Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer

WSP•Billings, MT

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Electrical Engineer for our Billings, MT office. 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. The role supports the research, design, concept development, and delivery of substation physical design and/or protection and control (P&C) design packages, including drawings, calculations, and technical specifications, based on project needs and individual experience. Work may include medium‑ and high‑voltage substations for regulated utility clients. This position produces accurate and concise documentation related to substation equipment, materials, construction, and installation requirements, ensuring work is delivered in accordance with applicable industry codes, standards, safety requirements, and project‑specific objectives. Your Impact Collect, compile, and analyze data related to substation equipment selection, equipment specifications, and utility standards in support of procurement package development, pricing, and IFR/IFC/As‑Built design and review processes. Apply applicable IEEE, NESC, and utility/client standards throughout the design process. Perform professional electrical engineering work supporting substation physical design and/or protection and control (P&C) design, including preparation and review of 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 engineering disciplines. Develop and/or support the 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 and charger), control house and panel layouts, raceway systems (conduit and cable tray), and trenching layouts, with emphasis on safety, constructability, and operational 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 and field verification as needed; provide technical support for design questions, construction issues, and field clarifications (RFIs). Develop electrical calculations including station service and load calculations, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, lighting calculations, and other project‑specific design analyses. Prepare technical documentation and deliverables including design narratives, calculation packages, sketches, and engineering reports for internal review and client submission. Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise design deliverables; participate in internal design reviews and QA/QC processes. Work independently or as part of a cross‑functional team to execute project work, including drawing coordination, quantity takeoffs, and ensuring design work conforms with specifications, applicable codes and standards, and project documentation requirements. Assist with the development and scoping of small‑ to medium‑sized substation projects, including identifying key deliverables, assumptions, and design constraints. Conduct engineering studies and design reviews to address substation design challenges, support technical decision‑making, and address future system needs. Collaborate with other engineers, disciplines, clients, utilities, and project stakeholders on electrical utility substation 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 transmission and distribution substations.
Experience supporting substation physical design and/or protection and control (P&C) design deliverables, such as general arrangement drawings, substation layouts, one‑line and three‑line diagrams, grounding and lightning protection, wiring diagrams, schematics, panel layouts, cable schedules, and bill of materials (scope dependent).
Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, and application to substation design and project‑related work.
Working knowledge of utility standards and applicable codes used for substation design (e.g., IEEE, NESC, and client standards).
Experience supporting planning, detailed design, and construction support activities for substation projects, including new builds and rehabilitation efforts.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
Effective self‑leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to learn new techniques, work independently, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, and comply with company policies.
Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, math principles, spreadsheets, and engineering tools.
Experience with discipline‑specific design software such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation, and/or Inventor, along with standard engineering tools.
Strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills to apply technical knowledge and develop practical substation 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 related to substation equipment selection, equipment specifications, and utility standards in support of procurement package development, pricing, and IFR/IFC/As‑Built design and review processes.
Apply applicable IEEE, NESC, and utility/client standards throughout the design process.
Perform professional electrical engineering work supporting substation physical design and/or protection and control (P&C) design, including preparation and review of 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 engineering disciplines.
Develop and/or support the 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 and charger), control house and panel layouts, raceway systems (conduit and cable tray), and trenching layouts, with emphasis on safety, constructability, and operational 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 and field verification as needed; provide technical support for design questions, construction issues, and field clarifications (RFIs).
Develop electrical calculations including station service and load calculations, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, lighting calculations, and other project‑specific design analyses.
Prepare technical documentation and deliverables including design narratives, calculation packages, sketches, and engineering reports for internal review and client submission.
Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise design deliverables; participate in internal design reviews and QA/QC processes.
Work independently or as part of a cross‑functional team to execute project work, including drawing coordination, quantity takeoffs, and ensuring design work conforms with specifications, applicable codes and standards, and project documentation requirements.
Assist with the development and scoping of small‑ to medium‑sized substation projects, including identifying key deliverables, assumptions, and design constraints.
Conduct engineering studies and design reviews to address substation design challenges, support technical decision‑making, and address future system needs.
Collaborate with other engineers, disciplines, clients, utilities, and project stakeholders on electrical utility substation 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.