High Voltage Power Systems Engineer

About the Role

WSP is seeking a High Voltage Power Systems Engineer for our Denver, CO office to join our Electrical Studies, SCADA & Protection (ESSP) Team. This role involves working on projects related to electrical studies, SCADA, and system protection, contributing to global power delivery, generation, and program management initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Perform electrical studies, SCADA, and system protection tasks, specializing in one or more of the following areas based on project needs and expertise:
  • 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. Software: AcSELerator QuickSet (SEL-5030), AcSELerator Architect, GE EnerVista, ASPEN OneLiner, Gridscale X (CAPE), SKM-PTW, ETAP, RSCAD/RTDS.
  • 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. 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). Software: CDEGS, ATP-EMTP, PSCAD, POLARIS-EMF, COMSOL Multiphysics, TFlash.
  • Networking and Communications: Design and configure network and communication paths for RTUs, protective relays, meters, HMIs, PLCs, and other SCADA equipment; develop specifications for fiber optic, microwave, power line carrier, or radio communication paths; troubleshoot and commission systems on-site. 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; program platforms for scheme implementation; test and commission control schemes on-site. Platforms: SEL RTAC, Orion, Cooper SMP, GE-D20.
• Write technical reports summarizing analysis with findings and conclusions, and generate accurate documentation using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, design concepts, construction, mitigation, improvement activities, and remediation projects.
• Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field/site work and permitting.
• Complete assigned training tasks.
• Adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures, exercising responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company resources.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

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 in the responsibilities.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, processes, design/build, and their 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 for interacting with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, 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 extended schedules as required by project-specific needs, including occasional travel.

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 the 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 participation in professional practice organizations.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability, 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 naturalization proceedings.

Pay

Expected salary range for this position in Colorado: $88,500 - $141,700 per year, based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, and internal equity.