High Voltage Power Systems Engineer

WSP is seeking a High Voltage Power Systems Engineer for our Fort Worth, TX office to join our ESSP (Electrical Studies, SCADA & Protection) Team. This role contributes to a growing organization focused on meeting client objectives and solving their challenges, leveraging global expertise in power delivery, generation, and program management.

About the Role

The successful candidate will perform services related to electrical studies, SCADA, and system protection. Depending on project needs and individual expertise, this role may involve supporting a broad range of activities or specializing in specific areas. Candidates should have a fundamental understanding of three-phase power and power system fundamentals, with applicable systems including conventional and renewable generation facilities, substations, transmission, and distribution systems.

Responsibilities

• Protective Relaying: Short circuit and symmetrical component analysis, time-current coordination, protection scheme and criteria development, relay settings calculation, integration with SCADA systems, NERC compliance, and arc flash analysis.
  Applicable software: AcSELerator QuickSet (SEL-5030), AcSELerator Architect, GE EnerVista, ASPEN OneLiner, GridScale X (CAPE), SKM-PTW, ETAP, RTDS/RSCAD.
• Power System Planning Studies: Steady-state real and reactive power flow including outage contingencies, generation interconnect feasibility, P-V and Q-V analysis for voltage stability margins, dynamic stability performance, automation of large batch simulations, working with models from NERC regional entities (WECC, MRO, SERC, etc.), NERC compliance.
  Applicable software: PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld, DSA Tools, Python scripting.
• Design Studies: Substation grounding, corona, electric and magnetic fields, insulation coordination (lightning, switching surge, and contamination performance), transient (time domain) simulation, power quality (harmonics, voltage flicker, over/under voltage, etc.), motor starting, AC interference (transmission line interaction with railroads and pipelines).
  Applicable software: CDEGS, ATP-EMTP, PSCAD, POLARIS-EMF, COMSOL Multiphysics, TFlash.
• Networking and Communications: Design and configure network and communication paths for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), protective relays, meters, Human Machine Interface (HMIs), PLCs, and other SCADA system equipment. Develop specifications for fiber optic, microwave, power line carrier, or radio communication paths. Travel to project sites for troubleshooting and commissioning.
  Applicable protocols: DNP, Modbus, SEL Communication Protocol, GOOSE Messaging, IEC 61850.
• Logic and Control Systems: Develop and implement logic and control schemes for remote and local operation of power system equipment. Develop programs on various platforms for these schemes. Travel to project sites for testing and commissioning.
  Applicable platforms: SEL RTAC, Orion, Cooper SMP, GE-D20.
• Write technical reports summarizing analysis 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 on design concepts, construction, mitigation, improvement activities, and remediation projects.
• Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field/site work and permitting.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.

Requirements

• BSEE (BS Electrical Engineering), BSEET (BS Electrical Engineering Technology), or BSCE (BS Computer Engineering) degree from an ABET-accredited university.
• 3 to 5 years of industry experience performing design or device configuration in the technical disciplines described.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, processes, design/build, and application to permitting and project work-related issues.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• 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.
• 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 needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Power system courses covering topics such as three-phase power, load flow and reactive compensation, protective relaying, symmetrical components, transmission line theory, power system transients, dynamic stability, and power system electromagnetics.
• Internships and experience in technical areas and software listed in the job description.
• Engineer In Training (EIT) certification, with the expectation to work toward professional engineering registration (PE).
• Experience in mentoring others and/or providing technical leadership in customer-focused engineering projects.
• Active membership and/or participation in professional practice organizations.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life coverage.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid sick leave, vacation (or other personal time), and parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and attendance at naturalization proceedings.