Intermediate Substation Designer

WSP in the U.S.; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking an Intermediate Substation Designer for our Freeport, ME office to support the Power & Energy Substation Team. You will contribute to designs and specifications for substation projects, focusing on physical substation design and/or P&C design support, with emphasis on accuracy and construction-ready deliverables.

Under supervision, you’ll use 3D CADD software, collaborate with engineers, and prepare plans, models, details, and material lists.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma is required.
• 5+ years of relevant post-education drafting/design experience.
• Familiar with drafting/design principles, practices, methods, and techniques.
• Familiar with codes, regulations, compliance, and record-keeping.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data collection and analysis from surveys, blueprints, schematics, and drawings to support drafting and design.
• Under supervision, use 3D CADD software and collaborate with engineers to resolve design details for basic projects.
• Provide routine design assistance ensuring accuracy, fit, form, and function per standards.
• Verify calculations and interpretations of plans, addressing discrepancies for resolution.
• Team with cross-functional groups to execute project work and ensure compliance with regulations.

Skills

English communication

Detail-oriented

Independent working

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s Degree preferred

Licensure/certification preferred

Tools

3D CAD software

Drafting/design software

Office tools

Job description

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Intermediate Substation Designer for our Freeport, ME 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

Under general supervision, provides technical design and CADD support on projects to produce designs and specifications to be used for planning, infrastructure, and technical services business lines. This role will support electric utility transmission and distribution substation projects and may focus on physical substation design and/or protection & control (P&C) design support. Tasks may include developing skills and generating CADD designs on assigned projects of basic complexity. Generates accurate and concise design phase deliverables including plans, details, models, schematics, specifications, and material lists related to substation design packages. Ensures responsibilities are delivered with quality that meets acceptable industry standards for design, accuracy, 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

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing 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.
• Under minimal supervision, 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 complexity and/or scope.
• Provide routine technical design assistance that accounts for the 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.
• Assist with verifying calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, recognizing basic 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.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exhibit basic knowledge of current drafting and design support practices.
• 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

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Highly familiar with drafting and design support principles, practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Highly familiar with relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire without current or future employer sponsorship.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Familiar with drafting and design support principles, practices, methods, and techniques. Familiar with applicable codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Developing analytical skills with the ability to evaluate information and apply sound judgement under supervision.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Detail‑oriented with the ability to learn new techniques, manage multiple tasks, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, math principles, spreadsheets, and related tools.
• 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 closely related discipline is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.

Disclaimer:

• Relocation is not available for this role.

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.