Distribution Protection Engineer

WSP•Richmond, VA

16d

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Lead Professional Electrical Engineer with an emphasis on distribution protection for its Richmond, Virginia office; Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, are also considered. The role is part of the Distribution Advanced Studies Team and supports electric utility clients through project-based engineering focused primarily on distribution protection. The engineer will lead and review protection solutions for utility distribution systems, typically 34.5 kV and below, including relay settings, device coordination, DER interconnections, arc flash support, event analysis, and grid modernization applications. The work involves collaborating with utility clients, internal teams, and equipment vendors to evaluate system conditions and deliver practical recommendations that improve safety, reliability, and operational performance. The position also includes coordinating work across multiple projects, providing technical guidance and quality reviews, supporting business development, and contributing to technical leadership and industry activities. Some travel should be expected.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
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 researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting recommendations.
Ability to work across teams, perform assigned tasks independently, and take initiative to learn new topics.
Strong command of English and demonstrated written and oral communication skills, including presenting information, facilitating meetings, and providing direction to others.
Ability to successfully pass client background screening processes.
Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Engineering.
Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Experience managing small to mid-size projects.
40-hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) under 29 CFR 1910.120.
Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training.

Responsibilities

Develop, review, and implement protection philosophies, relay settings, and technical recommendations for safe, reliable, and efficient utility distribution systems.
Perform electrical protection engineering for distribution circuit breakers, DER interconnections, line reclosers, line equipment such as transformers, capacitor banks and regulators, and grid modernization applications including wildfire mitigation and FLISR.
Support arc flash analysis, event analysis, and root cause analysis.
Interact with utility clients, equipment vendors, and internal stakeholders to gather information, develop study assumptions, and support project execution.
Lead and perform engineering tasks on complex technical projects requiring specialized knowledge of protection, automation, and utility operations.
Execute and coordinate engineering work across multiple projects simultaneously.
Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and quality reviews for junior engineers and project team members.
Collaborate across disciplines on project execution, proposal development, and business development opportunities.
Participate in industry working groups, standards committees, technical publications, and conference presentations.
Learn or support other disciplines such as grid modernization, planning, and SCADA.
Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Disability coverage
Life coverage
Retirement savings
Paid sick leave
Paid vacation or other personal time
Paid parental leave
Paid time off for bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings