Senior Substation P&C Engineer

About the role

WSP is seeking a Senior Substation P&C Engineer to provide technical assistance and engineering guidance for multi-site and multi-phase substation projects. This role involves due diligence, investigation, impact assessment, permitting support, design, development, and construction activities for utility-scale facilities in the public and private sectors. The position emphasizes protection and control engineering, including protective relaying and schemes, control house and panel design, substation automation/SCADA interfaces, communications, and commissioning support.

Candidates may work from any mutually acceptable location in the eastern time zone, with office-based or hybrid work preferred, and flexibility for remote arrangements for qualified candidates.

Responsibilities

• Determine methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data related to protection and control requirements, substation equipment specifications, procurement package development, pricing, IFR/IFC detailed design, and applicable IEEE, NESC, and NERC standards.
• Review and provide technical input on third-party substation design documents, protection and control deliverables, procurement lists, and project plans.
• Perform complex electrical engineering work related to the design of protection and control one-line and three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, elementary diagrams, wiring diagrams, cable schedules, termination drawings, and panel layouts in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and permits.
• Incorporate future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and design requirements into protective relaying philosophies, substation automation architectures, communications systems, AC/DC systems, control panel layouts, and wiring strategies.
• Support senior engineers with research, evaluation, and recommendations for protective relays, meters, RTUs or BCUs, telecommunications equipment, and control house and panel components.
• Verify site characteristics and provide technical input on engineering, design, testing, maintenance modifications, constructability, and construction sequencing issues, with emphasis on panel installation, wiring, cutovers, and outage coordination.
• Develop engineering calculations and deliverables including DC load, battery and charger sizing, AC station service loading, CT and VT sizing, protective device coordination, relay logic and settings development, and integration requirements for substation automation systems.
• Develop plans, specifications, and cost estimates; prepare construction safety and phasing plans; and update electrical infrastructure layouts requiring coordination with owners, disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.
• Work independently or as part of a cross-functional team to execute work on multiple concurrent substation projects, assisting with protection and control design packages, material takeoffs, cost estimates, and compliance with specifications and permits.
• Prepare technical data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations to support engineering analysis and design decisions.
• Provide guidance and training to entry-level engineers.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations communicating design approaches, findings, and recommendations related to substation engineering and construction activities.
• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations and support development of action plans for risk mitigation activities.
• Prepare and implement site-specific Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, and record retention, including substation cyber and physical security interfaces.
• Interact with clients, utilities, contractors, and regulatory agencies in a professional manner.
• Remain current in the latest substation engineering techniques, tools, and industry practices, including protective relaying, substation automation, and communications.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on substation projects supporting infrastructure improvements.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 5 to 7 years of relevant post-education experience as an electrical engineer providing protection and control or electrical design deliverables for large capital projects, preferably involving substations or utility-scale electrical infrastructure.
• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Proficient knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, processes, and design/build applications as applied to substation projects, with emphasis on protection and control engineering.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including active involvement in rehabilitation and new design projects.
• Working knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to perform technical computations and calculations involving electrical engineering principles, interpret plans and specifications, and evaluate compliance with applicable regulations.
• Project management experience supporting small- to mid-level projects, including tracking hours and expenses.
• Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations related to the construction and design of facilities.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Demonstrated self-leadership, attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization skills in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently while providing technical guidance and QA/QC oversight to junior team members.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, and discipline-specific design tools such as AutoCAD Electrical and MicroStation, as well as spreadsheets and engineering tools.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop effective, economical, and logical engineering solutions.
• Ability to assertively direct field personnel and subcontractors to ensure work is completed safely and efficiently.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by 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 requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer License.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include:

• 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.

Pay

Expected salary (all locations): $90,600 - $150,110. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range based on education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, internal equity, and geographic location.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in more than 300 offices across the U.S., WSP partners with clients to help communities prosper. The company offers a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs.