Lead Substation Engineer (P&C or Physical)

WSP

5h • Hybrid

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Engineer (P&C or Physical) for our Ft Mill, SC 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. A hybrid or in-office work setup is preferred to foster collaboration and mentorship, but remote work will be considered for candidates with proven experience.
Your Impact
Technical Leadership & Engineering Delivery
Provide advanced technical leadership and independent judgment for the design, development, and construction of medium to extrahighvoltage substation projects, specializing in physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) engineering for 15kV–345kV substations (required) and up to 500kV (preferred).
Lead and perform complex electrical engineering design work for substation physical systems (general arrangement, bus configuration, grounding, lightning protection) and/or P&C systems (one-line/three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings).
Direct and review detailed design deliverables prepared by others, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, safety, and compliance with project requirements and applicable standards.
Design Development & Technical Expertise
Develop and review substation engineering deliverables including:
One-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA and communications designs
Conduit, trenching, and cable sizing/routing
Substation physical layouts and elevations
AC/DC panel designs and associated equipment layouts
Develop equipment specifications and procurement documentation; participate in equipment evaluation, selection, and technical alignment with project needs.
Perform and oversee electrical calculations, including load flow, short circuit, voltage drop, grounding, lighting, feeder and equipment sizing, and power distribution studies.
Standards, Reviews & Quality
Apply and interpret IEEE, NESC, and NERC standards and utility requirements throughout design development, reviews, and construction support.
Lead or perform reviews of third-party design documents, procurement lists, and construction packages for both physical and P&C scopes.
Maintain and enforce QA/QC standards to ensure accurate calculations, drawings, technical documentation, and reporting.
Project Execution & Collaboration
Work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams to execute projects, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure compliance with specifications, permits, and regulatory requirements.
Support project planning activities including scope definition, technical input for proposals, cost estimating, and development of work plans for small to large scale projects.
Conduct and interpret engineering studies, field investigations, and surveys to support design decisions, risk mitigation strategies, and future infrastructure needs.
Mentorship, Knowledge Sharing & Innovation
Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior and mid-level engineers, providing guidance on design approaches, standards application, and problem solving.
Contribute to internal knowledge sharing initiatives such as technical presentations, lunch and learns, book audits, and lessonslearned efforts.
Incorporate future ready and innovative design strategies that enhance safety, reliability, constructability, and operational performance.
Construction & Field Support
Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and testing activities, including resolution of field issues and design modifications.
Verify site conditions and coordinate engineering responses to construction constraints, equipment interfaces, and operational requirements.
Health, Safety & Professional Practice
Contribute to the development and implementation of sites pecific Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
Exercise sound professional judgment and ethical decision-making in accordance with WSP’s Code of Conduct and corporate policies.
Perform additional responsibilities consistent with the role and business needs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for capital projects in transmission and distribution substations with a focus on protection and controls at a utility, industrial, or commercial scale.
• 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.
• 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), AutoCAD 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

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer License.
• extra-high voltageprocessesof instructionsand

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced technical leadership and independent judgment for the design, development, and construction of medium to extrahighvoltage substation projects, specializing in physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) engineering for 15kV–345kV substations (required) and up to 500kV (preferred).
• Lead and perform complex electrical engineering design work for substation physical systems (general arrangement, bus configuration, grounding, lightning protection) and/or P&C systems (one-line/three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings).
• Direct and review detailed design deliverables prepared by others, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, safety, and compliance with project requirements and applicable standards.
• Develop and review substation engineering deliverables including: One-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA and communications designs Conduit, trenching, and cable sizing/routing Substation physical layouts and elevations AC/DC panel designs and associated equipment layouts
• Develop equipment specifications and procurement documentation; participate in equipment evaluation, selection, and technical alignment with project needs.
• Perform and oversee electrical calculations, including load flow, short circuit, voltage drop, grounding, lighting, feeder and equipment sizing, and power distribution studies.
• Apply and interpret IEEE, NESC, and NERC standards and utility requirements throughout design development, reviews, and construction support.
• Lead or perform reviews of third-party design documents, procurement lists, and construction packages for both physical and P&C scopes.
• Maintain and enforce QA/QC standards to ensure accurate calculations, drawings, technical documentation, and reporting.
• Work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams to execute projects, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure compliance with specifications, permits, and regulatory requirements.
• Support project planning activities including scope definition, technical input for proposals, cost estimating, and development of work plans for small to large scale projects.
• Conduct and interpret engineering studies, field investigations, and surveys to support design decisions, risk mitigation strategies, and future infrastructure needs.
• Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior and mid-level engineers, providing guidance on design approaches, standards application, and problem solving.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing initiatives such as technical presentations, lunch and learns, book audits, and lessonslearned efforts.
• Incorporate future ready and innovative design strategies that enhance safety, reliability, constructability, and operational performance.
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and testing activities, including resolution of field issues and design modifications.
• Verify site conditions and coordinate engineering responses to construction constraints, equipment interfaces, and operational requirements.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of sites pecific Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
• Exercise sound professional judgment and ethical decision-making in accordance with WSP’s Code of Conduct and corporate policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities consistent with the role and business needs.

Benefits

• Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level