Intermediate Substation Physical Designer

WSP in the U.S.; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is looking for a Substation Physical Designer to join their team in Columbus, OH. This role involves providing technical design and CADD support, producing designs and specifications for various projects in the power delivery sector.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, at least 5 years of relevant experience, and proficiency in design software like AutoCAD and MicroStation. This position requires strong technical communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in drafting and design support.
• Highly familiar with drafting principles and compliance practices.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Assist in producing designs and specifications for projects.
• Generate CADD designs and detailed drawings.
• Work with cross-functional teams to execute project work.

Skills

CADD design

AutoCAD

MicroStation

3D parametric modeling

Technical writing

Communication skills

Education

High School Diploma

Associate’s Degree (preferred)

Tools

AutoCAD Electrical

SolidWorks

Job description

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Physical Designer for our Columbus, OH office. Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.

This Opportunity

Takes part in providing local technical design and CADD support on projects to produce designs and specifications to be used for planning, transportation, infrastructure, and technical services business lines. Tasks may include generating CADD designs on various assigned aspects of projects of basic to moderate scale and/or complexity. Generates accurate and concise design phase deliverables including reports, technical memoranda, design manuals, plans and profiles, models, sections, details, specifications, and material lists. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, accuracy, and functionality.

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.
• Assist with drafting tasks for substation projects, including physical and civil layout drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, ensuring accuracy and compliance with client standards and project expectations.
• Use 3D computer‑aided design and drafting (CADD) software—such as AutoCAD and/or MicroStation and Inventor—to prepare detailed substation drawings, layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding plans, and electrical connections, while developing proficiency in these tools within a substation engineering environment.
• 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.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant post‑education experience in discipline with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Experience with discipline‑specific design software (e.g., AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation, Inventor).
• 3D parametric modeling experience using Inventor, SolidWorks, or other applicable software.
• 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.
• Sound interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non‑technical audience.
• Sound self‑leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi‑tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, and comply with company policies.
• 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.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
• 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 closely related discipline is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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.