Lead Substation Project Engineer

About the role

The Lead Substation Project Engineer position is available in Boise, ID, with potential for consideration in Hailey, ID; Billings, MT; and Lakewood, CO.

Responsibilities

• High-level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site and multi-phase substation projects.
• Research, engineering design, concept development, planning, and execution of medium- to extra-high-voltage substations, including power distribution, protection and control systems, grounding, and equipment integration.
• Supports project execution, department initiatives, and client relationships.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, quality, and deliverables for assigned substation projects.
• Prepare supporting design documents such as sections and elevations, control enclosure details, cable and conduit plans, foundation and structural coordination details, yard lighting plans, and bills of materials.
• Review electrical studies and calculations including load flow, short circuit, grounding, protective device coordination, AC/DC systems, lightning analysis, and voltage drop.
• Contribute to and review substation equipment specifications and technical procurement documents, supporting equipment selection and vendor coordination.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight across multiple concurrent substation projects, ensuring consistency in quality, execution, and client expectations.
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, exhibits, and presentations to communicate design intent, findings, and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
• Collaborate with internal teams on proposal pursuits, project execution strategies, and business development opportunities.
• Participate in occasional travel and site visits in support of project execution, construction activities, and client needs.
• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience providing substation design deliverables for utility-scale transmission and distribution projects.
• Experience in medium- to high-voltage substation design (15kV through 230kV) and application of IEEE and ANSI standards.
• Demonstrated experience acting as the lead electrical engineer on multiple substation projects occurring concurrently.
• Well-defined knowledge of applicable electrical codes, standards, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to perform and review complex engineering calculations and interpret plans and specifications.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills when interacting with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Demonstrated self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic project environment.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office tools, and electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, or similar platforms.
• 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 independently with minimal oversight while providing technical leadership and guidance to junior team members with strict adherence to QA/QC.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 10+ years of substation design experience.
• Experience supporting or leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Skills

• Advanced electrical engineering techniques across project phases including concept development, preliminary design, detailed design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Ability to collect, compile, and analyze data relating to physical work sites, drawings, specifications, substation components, and equipment requirements.
• Knowledge of evolving substation design practices, technologies, and applicable codes and standards.
• Ability to interact with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies in a professional and confident manner.
• Ability to prepare technical reports, calculations, exhibits, and presentations to communicate design intent, findings, and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.

Benefits

• Comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and 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.

Pay

Expected Salary (Colorado only): $110,700 - $164,450

Schedule

This opportunity offers an on-site, hybrid, or remote work arrangement, depending on candidate location, experience, and business needs.