Experienced Substation Structural Designer

WSP in the U.S.; City of Syracuse (NY); On-site; USD 67,800 - 123,600; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Experienced Substation Structural Designer to join our Power Delivery Civil/Structural Group. The role supports design and drafting for substation projects across multiple U.S. locations, including the New York area, with a focus on high‑quality deliverables.

Responsibilities include creating precise CAD drawings, performing design calculations, and ensuring compliance with applicable codes. Collaboration with engineers and clients is essential for project success.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant post‑education experience in drafting and design support.
• Knowledge of drafting and design support principles, practices, processes and techniques.
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations with geometry and metrics.
• Strong communication to present to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Teamwork and self‑leadership in dynamic environments.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical design and CADD support on substation projects.
• Generate deliverables such as reports, design manuals, models, sections and specs.
• Ensure adherence to city, state and federal codes and design standards.
• Collaborate with engineers and cross‑functional teams to resolve design issues.
• Prepare multiple design versions for review and client coordination.
• Apply analytical techniques to solve moderately complex engineering problems.

Skills

7+ years experience

Drafting and design

Geometry and math concepts

Interpersonal skills

Independent and teamwork

Technical writing and software

Education

Associate’s Degree in related discipline

Professional licensure/certification

Tools

3D CAD software

Job description

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Structural Designer for our Power Delivery Substation Civil/Structural Group. We are hiring for our Freeport, ME office or the following locations: Hallowell, ME; New York, NY; Syracuse, NY; Ann Arbor, MI; and New Albany, OH.

Opportunity

Provide technical design and CADD support on projects to produce designs and specifications for civil and structural substation design within our Power and Energy business line. Responsibilities include generating CADD designs on moderate‑scale projects, producing accurate deliverables such as reports, technical memoranda, design manuals, models, sections, details, specifications, and material lists. Ensure deliverables meet or exceed industry standards for design, accuracy, and functionality.

Responsibilities

• Collect, compile, and analyze data from the physical work site, surveys, structural concepts, blueprints, schematics, data, verbal or written specifications, technical drawings, rough sketches, diagrams, and other matrices to support drafting and design activities.
• Use 3D computer‑aided design and drafting (CADD) software and work closely with engineers to resolve design details or discrepancies, and to prepare drawings which require a high degree of precision on projects of basic to moderate complexity.
• Follow standard practices to provide technical design assistance that accounts for proper illustration, fit, form, and function using geometric dimensioning, tolerance and quantity calculations, while ensuring the construction and maintainability of designs according to design standard specifications.
• Verify accuracy of calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, recognizing moderate to slightly intricate construction or engineering problems and escalating any differences, errors, or technical problems for appropriate resolution.
• Work with cross‑functional teams in executing project work.
• Assure plans adhere to city code, state and federal regulations.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineer.
• Ensure the specification of dimensions, materials, and procedures for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the engineer‑in‑charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Apply analytical techniques and software to solve moderately complex engineering issues on projects, or to modify or redesign existing designs in accordance with project standards and specifications.
• Engage in occasional contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project drafting and design support review.
• 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.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant post‑education experience in the discipline with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Knowledge of drafting and design support principles, practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of geometry and mathematical concepts, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate standards or regulations.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non‑technical audience.
• Competent self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Analytical mindset to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Capable critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from data collation, calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective and logical solution.
• 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

• Associate’s Degree in a closely related discipline is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.

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, life, retirement savings, paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid parental leave, and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

Compensation

Expected Salary: $67,800 per year – $123,600 per year.

WSP USA 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.