Junior Substation Designer

WSP in the U.S.; Freeport (ME); On-site; USD 47,700 - 65,670; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Retirement savings plan

Paid time off

Parental leave

Bereavement leave

Job summary

WSP USA in Freeport, ME is seeking a Junior Substation Designer to contribute to our Power & Energy Substation Team on transmission and distribution projects. Under supervision, you will assist with physical substation design and P&C design tasks, delivering accurate drawings and material lists.

You will collaborate with engineers, collect site data, learn CAD tools, follow industry standards, and prepare layout drawings, schematics, and BOMs under guidance.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma is required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant post-education drafting/design experience.
• Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Ability to communicate clearly in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Familiar with drafting standards, codes, and record-keeping practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from sites, surveys, drawings, and specifications to support substation drafting and design.
• Use CAD software to assist with basic design tasks and produce precise drawings.
• Provide design assistance to ensure proper illustration and function of substation elements under guidance.
• Verify calculations and design elements, and escalate issues for resolution.
• Prepare deliverables such as general arrangement drawings, equipment layouts, wiring diagrams, schematics, and material lists under engineer guidance.
• Collaborate with engineers and cross-functional teams to execute project work and adhere to codes and standards.

Skills

Communication

English proficiency

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Education

Associate degree preferred

High School Diploma

Tools

AutoCAD

MicroStation

AutoCAD Electrical

Job description

Job Description

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Junior 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.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from physical work sites, surveys, structural concepts, blueprints, schematics, technical drawings, diagrams, sketches, and specifications to support substation drafting and design activities.
• Under general supervision, use computer‑aided design and drafting (CADD) software to assist with basic to routine design details and prepare drawings requiring a high degree of precision.
• Provide basic technical design assistance to support the proper illustration, fit, form, and function of substation physical and/or P&C design elements, while following applicable design standards and specifications.
• Assist with verifying calculations, design elements, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, and escalating discrepancies or technical issues for appropriate resolution.
• Support preparation of substation design deliverables such as general arrangement drawings, equipment layouts, conduit and cable layouts, wiring diagrams, schematics, and material lists under engineer guidance.
• Work collaboratively with engineers and cross‑functional teams to execute assigned project work.
• Assist in ensuring plans adhere to applicable utility, industry, city, state, and federal codes and standards.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for review and incorporate engineer feedback as directed. Ensure specified dimensions, materials, and procedures comply with project and contract requirements.
• Complete required training and continue developing technical and drafting skills related to substation design.
• Exhibit working knowledge of drafting and design support practices related to substation design packages (physical and/or P&C).
• 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 3 years of relevant post education experience with drafting and design support experience, including exposure to electric utility substation projects involving physical substation design and/or protection & control (P&C).
• 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.
• Experience using AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, and/or MicroStation to support substation physical and/or P&C drawing packages.

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

Compensation

Expected Salary (all locations): $47,700 - $65,670

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 is not a basis for any employment action.

Authorizations and Travel

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States. Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements.