Substation Specialist Electrical Designer - Protection and Control

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Specialist Electrical Designer (P&C) for our Columbus/New Albany, Ohio office. The Be involved in projects with our Columbus Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. This position offers an on‑site or hybrid work arrangement, depending on candidate location, experience, and business needs. 

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

Takes part in providing technical design and CADD support on projects to produce designs and specifications to be used for utility scale projects.  Responsibilities involve generating CADD designs on various assigned projects of moderate scale and/or complexity.  Generates accurate and concise design phase deliverables including P&C drawing packages, technical memoranda, details, specifications, and material lists.  Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, accuracy, and functionality. 

Your Impact

• Share responsibility with the rest of the department to produce a product consistent with WSP's mission statement and our culture.  
• Assist and support in achieving the goals of the department, maintain WSP's high-quality standards, promote internal teamwork and meet the needs of our clients.
• Under general supervision, perform the following detailed design of low to extra high voltage substations in the following areas:  
  • Protection one-line diagrams
  • SCADA
  • Communications
  •  Control enclosure design and details
  • Voltage-drop, conduit fill, and station battery sizing calculations
  • Bills of Materials
• Under limited supervision, perform the following detailed design of low to extra high voltage substation designs in the following areas:  
  • AC 3-line diagrams
  • DC schematic diagrams
  • Wiring diagrams (control and AC/DC service)
  • Cable and conduit schedules
• Use computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software and work closely with engineers to resolve design details or discrepancies, and to prepare drawings which require a high degree of precision on projects of basic to moderate complexity and/or scope.  
• Verify accuracy of calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, recognizing moderate to slightly intricate construction or engineering problems and escalating any differences, errors, or technical problems for appropriate resolution.  
• Work with cross-discipline teams in executing project work.  
• Ensure the specification of materials, and procedures for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contract requirements and industry/client standards.
• Work collaboratively with the engineer-in-charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Apply analytical techniques and software to solve moderately complex engineering issues on projects, or to modify or redesign existing designs in accordance with project standards and specifications.
• Support QA/QC for deliverables to clients
• Learn, understand, and adhere to client standards and processes while working individually or within a team to complete complex and technically challenging designs
• Travel to and attend client site visits related to projects
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• 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

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Knowledge of design support principles, practices, process, methods and techniques.  
• Knowledge and understanding of substation protection schemes / concepts, protection applications, and electrical utility protection standards and practices.
• Knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.  
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of geometry and mathematical concepts, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate standards or regulations.  
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Competent self-leadership with attention to detail, 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.
• Analytical mindset to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.  
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Capable critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from data collation, calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective and logical solution.
• 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:

• Associate’s Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.

Disclaimer:

Relocation assistance is not available for this role. 

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