Lead Electrical Engineer - Buildings

WSP; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

Paid vacation and personal time

Retirement savings options

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Detroit, MI is seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer. The role involves providing technical guidance for various projects, ensuring adherence to industry standards, and leading junior engineers. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Architectural Engineering and 7 to 10 years of experience. Key responsibilities include designing electrical systems, reviewing plans, and developing specifications, all while maintaining high communication and leadership standards.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of relevant post-education experience in engineering.
• Professional Engineer license required.
• Extensive knowledge of building electrical infrastructure design.
• Ability to plan and conduct observations on construction and design.

Responsibilities

• Determine methods for collecting and analyzing data on electrical systems.
• Perform electrical engineering tasks related to design and standards.
• Review third-party design documents and project plans.
• Lead and guide junior engineers in project tasks.

Skills

Electrical engineering codes

Communication skills

Technical writing

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Architectural Engineering

Tools

Revit

BIM

AutoCAD

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Summary

Be involved in projects with our Property & Buildings Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client's objectives and solves their challenges.

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Electrical Engineer for our Detroit, MI office.

Provides high level technical assistance and guidance for multi‑site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks include the research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of electrical building systems, standby power generation, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (life science, healthcare, utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Substantiates reports and documentation to advise on material, installations, design, component, and construction specifications. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Responsibilities

• Determine well‑defined methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to building electrical systems, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, multiple authorities having jurisdiction review processes, and CEC/NEC regulations for design tasks.
• Review and advise on third‑party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans. Ability to gather appropriate resources to solve problems.
• Perform professional and more complex electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line diagrams, general distribution equipment arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
• Perform coordination at a higher level by reviewing drawings supplied by vendors, other team engineers, and architects while implementing future‑ready concept development and designs.
• Lead junior engineers with research and recommendations of components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and observations.
• Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical input and guidance on various engineering, design, and concept development issues.
• Develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, short circuit studies, protective device coordination, and single line diagram development.
• Develop plans, specifications, and update electrical infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub‑consultants, and clients.
• Work as an individual or as part of a cross‑functional team of engineers, planners, architects, and construction professionals to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, assist with laying out installations, balance creative thinking and innovation with project budgets and schedule constraints, and ensure project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical field observation reporting.
• Prepare data and visualisations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or assessments.
• Maintain an elevated level of quality and responsiveness to client requirements and consistently demonstrate proactive communication with staff and building officials; proactively seek to communicate orally and in written format about issues needing resolution.
• Provide guidance and training to entry‑level engineers and exercise independent judgement and discretion in supervision. Actively monitor and evaluate appropriate team‑specific staffing resource allocations to meet business needs.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or construction issues or opportunities.
• Analyse, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during field investigations.
• Independently and actively build relationships with new and existing clients that develop small amounts of profitable new business.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner.
• Remain current in latest electrical engineering techniques and practices.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Architectural Engineering.
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post‑education experience in an engineering discipline and prior electrical design experience.
• Professional Engineer license required.
• Proficient with electrical engineering codes, principles, practices, processes, design, and the application to permitting and project work‑related issues.
• Extensive knowledge of building electrical infrastructure design.
• Demonstrates competence and comprehensive knowledge concerning adjacent disciplines such as lighting, fire protection, and low‑voltage systems.
• Experience with electrical infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of renovation and new construction projects.
• Well‑defined specific knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Well‑developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of electrical engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations.
• Ability to plan and conduct observations and investigations on various aspects of construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non‑engineering audience.
• Demonstrated high level of self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritisation of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline‑specific design software (i.e., Revit, BIM, AutoCAD, SKM/Dapper, AGI32, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Well‑developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arrive at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing delegated tasks to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• 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

• Client list or experience winning work within region.

Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career, including 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 bereavement, voting, and attendance at naturalisation proceedings.

Compensation

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of Colorado, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.

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.