Early Career Substation Assistant Electrical Engineer

Socket.dev; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Early Career Substation Assistant Electrical Engineer for our Austin, Texas office to assist in the design and development of utility-scale substations and related protection and control systems.

Under supervision, you will collect and analyze data, prepare drawings, perform basic electrical calculations, and help ensure safety and quality standards across projects in the public and private sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and strong analytical ability.
• Familiarity with electrical construction laws, codes, and record-keeping.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in professional settings.
• Ability to work independently or within a team on design tasks.
• Comfort with basic professional electrical engineering tasks and calculations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data for substation components and procurement.
• Support design work for single line and bus arrangements in substations.
• Perform basic electrical calculations and sizing for loads and wiring.
• Prepare documentation and drawings using electronic systems and field notes.
• Adhere to safety guidelines and project procedures on site.
• Contribute to project deliverables under supervision.

Skills

Research skills

Analytical mindset

Interpersonal and communication skills

Self-leadership

Independent work capability

Technical writing

Team collaboration

Multitasking

Attention to detail

General engineering concepts

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Aspen

CAPE

Electrical design software

Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Substation Assistant Electrical Engineer for our Austin, Texas office.

Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.

This Opportunity

Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.

• Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.

• Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.

• Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.

• Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.

• Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.

• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.

• Complete training on assigned tasks.

• 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.

• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.

• 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.

• Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.

• General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.

• Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.

• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.

• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.

• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.

• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.

• Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.

• 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 requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

Disclaimer:

• Relocation is not available for this role.

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, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.