Distribution Protection Engineer

WSP • Richmond, VA

1h • $94,300 - $155,500

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Senior Professional Electrical Engineer focused on distribution protection for its Richmond, Virginia office; Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, are also considered. The role supports the Distribution Advanced Studies Team and utility clients through project-based engineering work, primarily involving protection for electric distribution systems, typically at 34.5 kV and below.

The engineer will lead and support development and review of protection solutions, including relay settings, device coordination, DER interconnections, arc flash support, event analysis, and grid modernization applications. The role involves working with utility clients, internal teams, and equipment vendors to assess system conditions, make engineering recommendations, and support improvements to safety, reliability, and operational performance. The position also includes coordinating multiple projects, guiding and reviewing junior engineers’ work, collaborating across disciplines, and contributing to technical leadership and business development activities. Some travel is 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.
• Proven commitment to workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP health, safety, drug and alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to successfully pass client background screening processes.

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), 29 CFR 1910.120.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support distribution protection work for utility electrical systems, typically 34.5 kV and below.
• Perform protection engineering for distribution circuit breakers, DER interconnections, line reclosers, line equipment such as transformers, capacitor banks, and regulators, grid modernization applications, arc flash, and event and root cause analysis.
• Develop, review, and implement protection philosophies, relay settings, and technical recommendations.
• Coordinate with utility clients, equipment vendors, and internal stakeholders to obtain information, develop study assumptions, and support project execution.
• Lead and perform engineering tasks on complex 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.
• Support other disciplines such as Grid Modernization, Planning, and SCADA as needed.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Travel as needed.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior