SDS; Substation Design Suite Senior Designer - P&C and Telecom

The CIMA+ offices in Western Canada are in the middle of a large growth trajectory. This means new, exciting complex projects that you will have the ability to shape and be a part of. We are actively looking for people who want to develop their skillsets, take on new challenges, and advance their careers within the organization.

As the SDS Designer, you will lead SDS based design for substations and telecom in a variety of projects with multiple CIMA+’s top clients delivering designs that will meet their critical operation needs. Our Telecommunications and P&C team's work with several industrial and public clients, including energy, transportation, carriers, and others on a variety of applications. If you like diversity, this position is for you.

This is a hybrid role that can be based out of our offices in Vancouver.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead SDS-Based Design for Substations and Telecom:
  Execute and oversee substation design using SDS (Substation Design Suite), including Protection & Control (P&C) and Telecom systems within AutoCAD Electrical or other Autodesk environments.
• Multi-Discipline Support:
  Design intelligent drawings and models for both Protection & Control and Telecommunication systems, including panel layouts, wiring diagrams, fiber routing, and radio or network infrastructure layout.
• Template & Standards Development:
  Develop, maintain, and enhance SDS templates, symbol libraries, and workflows to support both P&C and Telecom designs based on industry and client-specific standards.
• Model and Documentation Management:
  Generate accurate 2D/3D models, construction drawings, cable schedules, bill of materials, and associated documentation for integrated substation and telecom design packages.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  Work closely with engineers and project managers to coordinate physical and schematic designs, ensuring integration of Telecom systems into substation layouts.
• Mentorship & Training:
  Guide and support junior designers or drafters in SDS workflows for both P&C and Telecom systems.
• Quality Assurance:
  Review design outputs and ensure quality control, alignment with specifications, and compliance with utility or internal standards.
• Process & Tool Improvement:
  Identify opportunities for automation, customization, and improved workflows within SDS, especially in telecom design applications.
• Client Engagement:
  Provide technical input during client discussions for both Protection & Control and Telecom scope elements.

• Education:
  Diploma or degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Telecommunications Technology, or Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
• Experience:
  • Minimum 5–8 years of experience in substation and/or telecom design.
  • At least 2 years of hands-on demonstratable experience using SDS for P&C and/or telecom applications.
• Software Proficiency:
  • Strong skills in AutoCAD, Substation Design Suite (SDS), AutoCAD Electrical and Vault Pro
  • Experience with Telecom-specific drafting or design tools is a strong asset.
  • Knowledge in P4A or P4I is an asset.
• Technical Knowledge:
  • Solid understanding of substation Protection & Control components and Telecom network elements such as fiber, radios, routers, and multiplexers.
  • Knowledge of telecom routing, panel layout, grounding, signal separation, and fiber splicing is desirable.
• Standards Awareness:
  • Familiarity with utility and industry standards such as IEEE, CSA, NESC, and IEC, especially as they relate to both protection and telecom design.
• Soft Skills:
  • Strong organizational, communication, and team collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
• Certifications:
  • CET designation or eligibility is a plus.
  • SDS or AutoCAD-related training certifications are considered assets.

Why choose CIMA+? Because we offer you:

• Comprehensive Group Benefits available from day one for all permanent employees working at least 20 hours per week
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) with up to 4% employer contribution
• As an employee-owned company, an annual opportunity to purchase shares for all employees
• Flexible work schedule in a hybrid work mode
• Work/Life balance policy…