Lead Substation Project Engineer

WSP•Hailey, MN

11h•Onsite

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Project Engineer for their Hailey, ID office. This role involves being part of the Power & Energy Substation Team, contributing to a growing organization that aims to meet client objectives and solve challenges. The position provides high-level technical assistance and guidance for multi-site and multi-phase electrical utility substation projects, covering planning, detailed engineering design, procurement support, construction support, and commissioning coordination in both public and private sectors. Key tasks include research, design, concept development, planning, and delivery of transmission and distribution substations, power regulation equipment, renewable energy interconnections, and coordination with protection and control systems across utility environments. The engineer will be responsible for substantiating reports and documentation to advise on equipment selection, design criteria, installation requirements, and construction standards, ensuring that all deliverables meet or exceed acceptable industry standards for design, safety, constructability, and system reliability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
7 to 10 years of relevant post‑education experience as an electrical engineer delivering substation engineering design deliverables for capital power transmission and distribution projects, with progressive responsibility including technical task or design package leadership.
Proficient with electrical engineering principles, practices, and processes as applied to utility substation design and construction support, including compliance with applicable codes and standards.
Extensive knowledge of transmission and distribution substation systems, including equipment selection and physical design considerations.
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of adjacent disciplines including protection & control (P&C), SCADA, and telecommunications interfaces.
Experience supporting substation planning, detailed design, and construction support activities across new‑build, expansion, and rehabilitation projects.
Thorough knowledge of applicable electrical codes, industry standards, and utility design requirements.
Strong technical computation and analysis skills, including interpretation of drawings, specifications, and engineering calculations.
Ability to support field visits and site walkdowns to validate design assumptions and support constructability reviews.
Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to convey technical concepts to both engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
Demonstrated self‑leadership, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, project‑driven environment.
Works independently with minimal oversight while providing technical guidance and mentorship to junior engineers and designers, with strict adherence to QA/QC processes.
Proficient with discipline‑specific design and analysis software and tools commonly used for substation engineering (e.g., AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation, Inventor, or similar platforms).
Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving skills to develop practical, cost‑effective engineering solutions.
Demonstrated effectiveness coordinating with subcontractors, vendors, and project stakeholders to deliver work safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
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.
Prior experience serving as a technical lead or project engineer on multi‑discipline utility substation projects.
Experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with utility clients, project stakeholders, and internal multi‑disciplinary teams.
Experience in 12.47kV through 345kV substation design.

Responsibilities

Provide guidance with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data related to physical site conditions, engineering drawings, GIS data, substation equipment specifications, procurement package development, pricing, IFR/IFC detailed design and review processes, and applicable IEEE, NESC, ANSI, NERC, and utility standards.
Coordinate, review, and approve substation electrical design packages for small‑ to mid‑scale and less‑complex projects, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.
Apply advanced electrical engineering principles across project phases including concept development, preliminary design, detailed design, procurement support, construction support, and commissioning coordination.
Perform professional electrical engineering work associated with substation physical and/or protection and control (P&C) design, including one‑line and three‑line diagrams, wiring and interconnection diagrams, general arrangements, substation layouts, bus configurations, grounding grid design, and lightning protection systems.
Plan and incorporate utility‑driven design strategies, including equipment sizing, AC/DC systems, control panel layouts, cabling, raceway (conduit and cable tray) systems, and trenching designs that account for operational safety, reliability, and maintenance requirements.
Review electrical calculations including load flow, short circuit, grounding (touch and step potential), equipment sizing, insulation coordination, and protective device coordination, and provide technical oversight for substation switchyard layouts and equipment interfaces.
Develop and review plans, specifications, cost estimates, and constructability sequencing considerations, coordinating with owners, clients, contractors, and internal multi‑disciplinary teams.
Be involved from project inception through construction completion, providing technical leadership and project engineering support for new substation builds, expansions, retrofits, and rehabilitation programs.
Oversee and support cross‑functional teams of engineers and designers on concurrent projects, ensuring technical quality, scope execution, and coordination with procurement and construction activities.
Prepare technical data and documentation including calculations, reports, sketches, schedules, and presentations that communicate design intent, engineering decisions, and recommendations to internal and external stakeholders.
Support field visits and site walkdowns to verify design assumptions, address constructability issues, and resolve technical questions during project execution.
Interact with utility clients, contractors, vendors, and project stakeholders in a professional manner.
Collaborate with engineers and other disciplines on utility substation projects, including technical support for proposal development and business development efforts.
Remain current in electrical engineering and substation design practices.
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.