Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer for our Burnsville, MN office. 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.

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.

This Opportunity

Provides support to technical staff, engineers, and project managers for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include assistance 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). Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding assigned material, installations, 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.

Your Impact

• With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.     
• Perform basic professional 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.
• Provides technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure. 
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and operations.
• Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues. 
• Under minimal supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
• Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with design concepts, construction, mitigation and improvement activities, and remediation projects.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work, including project controls, business deployment, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting teams.
• Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field/site work and permitting.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects. 
• 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.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience in an electrical engineering capacity.
• Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues. 
• Familiarity with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including rehabilitation and new design.
• Highly familiar with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP), AutoCADD electrical.
• 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:

• Engineer in Training Certification.

• Prior substation or electric utility design experience.