Early Career Substation Drafter

WSP • Overland Park, KS

8d • Onsite

About The Position

WSP is seeking an Early Career Substation Drafter for its Power Delivery and Energy Substation Team. The role supports substation projects, including physical and civil layout drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams. Under general supervision, the drafter learns and applies CAD knowledge and client standards, practices, and procedures, while following company standards and seeking guidance from experienced colleagues.

The position assists with gathering and analyzing site, survey, design, and technical information; using 3D CADD software to prepare precise drawings; and providing basic technical design assistance. Work includes supporting design reviews and calculations, helping ensure designs are constructible and maintainable, and coordinating with engineers and cross-functional teams. The drafter also completes training on assigned tasks and ensures work aligns with applicable standards, regulations, and contract requirements.

The position is based in Overland Park, Kansas; Joplin, Missouri, will also be considered. Occasional travel may be required, and work schedules may extend beyond the typical workweek to meet project-specific requirements. Relocation assistance is not available.

Requirements

• High school diploma.
• 0–1 years of relevant post-education experience in the discipline, with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Associate's or technical degree in an accredited drafting program, or sufficient industry experience.
• Strong English-language written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with drafting and design support principles, practices, processes, methods, and techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Research and evaluation skills and an analytical mindset.
• Interpersonal and communication skills to express ideas effectively and professionally to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Attention to detail; ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, mathematics, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Record of upholding workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules that may extend beyond the typical workweek to meet project-specific requirements.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

• Associate's degree in a closely related discipline.
• Essential professional licensure or certification.
• At least 1 year of drafting experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, preferably in an engineering work environment.
• Experience with Autodesk Raster Design and/or Bentley Descartes.
• Experience interpreting substation electrical schematics and wiring diagrams, and/or substation physical or civil drawings.
• Experience working with scaled drawings.
• Working knowledge of survey coordinate systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with ProjectWise File Management System.
• Reliable, detail-oriented self-starter who takes ownership of assigned tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing information from worksites, surveys, design concepts, plans, specifications, and other technical sources to support drafting and design.
• Use 3D CADD software to assist with basic design details and prepare precise drawings.
• Support drafting and design of substation physical and civil layouts, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Provide basic technical design assistance, including geometric dimensioning, tolerances, and quantity calculations, while considering constructability and maintainability.
• Assist with verifying calculations and designs, processing change orders, interpreting contract plans and specifications, and escalating technical issues for resolution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, the engineer-in-charge, and other technical professionals on project phases and assigned tasks.
• Prepare multiple design versions for engineer review.
• Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for assigned projects and ensure compliance with contract requirements.
• Help ensure plans adhere to city codes and state and federal regulations.
• Learn and follow client standards and company standards, procedures, and processes.
• Complete training on assigned tasks and perform additional responsibilities as business needs require.
• Make responsible and ethical decisions regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP policies and Code of Conduct.

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: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED