Distribution Protection Engineer

WSP • Richmond, VA

1h • $107,600 - $183,000

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Lead Professional Electrical Engineer specializing in distribution protection for its Richmond, Virginia office; Fort Mill, South Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia, are also considered. The role is part of the Distribution Advanced Studies Team and provides project-based engineering services for electric utility clients, primarily focused on protection for distribution systems, typically 34.5 kV and below.

The engineer will lead and support development, review, and implementation of protection solutions, philosophies, relay settings, and technical recommendations. Work includes distribution circuit breaker, DER interconnection, line recloser, and line equipment protection; grid modernization applications such as wildfire mitigation and FLISR; arc flash support; and event and root-cause analysis. The role involves coordinating with utility clients, equipment vendors, internal stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams to assess system conditions, establish study assumptions, execute projects, and deliver practical recommendations that improve safety, reliability, and operating performance.

The position also includes coordinating multiple projects, guiding and reviewing the work of junior engineers, contributing to proposals and business development, and supporting technical leadership through industry working groups, standards committees, publications, and conference presentations. Some travel is expected, and the engineer may learn or support other disciplines, including Grid Modernization, Planning, and SCADA. A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience is specified. The stated expected salary range is $107,600–$183,000 per year across the listed locations.

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 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.
• Ability to successfully pass client background screening processes.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to follow WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.

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

• Perform and lead electrical protection engineering for utility distribution systems, typically 34.5 kV and below.
• Address distribution circuit breaker protection, DER interconnection protection, line recloser protection, and protection for line equipment such as transformers, capacitor banks, and regulators.
• Support grid modernization protection applications, including wildfire mitigation and FLISR, as well as arc flash, event analysis, and root-cause analysis.
• Develop, review, and implement protection philosophies, relay settings, and technical recommendations for safe, reliable, and efficient distribution system operation.
• Work with utility clients, equipment vendors, and internal stakeholders to gather information, develop study assumptions, and support project execution.
• Lead and perform engineering tasks on complex technical projects requiring specialized protection, automation, and utility operations knowledge.
• 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 and standards committees and contribute technical publications and conference presentations.
• Be prepared for some travel.
• Learn or support other disciplines, such as Grid Modernization, Planning, and SCADA.
• Make responsible and ethical decisions about company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 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