Substation Project Engineer

WSP in the U.S.; Lake Oswego (OR); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings

Paid vacation and sick leave

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. is seeking a Substation Project Engineer based in Lake Oswego, OR. This hybrid position involves providing technical support for utility and commercial projects. Responsibilities include overseeing the design and support for substations, conducting engineering analysis, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and 5-7 years of relevant experience. The role offers comprehensive benefits and opportunities for career growth within the company.

Qualifications

• 5 to 7 years of post-education experience as an electrical engineer.
• Engineering Intern, Engineer in Training, or equivalent certification required.
• Strong understanding of electrical construction laws and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance for multi-site utility projects.
• Perform advanced electrical engineering tasks including layout designs.
• Create plans, specifications, and cost estimates for projects.

Skills

Technical computing

Project management

Interpersonal communication

Electrical engineering principles

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

ETAP

CADD

Job description

Substation Project Engineer – Lake Oswego, OR

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Project Engineer for our Lake Oswego, OR office. This hybrid‑work position provides technical assistance and guidance for multi‑site and multi‑phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects.

This Opportunity

Responsibility for research, design, concept development, and construction support of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, and protection and control systems across utilities, transportation, building, and government projects. Substantiate reports and documentation on materials, installation, component, and construction specifications, ensuring delivery standards that meet or exceed industry design, safety, and functionality benchmarks.

Your Impact

• Determine methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data on substation components, equipment specifications, procurement packages, and pricing; apply IFR/IRC design and review processes, IEEE/NESC Standards, and NERC regulations.
• Review and advise on third‑party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.
• Perform advanced electrical engineering tasks, including single‑line, multiple‑line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout, bus arrangement, grounding grid design, and lightning protection in conformity with applicable rules and standards.
• Incorporate future‑ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and design requirements with equipment sizing, cabling, AC/DC panel design, conduit, and trenching strategies.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations for components identified in design requirements and field equipment applications.
• Provide technical input on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
• Develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, grounding potentials, short‑circuit studies, protective device coordination, one‑line diagrams, protective relaying, and substation switchyard layouts.
• Create plans, specifications, and cost estimates; prepare construction safety and phasing plans; update electrical infrastructure layout plans requiring coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub‑consultants, and clients.
• Collaborate on cross‑functional teams to execute project work on multiple concurrent projects, calculate costs and quantities of materials, labor, and ensure compliance with specifications, permits, and regulatory analysis memos.
• Prepare data visualizations, tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for interpretation or presentation.
• Maintain high quality and responsiveness to client requirements in alignment with WSP’s standards.
• Provide guidance and training to entry‑level engineers.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, and recommendations to improve design and construction issues or opportunities.
• Assist in analyzing and interpreting data from field investigations, offering action plans for moderate‑to‑high‑level risk mitigation.
• Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Comply with regulatory requirements pertaining to data integrity, documentation, procedures, training, monitoring systems, and record retention.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients professionally.
• Stay current with latest electrical engineering techniques and practices.
• Collaborate with other engineers and planners on projects with infrastructure authorities on federally, state, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 5 to 7 years of post‑education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for large capital projects.
• Engineering Intern, Engineer in Training, or equivalent certification.
• Experience working with operations and project controls for reporting and proposal development.
• Proficient knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, processes, and design/build application to permitting and project work.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation and new design projects.
• Working knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Ability to perform technical computations and calculations involving electrical engineering principles, understand plans and specifications, and make factual comparisons to appropriate regulations.
• Project management experience with small to mid‑level projects, including tracking hours and expenses.
• Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations of construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with others and expressing ideas professionally to engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
• Highly capable self‑leadership with attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and guide junior team members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline‑specific design software (CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP), AutoCADD electrical, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Developed critical thinking and problem‑solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis, and arrive at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• Ability to assertively direct subcontractors and others to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and compliance with WSP’s health, safety, and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineering license (PE).
• Experience managing small to mid‑size projects.
• 10‑Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.

WSP Benefits

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career, including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, or naturalization proceedings.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets, employing over 15,000 people in more than 300 offices across the U.S.

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.