Early Career Electrical Engineer (Mission Critical/Data Center)
About the role
Early Career Electrical Engineer – Herndon, VA office. Provides local technical assistance for due‑diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial‑scale projects in the public and private sectors. Work includes research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, and protection and control systems across utilities, transportation, building, and government projects.
Responsibilities
- Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data on substation components and equipment specifications for procurement packages and pricing.
- Support IFR/IRC design and review processes and ensure compliance with IEEE/NESC standards and NERC regulations.
- Develop single‑line, three‑line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout, bus arrangement, grounding grid design, and lightning protection in accordance with applicable rules and permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and entry‑level technical assistance on equipment sizing, cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit/trenching strategies.
- Verify site characteristics and provide basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures.
- Generate electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits, controls, facility service, and power distribution.
- Produce complete, accurate documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines, site‑specific procedures, engineering studies, surveys, and construction documentation.
- Complete assigned training and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Requirements
- Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
- 0–1 years of relevant post‑education experience.
- Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
- General understanding of electrical engineering design for large capital projects.
- Familiarity with engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, and compliance practices.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for both engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
- Self‑leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision and as part of a team.
- Basic proficiency in technical writing, office automation, spreadsheets, and related tools.
- Familiarity with discipline‑specific design software (e.g., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, AutoCADD Electrical).
- Proven commitment to workplace safety and adherence to WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
- Willingness to work schedules that may extend beyond a typical workweek and occasional travel as project needs dictate.
- Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.
- Prior internship related to electrical engineering.
- Active participation in local professional practice organizations.
Benefits
WSP offers a comprehensive benefits suite focused on health and financial stability throughout an employee’s career, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; retirement savings plans; paid sick leave; paid vacation or personal time; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.
Pay
Expected salary range: $82,000 – $100,000 (subject to education, experience, skills, internal equity, and geographic location).
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 U.S. offices, WSP designs lasting solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. The firm emphasizes a flexible, agile workplace model and provides comprehensive benefits to support employee health and financial stability while delivering innovative solutions that help communities prosper.