Experienced Substation Design Engineer

WSP • Lakewood, CO

15d • Hybrid

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Design Engineer (Physical and/or Protection & Controls) for our Lakewood, CO office. Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. A hybrid or in-office work setup is preferred to foster collaboration and mentorship. Your Impact Provide technical assistance and guidance for the design, development, and construction of high-voltage substation projects, focusing on physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) engineering for voltages from 15kV to 345kV (required) and up to 500kV (preferred). 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. Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of substation physical layouts (general arrangement, bus arrangement, grounding grid, lightning protection) and/or protection & control systems (single line, three line, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings) for 15kV–345kV substations. Assist in reviewing third-party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans for both physical and P&C aspects, with an emphasis on medium and high-voltage substations. 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. Assist in the preparation and implementation of site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs). Work collaboratively with other engineers and disciplines on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with substation design for voltages from 345kV up to 500kV.
• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Engineer in Training Certification.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical assistance and guidance for the design, development, and construction of high-voltage substation projects, focusing on physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) engineering for voltages from 15kV to 345kV (required) and up to 500kV (preferred).
• 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.
• Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of substation physical layouts (general arrangement, bus arrangement, grounding grid, lightning protection) and/or protection & control systems (single line, three line, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings) for 15kV–345kV substations.
• Assist in reviewing third-party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans for both physical and P&C aspects, with an emphasis on medium and high-voltage substations.
• 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.
• Assist in the preparation and implementation of site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and disciplines on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects.
• 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.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees