Substation Project Engineer

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Project Engineer for our Lake Oswego, OR 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. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement.

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).  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.

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 study, protective device coordination, one-line diagram development, protective relaying, and substation switchyard layouts.
• Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; preparing construction safety and phasing plans, and updating 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.
• Maintain a high level of quality and responsiveness to client requirements in alignment with Pickett’s standards.
• 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 the 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.
• 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.
• Engineering Intern, Engineer in Training, or equivalent certification
• Experience working with Operations and project controls for purposes of reporting and proposal development.
• 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.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP), AutoCADD electrical, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• 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 

• Professional Engineering license (PE).
• Experience managing small to mid-size projects.

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.

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