About the job:
Build the Grid That Powers British Columbia BC Hydro is expanding its transmission network to support electrification, economic growth, renewable energy integration, and major customer interconnections across the province.
We are seeking motivated Junior, Intermediate and Senior Transmission Lines Engineers to join our Transmission Lines Engineering division to deliver this work. This is an opportunity to work on some of the largest and most technically challenging transmission line projects in Western Canada, ranging from 69 kV to 500 kV.
In return, you get rare stability and a real sense of purpose: a guaranteed lifetime defined‑benefit pension, flexible and comprehensive benefits with dedicated mental‑health coverage, strong work‑life balance, and long‑term job security. You’ll have opportunities to keep learning, spend time in the field and on site, and build a career where your work genuinely matters.
You’ll also be part of an inclusive community that values ownership and belonging, paired with the lifestyle advantages of the Vancouver region - mild winters, mountains, water, lakes, and rivers all close to home.
- In your cover letter, please let us know which discipline or role you’re applying for.
- If you’re a person with a disability, please let us know by emailing RecruitmentHelp@bchydro.com
What you’ll do:
***Overhead Design (Electrical, Civil, Mechanical)***
- Provide enterprise-level technical leadership for the design and governance of 69 kV to 500 kV overhead transmission lines across BC Hydro’s capital, interconnection, electrification, maintenance, and emergency response programs.
- Lead high-complexity, high-risk projects from route selection and line layout through structure configuration and conductor selection, hardware and insulator specification and selection with strong proficiency in PLS-CADD and production of constructible Plan & Profile drawings.
- Act as Professional of Record (POR) and Owner’s Engineer (OE), setting design strategies, review plans, resource requirements, and technical risk mitigation approaches; may serve as Project Engineer on major programs with system-wide integration impacts.
- Provide authoritative technical oversight through manufacturing, construction, commissioning, and site issue resolution, ensuring high-quality, safe, and reliable delivery.
***Overhead Design - Structural***
- Provide technical leadership for the design, supply, and maintenance of 69 kV to 500 kV overhead transmission lines structures and telecommunication antenna supporting structures across BC Hydro’s capital, interconnection, electrification, maintenance, and emergency response projects and programs.
- Perform design, analysis, and preparation of engineering deliverables for overhead transmission line steel, wood, and fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) structures and steel telecommunication antenna supporting structures.
- Prepare technical and project specifications, technical input for cost estimates, and request for proposal (RFP) documents for material supply and structure installation.
- Act as Professional of Record (POR), Checker, Independent Structural Reviewer (ISR), or Owner's Engineer (OE) on capital and maintenance projects and programs.
- Working knowledge of PLS Tower, PLS Pole, and SAFI design software is preferred. Familiarity with PLS-CADD transmission line design software is preferred.
- Working knowledge of ASCE 10, ASCE 48, and CSA S37 is preferred.
***Transmission Lines Project Engineer***
- Manage the engineering scope, schedule, and cost for primarily interconnection projects with tight timelines.
- Perform as the Owner's Engineer Lead where third-party consultants or vendors perform some or all the design, coordinating the internal review and acceptance of their work and overseeing technical specifications and drawings.
- Identify and manage technical and transmission-system integration risks, and coordinate timely technical support through manufacturing, construction, and commissioning.
- Communicate complex project recommendations to management and stakeholders and coach project team members and others performing project engineer roles.
- Work with Transmission Lines Principal Engineers to deliver critical messaging to internal and external stakeholders, and to Customers working with BC Hydro via the Property Referral Program.
- Make or review recommendations and other types of communications to management on complex project matters. This may include presenting to senior management and the executive.
***Underground Cables Design (Electrical)***
- Provide technical leadership in the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of underground transmission cable systems, including hydraulic systems and assessment of thermo-mechanical behavior.
- Utilize advanced engineering techniques, computer applications (e.g., ETAP, CDEGS, Cymedist, Comsol, Python), and innovative approaches to solve complex cable engineering challenges.
- Manage medium to large projects, develop specifications and standards, prepare estimates, and deliver technical and site support throughout installation, commissioning, and maintenance phases.
- Review work to ensure accuracy and compliance, manage client and stakeholder relationships to add value and drive consensus, and may serve as Owner’s Engineer Lead to coordinate internal review of third-party engineering work
***General qualifications and responsibilities***
- Design overhead transmission lines ranging from 69 kV to 500 kV.
- Perform route selection, line layout, structure spotting/configuration, and conductor selection.
- Develop engineering deliverables including calculations, specifications, cost estimates, design reports, RFPs, and construction packages.
- Use tools such as PLS-CADD, PLS-POLE, and PLS-TOWER to develop and review transmission line designs.
- Support construction, commissioning, maintenance, and emergency response activities.
- Coordinate with civil, structural, electrical, hardware, geotechnical, environmental, Indigenous Relations, property, and project management teams.
- Review consultant and contractor engineering work to ensure compliance with BC Hydro standards and good engineering practice.
- Fulfill functional role of Project Engineer as assigned, and coordinate design activities with multi disciplinary project teams. Work closely with project managers to manage the scope, schedule and cost of the project and responsible for managing the project technical risks including project system integration with the existing transmission system and other issues.
- Be responsible for establishing design and review plans, strategies and resource requirements for the project.
- Work with Construction and Contract Management, the Engineering teams, Quality Management, and Field Operations to ensure that technical support is provided during manufacturing, construction and commissioning and that technical issues are resolved in a timely manner.
- Engage in project coordination, engineering design, contract and construction management, maintenance support, and emergency response activities across the full project lifecycle.
- Act as Professional of Record (POR) or Owner’s Engineer (OE) on assigned work, with accountability for technical quality, safety, and compliance, including review and acceptance of consultant and contractor deliverables.
- Set technical direction and deliverables, including Design Basis and Design Reports, Hazard Logs, specifications, estimates, drawings, and field review plans, ensuring alignment with BC Hydro standards and accepted engineering practice.
- Independently manage medium-to-large projects and work packages, establishing scope, priorities, technical approach, and resource plans within multidisciplinary teams.
- Apply strong leadership, analytical thinking, and independent engineering judgment to investigate, analyze, and resolve complex engineering problems, delivering safe, resilient, and constructible solutions.
- Conduct discipline‑specific engineering studies, participate in site visits and field work, and coordinate closely with internal teams, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders on complex, multi‑stage projects.
- Provide technical leadership, independent checking, and review, serving as a senior technical authority and contributing to standards, best practices, and continuous improvement.
- Work collaboratively with clients and stakeholders to understand needs, drive innovation, add value through engineering solutions, and build alignment.
- Mentor and support team members, strengthening technical capability while fostering a safety‑conscious, inclusive, and high‑performing work environment.
- Demonstrate strong organizational skills, the ability to manage competing priorities, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.
- Hold a valid Class 5 Driver’s License in good standing, with the ability to travel for site visits and field assignments as required.
What you bring:
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Civil/Structural Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related discipline from recognized post‑secondary institutions. Advanced academic qualifications are considered an asset.
- Registration, or demonstrated progress toward registration, as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) or EIT with Engineers and Geoscientists BC (EGBC). Equivalent professional registration with other Canadian or international jurisdictions will also be considered.
- Relevant engineering experience in electric power utility environment. Typically, 4+ years for Intermediate Engineer and 8+ years for Senior Engineer roles. Candidates with lesser qualifications will be considered for Junior EIT roles
- See “General qualifications and responsibilities” section for additional requirements.
What we offer:
- A comprehensive benefits package
- A minimum of 15 paid vacation days
- Flexible work model, depending on your role type
- Training and development courses
For more information on the benefits we offer, visit bchydro.com/benefits.
What else you should know:
- This posting is for Full Time Regular positions.
- Applicants will be assessed based on: educational qualifications, standing with EGBC, experience (years, relevancy and quality), as well as their core competencies.
- Internationally trained engineers may be considered if eligible for EGBC registration.
- LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) may be considered for applicants who are eligible for either their P.Eng or EIT registration with EGBC.
- Roles based at BC Hydro's Edmonds campus in Burnaby, BC in a 'hybrid' role, requiring in office work 2 to 3 days/ week.
Please be advised that this role has been assessed as safety sensitive and pre-qualification alcohol and drug testing will be required as a pre-condition to employment.
Don't forget to update your Candidate Profile with your current resume and copies of your certifications. If applicable, include your Trades Qualification. This will ensure we have all the necessary information to assess your application without any delays.
