfolio. Be prepared to discuss your specific role, design decisions, technical challenges, solutions implemented, and the outcomes, particularly focusing on your EOR experience.

• Management/Behavioral Interview: Assessment of leadership style, team management capabilities, communication skills, stakeholder engagement, and cultural fit with AtkinsRéalis.

• Final Interview: Potentially with senior project leadership to discuss strategic alignment and overall fit for the role and the Calgary Green Line project.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 key projects that best demonstrate your experience as an EOR for traction power and OCS on large rail transit projects.

• Quantify Impact: For each project, clearly articulate the scope, your specific responsibilities, the technical challenges faced, the solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., cost savings, schedule adherence, safety improvements, performance metrics).

• Highlight EOR Role: Explicitly detail your duties and decisions as Engineer of Record, emphasizing how you ensured technical integrity, safety, and compliance.

• Structure Your Presentation: Use a clear, logical flow for each case study: problem statement, your approach/solution, implementation, and outcomes.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep Dives: Anticipate detailed questions about design calculations, code interpretations, material selection, and interface management.

• Demonstrate Process Understanding: Show that you have a systematic approach to design, risk management, and quality assurance.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Problem-Solving: Be prepared to discuss hypothetical design problems related to traction power or OCS, such as managing voltage drops, ensuring system reliability under load, or resolving interface conflicts.

• EOR Scenarios: Discuss how you would approach a situation where a contractor proposes a design deviation or identifies a significant constructability issue.

• Team Management Scenarios: Prepare examples of how you have managed underperforming team members, resolved conflicts within a multidisciplinary team, or motivated your team during challenging project phases.

📝 Enhancement Note: A strong portfolio showcasing EOR experience and successful traction power/OCS designs is paramount. The interview process will likely probe deeply into technical competence, leadership, and accountability.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software: AutoCAD, MicroStation, or similar for generating detailed engineering drawings and schematics.

• 3D Modeling Software: Potentially used for complex OCS routing and interface visualization.

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

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams, Slack, or similar for communication and document sharing in a hybrid environment.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Simulation Software: Specialized tools for traction power system analysis (e.g., ETAP, DigSilent PowerFactory, PSCAD) to model load flow, short circuits, voltage stability, and transient phenomena.

• FEA Software: For structural analysis of OCS components and support structures.

• Data Analysis Tools: Microsoft Excel, potentially with advanced statistical functions or integration with BI tools for performance metric tracking.

CRM & Automation:

• Document Management Systems: SharePoint, Bentley ProjectWise, or similar for organizing and controlling project documentation.

• ERP Systems: For project financial management and resource allocation.

• Workflow Automation Tools: May be used internally for RFI tracking, change order processing, or design review workflows.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with specialized rail engineering simulation software is highly advantageous, as is familiarity with robust document management systems crucial for large infrastructure projects.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Technical Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, safe, and compliant engineering design, upholding the highest professional standards.

• Accountability: Taking ownership of technical decisions and project outcomes, particularly in the role of Engineer of Record.

• Collaboration: Fostering a team-oriented environment where open communication and mutual support are prioritized across disciplines and with external partners.

• Innovation: Encouraging the exploration of new technologies and methodologies to improve design efficiency, system performance, and project delivery.

• Integrity: Upholding ethical conduct and transparency in all professional dealings.

• Safety First: Embedding a culture where safety is paramount in design considerations and operational recommendations.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where engineers from different disciplines (electrical, civil, mechanical, systems) work closely together to solve complex problems.

• Proactive Communication: Emphasis on clear, timely, and effective communication through various channels (meetings, emails, project platforms) to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Constructive Feedback: A culture that encourages the open exchange of ideas and constructive feedback during design reviews and team discussions to achieve optimal solutions.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Regular interaction with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies, requiring strong interpersonal skills and the ability to represent the company's technical expertise effectively.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values and collaboration style are typical of large, reputable engineering firms undertaking major public infrastructure projects, emphasizing professionalism, teamwork, and a strong ethical framework.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Complexity of Rail Systems: Managing the intricate interdependencies between traction power, OCS, rolling stock, signaling, and civil infrastructure.

• Regulatory Environment: Navigating and ensuring compliance with a stringent set of Canadian and Albertan codes, standards, and transit authority requirements.

• Stakeholder Management: Balancing the diverse needs and expectations of the client, contractors, utility providers, and the public.

• Design Changes & RFIs: Effectively managing design evolution and responding to field queries during construction, which can impact schedule and cost.

• Technical Problem Solving: Addressing unforeseen technical issues that arise during design or construction, requiring innovative and practical solutions.

• Hybrid Work Integration: Ensuring seamless collaboration and productivity across a distributed team in a hybrid work environment.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized courses and workshops on the latest traction power and OCS technologies, simulation techniques, and relevant industry standards.

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

• Industry Conferences: Opportunities to attend and present at national and international rail industry conferences, staying abreast of industry trends and networking.

• Mentorship Programs: Participation in formal or informal mentorship programs, both as a mentee to learn from senior leaders and as a mentor to guide junior engineers.

• Cross-Disciplinary Exposure: Gaining broader understanding of other engineering disciplines involved in the Green Line project, enhancing holistic project insight.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to large-scale, complex infrastructure projects. The growth opportunities are significant, focused on deepening expertise and advancing leadership capabilities within a prominent engineering firm.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Strategy: "Describe your approach to developing the traction power and OCS design criteria for a major LRT project, considering factors like load growth, system reliability, and future expansion."

• EOR Responsibility: "Walk us through a time you served as Engineer of Record and faced a significant technical challenge during design or construction. How did you manage it and what was the outcome?"

• Multidisciplinary Integration: "How do you ensure effective coordination and integration between traction power/OCS design and civil/track/signaling disciplines to avoid conflicts and optimize the overall system?"

• Risk Management: "What are the primary technical risks associated with traction power and OCS design for a project like the Calgary Green Line, and how would you mitigate them?"

• Construction Support: "Describe your process for managing RFIs and design changes during construction to ensure minimal impact on schedule and budget, while maintaining design integrity."

Company & Culture Questions:

• Company Alignment: "What interests you about AtkinsRéalis and this specific role on the Calgary Green Line project?"

• Leadership Style: "Describe your leadership philosophy when managing a team of engineers, especially in a high-pressure project environment."

• Collaboration with Stakeholders: "How do you approach building and maintaining effective working relationships with clients, contractors, and regulatory bodies?"

• Commitment to Quality: "How do you ensure the quality and technical accuracy of engineering deliverables from your team?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Selection: Choose projects that clearly demonstrate your EOR experience, technical depth in traction power and OCS, and successful project delivery.

• Narrative Structure: For each project, tell a story: the challenge, your role and strategy, the technical solutions, the collaboration involved, and the successful outcome.

• Visual Aids: Use clear diagrams, schematics, or photos if possible to illustrate complex design elements or interface challenges.

• Quantify Achievements: Be ready to present metrics on schedule adherence, budget management, technical performance, and safety improvements attributed to your designs.

• Focus on EOR Accountability: Emphasize how you took responsibility for the design's safety, compliance, and constructability.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating technical leadership, deep domain expertise in rail electrical systems, and a proven track record of accountability as an Engineer of Record.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Traction Power and OCS Engineering Design Manager position:

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

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a concise portfolio that highlights 2-3 key projects showcasing your experience as an Engineer of Record for traction power and OCS systems. Focus on demonstrating your technical decision-making, problem-solving skills, and ability to ensure design integrity and compliance.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to emphasize your P.Eng. designation, years of experience in rail transit electrical systems, and specific achievements in design management, EOR roles, and construction support. Use keywords from the job description such as "Traction Power," "OCS," "Engineer of Record," "LRT," and "Electrical Engineering."

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss technical scenarios and present your portfolio confidently, highlighting the impact of your contributions.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with AtkinsRéalis's recent projects, particularly in the transportation sector, and understand their company values and commitment to engineering excellence. Research the Calgary Green Line LRT project to understand its scope and key challenges.

⚠️ 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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