Intermediate Substation Design Engineer

WSP USA; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA in Ann Arbor, MI is seeking an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer to support the design of electrical substations, including physical layouts, grounding, and P&C systems. You will collaborate with senior engineers and project managers to develop drawings and calculations that meet IEEE, NESC, NERC standards.

The role emphasizes data collection, analysis, and preparation of reports, with opportunities to grow in CAD tools (AutoCAD, MicroStation) and testing coordination.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 1–3 years of post‑education experience in electrical engineering or substation design.
• Exposure to operations and project controls for reporting.
• Familiarity with infrastructure planning and utility project design/management.
• Knowledge of engineering and electrical construction codes and standards.
• Experience with CAD tools such as AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist with substation design including physical layouts and P&C schemes.
• Prepare drawings, calculations, and reports per industry standards.
• Support senior engineers with research and design reviews.
• Conduct data collection and analysis for equipment and layouts.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure project objectives.
• Support field investigations and site visits as needed.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering

Engineer in Training Certification

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Design Engineer for our Ann Arbor, MI 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.

Provides support to technical staff, engineers, and project managers for the due diligence, design, development, and construction of electric utility substations, including both physical (structural/electrical layout) and protection & control (P&C) system designs. Tasks may include assistance with research, design, concept development, calculations, and construction support for transmission and distribution substations, equipment specifications, grounding systems, protection schemes, and associated AC/DC systems. Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding assigned material, design packages, and construction specifications. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds industry standards for safety, reliability, and functionality.

Your Impact

• With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation equipment, structure and layout considerations, protection & control device applications, equipment specifications for procurement packages, pricing efforts, and design reviews in accordance with IEEE, NESC, NERC, and utility standards.
• Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of substation physical layouts (single-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, general arrangement, grounding grid design, lightning protection, equipment arrangement, conduit/trench plans) or protection & control designs (AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, control house design, protection schemes), depending on area of specialization.
• Provide technical assistance on design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC system design, panel layouts, and conduit and trenching design strategies to ensure proper installation, operational safety, and long‑term functionality.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, including high‑voltage equipment, power transformers, circuit breakers, disconnect switches, relays, and field wiring.
• Assist with verifying site characteristics and providing technical support related to engineering, design, testing, maintenance, field installation practices, and construction procedures.
• Under minimal supervision, develop electrical calculations including loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding analysis, short‑circuit and coordination review (if P&C-focused), and other substation‑relevant calculations.
• Write technical reports summarizing research, findings, and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, spreadsheets, and engineering software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, contributing to design concepts, construction support, mitigation efforts, and project improvement activities.
• Work with cross‑functional teams in executing project work, including project controls, business deployment, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting teams.
• Assist with preparation of work plans and coordination of field/site work, including supporting field investigations, site visits, and construction support activities.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
• 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.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post‑education experience in an electrical engineering or substation design capacity.
• Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
• Exposure to engineering or project controls activities used for reporting purposes.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, substation design practices, and the application of codes and standards to utility projects.
• Familiarity with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management for utility or energy sector projects.
• Knowledge of engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and documentation requirements.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to exercise sound judgment in evaluating design considerations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Self‑leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi‑tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as part of a team to meet project objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office software, engineering tools, and spreadsheets.
• Experience with engineering/design software such as CAD (AutoCAD, MicroStation).
• 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 substation design experience.

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.