Substation Design Engineer

WSP USA; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 79,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision benefits

Retirement savings program

Paid time off and leave benefits

Competitive compensation package

Job summary

WSP USA is seeking an Electrical Engineer to support the design of power transmission and distribution projects, including substations and protection systems. You will perform calculations, develop diagrams, review designs, and prepare technical reports to support procurement and construction.

Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure safety, code compliance, and successful project delivery across utility and industrial sectors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent).
• 3 to 5 years of post-education experience in electrical engineering designing power transmission and distribution systems.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, design/build, and permitting processes.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management.
• Ability to coordinate with regulators and understand requirements.
• Familiarity with electrical construction codes, safety standards, and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication for engineering audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Design of single line and three line diagrams, bus layout, grounding, and protection studies.
• Develop calculations for loads, feeder sizing, voltage drop, and lighting circuits.
• Review third‑party designs, procurement lists, and project plans.
• Prepare technical reports and visualizations for data interpretation.
• Collaborate with engineers and construction professionals to meet specifications.
• Support development and scoping of small to medium projects.
• Ensure compliance with permits, codes, and safety standards.

Skills

Electrical engineering principles

Coordination with regulators

Technical writing

AutoCAD Electrical

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s Degree in Engineering

Tools

CADD

Aspen

CAPE

ETAP

Job description

This Opportunity

Provides technical assistance and guidance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Assist with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding material, installations, components, 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.

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

• Collect, compile, and analyze data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.

• Assist in reviewing third-party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.

• Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.

• Participate in incorporating future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design requirements with equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies that account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.

• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and operations.

• Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical assistance on various engineering, design, testing maintenance modifications, and construction procedures and issues.

• Develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.

• Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.

• Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis, and reporting.

• Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, planners, scientific, and construction professionals to execute project work, assist with laying out installations, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.

• Assist with development and scoping of small-to-medium-sized projects.

• Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations that explain research and findings to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or electrical engineering issues or problems.

• Conduct engineering studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular design and construction problem or issue and/or to plan for future needs.

• Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for low to mid-level risk mitigation activities.

• 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

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

• 3 to 5 years of relevant post education experience in an electrical engineering capacity designing power transmission and distribution systems in utility or industrial/commercial environments.

• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.

• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation and new design.

• Ability to coordinate with agency regulators and understand requirements.

• Knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.

• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.

• Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.

• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.

• Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.

• Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP), AutoCADD electrical.

• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, 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

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.

• Engineer in Training Certification.

• Professional Engineer License.

Disclaimer

• Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

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): $78,600 - $135,000

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.

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.