Senior Substation P&C Engineer

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Substation P&C Engineer for our Richmond, VA and Charlotte, NC offices. Selected candidates may work remotely from a mutually acceptable location within the United States preferrable in the Eastern Time Zone. 

Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

This Opportunity

Provides technical assistance and guidance for multi‑site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Routinely assist with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). This role will support electric utility substation projects and may focus in physical substation design and/or protection & control (P&C) design; strength in both is a plus. Substantiates reports and documentation regarding material, installations, component, and construction specifications. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help.

Your Impact

• Determine well-defined methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC detailed design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
• Review and advice on third‑party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.
  Perform professional and more complex electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
• Incorporate future‑ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design requirements with equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies that account for the safety and functionality of end‑users, systems, and infrastructure.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and operations.
• Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical input and guidance on various engineering, design, testing, maintenance modifications, and construction procedures and issues.
• Develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, grounding touch and step potentials, short‑circuit studies, protective device coordination, one‑line diagram development, protective relaying, and substation switchyard layouts.
• Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; prepare construction safety and phasing plans, and update electrical infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub‑consultants, and clients.
• Work as an individual or as part of a cross‑functional team of engineers, planners, scientific, and construction professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, assist with laying out installations, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
• Provide guidance and training to entry‑level engineers.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or opportunities.
• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate‑ to high‑level risk mitigation activities.
• Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, and record compliance and retention.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Remain current in latest electrical engineering techniques and practices.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
• Support substation P&C and/or physical design deliverables across the project lifecycle, including coordination for design reviews, constructability input, and resolution of field questions.
• May support (or coordinate with others supporting) relay settings development, testing/commissioning support, or start‑up activities, depending on project needs and candidate background.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5 to 7 years of relevant post‑education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for large capital projects, including experience supporting electric utility transmission and distribution substations involving physical substation design and/or protection & control (P&C) systems.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without current or future employer sponsorship.
• Experience producing and/or reviewing substation deliverables such as general arrangement drawings, substation layouts, one‑line/three‑line diagrams, grounding and lightning protection, wiring diagrams, schematics, panel layouts, cable schedules, and bill of materials (scope dependent).
• Proficient knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work‑related issues.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation and new design projects.
• Working knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of electrical engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
• Project management experience with small to mid‑level projects including tracking hours and expenses for project work.
• Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non‑engineering audience.
• Highly capable self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Experience with discipline‑specific design software: AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation, or Inventor.
• Developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis, and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Ability to assertively direct others in the field such as subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) License.
• Experience managing small to mid-size projects.
• Experience using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and/or MicroStation for substation physical and/or P&C design deliverables.
• Exposure to relay settings, testing/commissioning, or start-up support is a plus (role may interface with these activities depending on project needs).

WSP Benefits:  

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.  

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $100,000 - $140,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law. 

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