Renewable Energy Electrical Engineering Lead

About the role

WSP is seeking a Renewable Energy Electrical Engineering Lead for our Buffalo, NY office (also considered: New York, NY; Chicago, IL; Boulder, CO; Austin, TX). The position is part of the Onshore Renewable Energy team in the United States and provides wide‑ranging technical and team leadership for design, engineering, and guidance across multi‑site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of commercial and industrial sector distributed‑generation projects (solar PV, BESS, PV + BESS) in both public and private sectors.

Responsibilities

• Research, design, concept development, planning/permitting, and detailed design of direct‑current (DC) systems and low‑ and medium‑voltage alternating‑current (LV/MV AC) systems, including protection and control systems for utilities, transportation, building, and government projects.
• Develop and oversee electrical models; review calculations and reports for detailed electrical design of projects ranging from commercial to distributed‑generation scale.
• Substantiate reports, drawings, and documentation to advise on material, installation, design, component, and construction specifications, ensuring compliance with industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
• Collect, compile, and analyze data on small‑scale renewable‑energy project electrical components, equipment specifications, and design/review processes, applying NFPA (NEC), IEEE, and NESC standards.
• Coordinate, review, and approve electrical infrastructure design plans for both simple and complex projects, maintaining data integrity and code compliance.
• Apply accepted electrical‑engineering techniques to improve concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation phases.
• Perform professional electrical‑engineering work including single‑line and three‑line schematic diagrams, general arrangement schematics, cable schedules, ampacity calculations, grounding, lighting circuits, controls, facility and service power distribution, and related construction permits.
• Plan and incorporate future‑ready design strategies, equipment sizing, AC/DC system and panel design, conduit and trenching layouts to ensure safety and functionality for end‑users and infrastructure.
• Review electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, grounding touch/step potentials, short‑circuit studies, protective‑device coordination, protective relaying, and circuit containment.
• Develop and review plans, specifications, cost estimates, construction‑safety and phasing plans, and update electrical layout and collection plans in coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub‑consultants, and clients.
• Manage design and construction of electrical infrastructure projects from inception to completion, including rehabilitation, reconstruction, and site development, while coordinating grading, drainage, equipment layout, elevations, specifications, phasing, and safety plans.
• Oversee cross‑functional teams of engineers, planners, scientists, and construction professionals on multiple concurrent projects, tracking budgets, hours, expenses, task completion, material quantities, permit applications, compliance documentation, and technical analyses.
• Prepare data visualizations (tables, charts, sketches, cross‑sections) and comprehensive technical reports/presentations to communicate findings, concepts, and recommendations.
• Maintain high quality and responsiveness to client requirements in alignment with WSP standards.
• Provide guidance, training, and support to entry‑level engineers on electrical design, calculations, and system studies.
• Analyze field investigation data, develop action plans for risk mitigation, and interact confidently with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, and infrastructure authorities on federally, state, regional, and locally funded projects and business‑development opportunities.
• Stay current with the latest electrical‑engineering techniques, standards, and best practices.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company resources and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 7+ years of post‑education experience delivering design for renewable‑energy projects at distribution, utility, industrial, or commercial scale.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain within one year.
• Proficiency with electrical‑engineering principles, design/build processes, and permitting.
• Extensive knowledge of electrical interconnection design and ability to conduct site audits of equipment, systems, and utility interconnections.
• Familiarity with renewable‑energy system design principles.
• Competence in adjacent disciplines such as protection & controls (P&C), DAS/SCADA, and data/telecommunications.
• Experience in electrical‑infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation and new‑design projects.
• Strong knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical‑construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Ability to perform technical computations, interpret plans/specifications, and apply appropriate regulations.
• Skilled in planning and conducting inspections and investigations, applying applicable policies.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills for both engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
• Demonstrated self‑leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight and to lead less‑experienced team members while adhering to QA/QC.
• Proficiency in technical writing, office automation, and discipline‑specific design software (e.g., AutoCAD, PVcase/PVFarm, Cymcap, ETAP, WinGIS, SEL acSELerator, etc.).
• Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills for data analysis, statistical evaluation, and economical solution development.
• Experience contributing to project planning, resource assessments, and budgeting.
• Proven ability to coordinate and direct subcontractors safely and efficiently.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and compliance with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Willingness to work schedules that may extend beyond a typical workweek based on project needs.
• Occasional travel as required by project specifics.

Preferred qualifications / experience

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• Experience managing large portfolios of projects with multiple engineers.
• Design experience with microgrids and utility‑scale projects.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage.
• Retirement savings plans.
• Paid sick leave.
• Paid vacation or other personal time.
• Paid parental leave.
• Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.
• Comprehensive health and financial stability benefits throughout the employee’s career.

Pay

Expected salary range (all locations): $98,300 – $175,230. The final offer may vary based on education, experience, skills, internal equity, geographic location, and applicable laws.