Data Center Energy Storage Systems Engineer - Associate Consultant

Accelerate possibilities. The WSP Data Center CoE (Center of Excellence) is growing, and we’re looking for smart, responsive, collaborative people to join us. Our CoE is 100% focused on data centers—supporting the world’s leading AI and cloud infrastructure companies. You’ll work to help tackle our clients’ biggest challenges: Where to build? How to secure power and water? How to develop responsibly and become a valued part of the community? AI is transforming life from scientific discoveries to smarter transportation and more sustainable communities. Data centers make it possible.

With us, you can build impact, deliver remarkable projects, and grow your career while shaping the future of the data center industry.  

This Opportunity:

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Fire & Life Safety Engineer specializing in Fire Protection of Energy Storage Systems for one of the following offices: Troy, NY- Milwaukee, WI- New York City, NY- Phoenix, AZ- Atlanta, GA- Herndon, VA- Dallas, TX- Houston, TX

As a Fire Protection Engineer specializing in Energy Storage Systems (ESS), your primary duties will be directing ESS designs to comply with evolving codes and standards, and requirements unique to the jurisdictions where our projects are located. You will work with our Fire and Life Safety (FLS) Team, with our resident ESS and HMA SME, with other MEP engineers and be part of a growing organization that is leading the industry in code compliance and hazard mitigation that exceeds our client’s objectives and solves their challenges with innovative and cutting-edge technology with a foundation of continuous improvement. You will work on mission critical and data center projects throughout the US and internationally. You will coordinate with other engineers and architects, respond to client and code official comments, work with installing contractors, and quickly react to building and site changes/challenges.

This opportunity provides technical assistance for design, development, and construction site surveys for ESS in data center projects. Tasks may include assisting with the research, design, concept development, planning, optimal integration of energy storage systems, hazard mitigation, incident investigations, CFD plume and explosion modeling; and continuous improvement. Additional tasks include performing building and fire code analysis reviews, ensuring compliance and review and directing the in-house design engineers to accommodate code requirements. The ideal candidate will be accountable to their tasks and ensure 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:

• Direct and execute the design of the building MEP systems required for the installation of ESS. This includes directing designs for fire sprinkler, smoke detection, ventilation, and explosion control systems as applicable.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of NFPA 855, UL9540, UL9540A, UL1778, UL924, International Fire Code, FM Global requirements, hazard mitigation, Risk based process safety elements, and other standards that relate to energy storage systems.
• Author reports and prepare supplemental documentation to support the permit of electrochemical energy storage systems, including technical analysis of large-scale fire test data to justify the adequacy of the design of building MEP systems.
• Facilitate Hazard Mitigation Analyses when required by code or best practice, requested by the client or the AHJ, or when an incident warrants it.
• Become a Certified Process Safety Professional through AiChE under the mentorship of the SME.
• Present fire risk assessments to authorities having jurisdiction.
• Performs coordination by reviewing drawings supplied by vendors, other team engineers and architects while implementing design modifications as necessary.
• Gathers appropriate resources in order to assist in problem solutions.
• Assists engineers and management by resourcing input on staffing allocations to beet business needs.
• Believes in and champions the firms’ core values and inspires others to do the same.
• Supports creative thinking and innovation that adds value to the discipline level.
• Encourages difficult conversations when necessary, when it is in the best interest of the project.
• Communicated engineering concepts and ideas, as appropriate.
• Demonstrates the ability to react to client (internal/external) needs and expectations, while developing skills in proactive communication.

Who You Are:

Required Qualifications:

• Related Bachelors in Electrical, Mechanical, Architectural, orFire Protection Engineering; or equivalent years of experience.
• 1-3 years of fire protection and life safety experience, ESS experience is preferred.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Science Degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline.
• Knowledge of REVIT and AutoCAD
• Experience in conducting fire hazard assessments, risk analyses, and developing fire safety strategies in compliance with the applicable standards and regulations.
• Professional Engineering license in Fire Protection Engineering.
• Experience with Risk Based Process Safety and/or Professional risk Certification
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on a 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): $84,000 - $116,000
 

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.