Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer

WSP•Meridian, ID

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer for our Boise, ID office. The following locations will also be considered: Reno, NV . Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. This Opportunity Provides technical assistance and guidance to support the planning, design, and construction support of utility transmission and distribution substations. Assist with the research, design, concept development, and delivery of substation physical design and/or protection & control (P&C) design packages, including drawings, calculations, and technical specifications. Produces accurate and concise documentation for substation equipment, materials, construction, and installation requirements. Ensures responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality. Your Impact Collect, compile, and analyze data relating to substation equipment selection, equipment specifications, and utility standards for procurement package development, pricing, and IFR/IFC/As‑Built design and review processes; apply IEEE/NESC standards and utility/client requirements during design. Assist in reviewing third‑party substation design deliverables (drawings, equipment lists, calculations) and project plans. Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of substation drawing packages, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and cable schedules. Support development of general arrangement (GA) drawings, substation layouts, bus arrangements, and equipment arrangements in coordination with civil/structural and other disciplines. Develop and/or support design of grounding grid systems and lightning protection in conformance with applicable standards and project requirements. Participate in concept development and detailed design for equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC systems (battery/charger), control house/panel design, raceway (conduit/cable tray), and trenching design strategies that account for safety and functionality. Support senior engineers with research and recommendations on substation components and equipment applications, including manufacturer data review and coordination with vendors. Conduct site walkdowns/field verification as needed; provide technical assistance for engineering/design questions, construction issues, and field clarifications (RFIs). Develop electrical calculations including station service/load calculations, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, lighting calculations, and other project-specific design calculations. Prepare technical documentation and deliverables including design narratives, calculation packages, sketches, and engineering reports for the interpretation or presentation of findings. Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise design deliverables; participate in internal design reviews and QA/QC check processes. Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team to execute project work, including drawing production coordination, quantity takeoffs, and ensuring design work conforms with specifications, permit requirements (as applicable), and project documentation standards. Assist with development and scoping of small‑ to medium‑sized substation projects and work packages, including identifying key deliverables, assumptions, and design constraints. Conduct engineering studies and reviews to address substation design challenges, coordinate decisions, and support future planning needs. Collaborate with other engineers and disciplines and coordinate with clients, utilities, and stakeholders on electrical infrastructure 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 supporting the design of utility substation projects.
Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, and the application to design and project work-related issues.
Working knowledge of utility standards/specifications and applicable codes/standards used for substation design (e.g., IEEE, NESC; client standards).
Experience supporting planning, design, and construction coordination, including rehabilitation and new design.
Ability to coordinate with agency regulators and understand requirements as applicable to project scope.
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, such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation, and/or Inventor, along with standard engineering tools.
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions and develop practical design solutions.
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

Master’s Degree in Engineering.
Engineer in Training (EIT) Certification.

Responsibilities

Collect, compile, and analyze data relating to substation equipment selection, equipment specifications, and utility standards for procurement package development, pricing, and IFR/IFC/As‑Built design and review processes; apply IEEE/NESC standards and utility/client requirements during design.
Assist in reviewing third‑party substation design deliverables (drawings, equipment lists, calculations) and project plans.
Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of substation drawing packages, including one-line diagrams, three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, and cable schedules.
Support development of general arrangement (GA) drawings, substation layouts, bus arrangements, and equipment arrangements in coordination with civil/structural and other disciplines.
Develop and/or support design of grounding grid systems and lightning protection in conformance with applicable standards and project requirements.
Participate in concept development and detailed design for equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC systems (battery/charger), control house/panel design, raceway (conduit/cable tray), and trenching design strategies that account for safety and functionality.
Support senior engineers with research and recommendations on substation components and equipment applications, including manufacturer data review and coordination with vendors.
Conduct site walkdowns/field verification as needed; provide technical assistance for engineering/design questions, construction issues, and field clarifications (RFIs).
Develop electrical calculations including station service/load calculations, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, lighting calculations, and other project-specific design calculations.
Prepare technical documentation and deliverables including design narratives, calculation packages, sketches, and engineering reports for the interpretation or presentation of findings.
Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise design deliverables; participate in internal design reviews and QA/QC check processes.
Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team to execute project work, including drawing production coordination, quantity takeoffs, and ensuring design work conforms with specifications, permit requirements (as applicable), and project documentation standards.
Assist with development and scoping of small‑ to medium‑sized substation projects and work packages, including identifying key deliverables, assumptions, and design constraints.
Conduct engineering studies and reviews to address substation design challenges, coordinate decisions, and support future planning needs.
Collaborate with other engineers and disciplines and coordinate with clients, utilities, and stakeholders on electrical infrastructure 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.