Experienced Substation Physical Engineer

WSP USA; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Experienced Substation Physical Engineer for our Duluth, GA office to join the Power & Energy Substation Team. You will contribute to the design and construction support of utility-scale substations, focusing on physical layouts, grounding and protection.

You will develop calculations, drawings and documentation, review vendor submittals, and ensure compliance with IEEE/ANSI/NESC standards, safety policies, and project objectives while collaborating with civil, structural

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Collect, compile, and analyze data for substation equipment and materials.
• Review substation design drawings, vendor submittals, and project plans.
• Develop single-line and three-line diagrams, layouts, grounding grids, and protection systems.
• Contribute to concept development and detailed design with safety and constructability in mind.
• Prepare calculations, sketches, schedules, and technical exhibits for deliverables.
• Collaborate with civil, structural, and other disciplines to meet design requirements.
• Support senior staff with scope development for substation projects.

Skills

Substation design

AutoCAD / MicroStation

Power system analysis tools

Technical writing

English communication

Project coordination

Safety compliance

Travel flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Engineer in Training Certification

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Aspen

CAPE

ETAP

Job description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Physical Engineer for our Duluth, GA 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 substation physical design, including layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding and lightning protection 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 physical design, including development and review of single‑line and three‑line diagrams, general arrangements, substation layouts, bus arrangements, grounding grids, and lightning protection systems.

• Participate in concept development and detailed design activities, incorporating design requirements related to equipment sizing, raceway and cabling, conduit, trenching, and physical layout considerations with emphasis on safety, constructability, and operational functionality.

• Support senior engineers with research, evaluation, and recommendation of substation equipment and system components in accordance with utility standards and project requirements.

• Provide technical design support related to site conditions, constructability considerations, and coordination with civil, structural, and other disciplines.

• Develop electrical engineering calculations such as equipment sizing, voltage drop, feeder sizing, grounding analysis, lighting and control circuits, and auxiliary power systems.

• 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, support installation layouts, develop material quantities, 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 physical 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 physical design deliverables such as general arrangements, layouts, grounding systems, lightning protection, and equipment installation details.

• 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, 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.

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.