Mid-Level Grid Modernization Engineer

WSP USA; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking a Lead Professional Electrical Engineer with an emphasis on Grid Modernization for our Richmond, VA office. The role will also consider candidates for Fort Mill, SC and Atlanta, GA.

You will lead development and review of grid modernization solutions for utility distribution systems, including FLISR, volt-var optimization, ADMS, and DER integration, collaborating with clients and cross-functional teams to deliver practical, impactful results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 7–10 years of post-education electrical design experience on large capital projects.
• Strong English language communications and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams and manage stakeholders.
• Must be able to pass client background screening.
• Commitment to workplace safety and adherence to policies.

Responsibilities

• Modernize utility distribution systems through program planning and execution.
• Lead FLISR, Volt-Var optimization, Distribution Resiliency, ADMS, and DER projects.
• Collaborate with utility clients, internal teams, and vendors to develop study assumptions and drive outcomes.
• Lead complex grid modernization initiatives and build scalable delivery frameworks.
• Mentor project teams and communicate technical insights through reporting tools.
• Track project schedules and budgets; support proposals and business development.
• Participate in industry groups and standards committees; travel as needed.
• Learn and support other disciplines such as Protection, Planning, and SCADA.
• Adhere to WSP Code of Conduct.

Skills

Electrical engineering

Team collaboration

English communication

Safety awareness

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure

Job description

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Professional Electrical Engineer with an emphasis on Grid Modernization for our Richmond, VA office. The following locations will also be considered: Fort Mill, SC, Atlanta, GA . Be involved in projects with our Distribution Advanced Studies Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

This role offers an opportunity to lead and support a broad range of project-based work for electric utility clients, with a primary focus on distribution grid modernization. The selected candidate will lead the development and review of grid modernization solutions for utility distribution systems, including FLISR, volt-var optimization, distribution resiliency, ADMS, DER solutions, and advanced planning applications. Work will involve collaborating with utility clients, internal project teams, and technology vendors to evaluate system needs, apply sound engineering judgment, and deliver practical recommendations that improve reliability, resilience, efficiency, and operational performance. This is a strong fit for an engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges, coordinating work across multiple projects, and serving as a trusted grid modernization resource within a collaborative advanced studies team.

Your Impact

• The qualified candidate will be responsible for the modernization of the utility distribution systems, this includes planning, justification, and on-going support of the following Distribution Grid Modernization Programs:

• FLISR (Fault, Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration)

• Volt-Var Optimization or other similar programs (IVVC, CVR)

• Distribution Resiliency

• ADMS (Advance Distribution Management Systems)

• Electrification of Transportation

• DER Solutions (DERMS, NWA/NWS, Hosting Capacity)

• Advance Planning Techniques (8760, Quasi Static Time Series Analysis)

• Build collaborative relationships with utility clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to develop study assumptions, align project objectives, and drive successful project outcomes.

• Lead complex grid modernization initiatives while building project execution frameworks and delivery approaches that improve consistency, quality, and scalability across the practice.

• Build and develop project teams through coaching, technical mentorship, and project leadership that advances employee growth and client satisfaction.

• Develop and communicate technical insights through effective visualization and reporting tools that support client decision-making and strengthen WSP's technical reputation.

• Provide technical leadership for strategic initiatives while building trust with clients and internal stakeholders through sound engineering judgment and consistent project delivery.

• Track project schedules and budgets.

• Collaborate with professionals and other engineers across disciplines on proposal development and business development opportunities.

• Build WSP's technical leadership and industry presence through active participation in industry working groups and standards committees (IEEE, CIGRE, IEC, ANSI)

• Contribute to the development of technical papers and deliver presentations at industry conferences to share knowledge, promote industry best practices, and enhance WSP's technical reputation.

• Some travel should be expected.

• Ability to learn/support other disciplines such as Protection, Planning, and SCADA

• 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.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).

Required Qualifications

• 7 - 10 years of relevant post education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for large capital projects.

• Understanding of basic to advanced engineering theories and principles, including understanding of basic practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

• Ability to work across teams, is self-motivated to perform assigned tasks, and take the initiative to learn new topics

• Must have strong command of English language; experience and demonstrated written and oral communications skills, including the ability to present information, facilitate meetings and provide direction to others

• Must be able to successfully pass client's background screening processes

• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.

• Professional Engineer (PE) Licensure.

• Experience managing small to mid-size projects.

• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.

• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

WSP 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): $107,600yr - $183,000yr

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, 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.