Senior Electrical Engineer (Renewables)

WSP • Houston, TX

11h • $86,100 - $150,590

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Senior Renewable Energy Electrical Engineer to join its experienced U.S. Renewable Energy team. The position is based in Houston, Texas; Boulder, Colorado, Buffalo, New York, and Austin, Texas are also considered. The engineer provides technical expertise and guidance for the due diligence, investigation, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility-, industrial-, and commercial-scale renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Work includes concept development and detailed design of generating facilities, power distribution and regulation, and protection and control systems across utility, transportation, building, and government settings.

The role develops electrical models and reports, reviews calculations, and prepares or substantiates design documentation, specifications, and construction materials. It supports projects from inception through completion, coordinates with clients and multidisciplinary teams, and contributes to project delivery, quality assurance, safety, compliance, and technical mentoring. The position may involve occasional travel and schedules extending beyond the typical workweek to meet project requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• At least 5 years of relevant post-education experience as an electrical engineer delivering design work for capital projects in power generation, transmission, and distribution at utility, industrial, or commercial scale.
• Ability and willingness to obtain a U.S. Professional Engineer license within a reasonable time period.
• Proficiency in electrical engineering principles, practices, processes, design/build, and their application to permitting and project work.
• Exposure to and familiarity with renewable energy systems and distributed energy resource design.
• Extensive knowledge of infrastructure design.
• Comprehensive knowledge of adjacent disciplines, including electrical engineering, protection and control (P&C), SCADA, and telecommunications.
• Experience in electrical infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Ability to perform technical computations and calculations, interpret plans and specifications, and compare facts with applicable regulations.
• Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations related to facility or structure design and construction, applying relevant regulations and policies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Self-leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight, provide guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, and adhere strictly to QA/QC.
• Proficiency in technical writing, office automation, engineering design software, technology, mathematics, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools. Software examples listed include BlueBeam, Cymcap, CDEGS, WinIGS, PSSE, PSCAD, Aspen, SKM, and ETAP.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to draw conclusions from testing, data, calculations, and statistical analysis and identify effective, economical, and logical solutions.
• Demonstrated effectiveness coordinating and directing subcontractors and others to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to comply with WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules that may extend beyond the typical workweek to meet project-specific requirements.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project requirements.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Experience managing large projects involving multiple engineers.

Responsibilities

• Guide collection, compilation, and analysis of renewable energy balance-of-plant data, equipment specifications, procurement packages, pricing, detailed design and review processes, and applicable NEC, IEEE, NESC, and NERC requirements.
• Coordinate, review, and approve electrical infrastructure design plans for smaller, less-complex projects, ensuring data integrity and compliance with applicable codes and regulations.
• Apply electrical engineering methods to identify improvements across project phases, including concept development, design, procurement, construction, and operation.
• Perform complex electrical design work, including single-line and three-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, general arrangements, schematics, cable schedules and ampacity, arc-flash analysis, grounding grids, and lightning protection.
• Incorporate equipment sizing, cabling, AC/DC panel design, conduit, and trenching strategies that support user, system, and infrastructure safety and functionality.
• Review electrical calculations and studies for loads, equipment sizing, grounding touch and step potentials, short circuits, protective-device coordination, one-line diagrams, protective relaying, and substation switchyard layouts.
• Develop and review plans, specifications, cost estimates, construction safety and phasing plans, and electrical infrastructure layouts in coordination with owners, clients, subconsultants, and other disciplines.
• Participate in the management of electrical infrastructure design and construction from project inception through completion, including rehabilitation, reconstruction, site development, grading, drainage, equipment layout, elevations, specifications, materials, phasing, and construction safety.
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams on project delivery, budgets, hours and expenses, task completion, material and labor quantities, calculations, permit applications, construction, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analyses.
• Prepare data visualizations and technical materials, including tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, and cross-sections, to present complex findings and analyses.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations explaining research, findings, concepts, recommendations, and design or construction issues and opportunities.
• Maintain responsiveness and quality aligned with company standards, and respond to requests for information in a timely manner.
• Guide and train entry-level engineers in electrical modeling and simulations.
• Analyze and interpret field investigation data and contribute to action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation.
• Interact professionally with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients.
• Collaborate with engineers, planners, infrastructure authorities, and other professionals on publicly and privately funded projects and proposal and business development opportunities.
• Stay current with electrical engineering techniques, standards, and practices; follow the company’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Disability and life insurance.
• 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