Experienced Substation P&C Engineer

Socket.dev; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 118,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Experienced Substation P&C Engineer for our Richmond, VA office to support the design and construction of utility-scale substation projects. The role focuses on protection and control design, including schematics, wiring, interconnection diagrams, and panel documentation, within regulated utility environments.

The candidate will collaborate across disciplines, develop electrical calculations, and contribute to technical reports and presentations while adhering to safety and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 3–5 years in electrical engineering focusing on substation protection and control (P&C) design.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Clear English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Experience delivering P&C design deliverables (control schematics, wiring diagrams, interconnection drawings, panel/AC-DC documentation).
• Familiarity with codes/standards (IEEE, ANSI, NESC).
• Experience with design software such as AutoCAD Electrical or MicroStation and power system analysis tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support design and construction of utility-scale substations with a focus on P&C.
• Develop and review single line and three-line diagrams, control schematics, wiring and interconnection diagrams, and panel documentation.
• Assist in concept development and detailed design with attention to equipment sizing, AC/DC systems, and cabling layouts.
• Prepare technical documentation including calculations, sketches, schedules, and exhibits for reviews.
• Collaborate with engineers, designers, and construction professionals to ensure compliance with specs.
• Maintain quality control procedures to ensure accuracy and standards compliance.

Skills

Substation P&C

AutoCAD Electrical

MicroStation

Power system analysis

Technical writing

English communication

Multitasking

Safety compliance

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

MicroStation

Aspen

CAPE

ETAP

Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation P&C Engineer for our Richmond, VA 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

Provides technical assistance and guidance for the design and construction support of utility scale electrical infrastructure projects. The role supports the research, design, and development of high voltage and medium voltage transmission and distribution substations, with an emphasis on protection and control (P&C) design, including control schematics, wiring and interconnection diagrams, panel design, AC/DC systems, and construction documentation. Work may include utility, industrial, and commercial power delivery projects across regulated utility environments. This position produces accurate calculations, drawings, reports, and technical documentation related to equipment specifications and installation requirements, ensuring work is delivered in accordance with applicable industry codes, standards, safety requirements, and project specific objectives.

Your Impact

• Collect, compile, and analyze data related to substation equipment, materials, and systems, including development of procurement packages, equipment specifications, and pricing support, while applying applicable IEEE, ANSI, NESC, and utility standards.
• Assist in reviewing internal and third party substation design drawings, technical documents, vendor submittals, and project plans.
• Perform professional electrical engineering work supporting substation protection and control (P&C) design, including development and review of single line and three line diagrams, control schematics, wiring and interconnection diagrams, and panel documentation.
• Participate in concept development and detailed design activities, incorporating design requirements related to equipment sizing, AC/DC systems, control panel design, cabling, conduit, and raceway layouts with emphasis on safety, constructability, and operational functionality.
• Support senior engineers with research, evaluation, and recommendation of substation equipment and P&C system components in accordance with utility standards.
• Provide technical design support related to site conditions, constructability considerations, and coordination with physical, civil, and other engineering disciplines.
• Develop electrical engineering calculations supporting P&C design, including auxiliary power systems, voltage drop, and related substation electrical analyses.
• Prepare and contribute to technical documentation including calculations, reports, sketches, schedules, and technical exhibits for design deliverables and project reviews.
• Maintain established quality control procedures to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with project and organizational standards.
• Collaborate with cross functional teams of engineers, designers, and construction professionals to execute project work and ensure work complies with specifications and design requirements.
• Assist with the development and scoping of small to medium sized substation projects under the guidance of senior staff.
• Contribute to technical reports and presentations that communicate design intent, analysis results, and engineering solutions.
• 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 (or equivalent experience).
• 3 to 5 years of relevant post education experience in an electrical engineering role performing substation protection and control (P&C) design for power transmission and distribution projects, preferably in utility or industrial/commercial environments.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship (including H 1B, OPT, CPT, or other employment based visas).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrated experience supporting substation protection and control (P&C) design deliverables such as control schematics, wiring diagrams, interconnection drawings, and panel or AC/DC documentation.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, and design processes applicable to substation projects.
• Knowledge of relevant electrical codes, standards, regulations, and utility requirements.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to technical and non technical audiences.
• Effective self leadership with attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation tools, spreadsheets, and engineering software.
• Experience with discipline specific design software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation); familiarity with power system analysis tools (e.g., Aspen, CAPE, ETAP) is a plus.
• 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:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Engineer in Training Certification.

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 (all locations): $90,000 - $118,000

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, 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.

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.

www.wsp.com

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.