Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer

WSP Global Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 77,000 - 94,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer for our San Diego, CA office to support the Power & Energy Substation Team on a variety of projects.

You will assist with design concepts, data collection, and preparation of drawings and documentation while learning under supervision. This role offers exposure to utility-scale projects and a clear path toward professional growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering required.
• 0 to 1 year of relevant post-education experience.
• Strong research and analytical mindset.
• Familiarity with electrical design rules, codes, and compliance.
• Solid written and verbal communication for engineering audiences.
• Ability to work independently under supervision and as part of a team.
• Basic proficiency with engineering software and tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data on substation components and equipment specs.
• Support design tasks for single line and three-line drawings and substation layouts.
• Contribute to calculations for loads, sizing, grounding, and wiring under supervision.
• Prepare documentation using drawings, notes, and field logs.
• Ensure safety guidelines and site procedures are followed on projects.
• Develop technical documents and support design reviews and permits.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Self-motivation and reliability

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

Aspen

CAPE

Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer for our San Diego, CA office.

Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy 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.

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; 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.

Compensation:

Expected Salary: $76,800 - $93,800

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of California, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.