Senior Substation Designer

WSP • Saint Louis, MN

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Substation Designer for our Minneapolis, MN 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 position is expected to work on-site or in a hybrid work arrangement and is not a fully remote role. This Opportunity Provides technical design and CADD support to engineers and project managers to produce designs and specifications on electrical utility substation projects. Responsibilities involve generating CADD designs on various assigned projects of moderate- to larger-scale, scope, and/or complexity. Generates accurate and concise design phase deliverables including reports, technical memoranda, design manuals, plans and profiles, models, sections, details, specifications, and material lists. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, accuracy, and functionality. WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help. Your Impact Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from substation sites, surveys, structural and electrical concepts, blueprints, schematics, data, verbal or written specifications, technical drawings, rough sketches, diagrams, and other matrices to support drafting and design activities. Under minimal supervision, work closely with engineers to resolve design details or discrepancies, and to prepare drawings which require a high degree of precision on projects of basic complexity and/or scope. Provide routine technical design assistance that accounts for the proper illustration, fit, form, and function using geometric dimensioning, tolerance and quantity calculations, while ensuring designs align with utility, client, and industry standard specifications. Assist with verifying calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, recognizing basic construction or engineering problems and escalating any differences, errors, or technical problems for appropriate resolution. Work with cross‑functional teams in executing project work, including electrical, structural, and civil disciplines supporting substation development. Assure plans adhere to applicable utility standards, local jurisdiction requirements, and state and federal regulations. Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineer. Ensure the specification of dimensions, materials, and procedures for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contract requirements. Work collaboratively with the engineer‑in‑charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks. Complete training on assigned tasks. Exhibit basic knowledge of current substation design support 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.

Requirements

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant post education experience in design support, preferably on electrical utility or substation projects.
• Well-defined knowledge of drafting and design support principles, practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Well-defined knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Defined ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of geometry and mathematical concepts, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate standards or regulations.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from data collation, calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective 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.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.
• Prior experience supporting substation or power delivery design projects.

Responsibilities

• Generate CADD designs on various assigned projects of moderate- to larger-scale, scope, and/or complexity.
• Generate accurate and concise design phase deliverables including reports, technical memoranda, design manuals, plans and profiles, models, sections, details, specifications, and material lists.
• Ensure responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, accuracy, and functionality.
• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from substation sites, surveys, structural and electrical concepts, blueprints, schematics, data, verbal or written specifications, technical drawings, rough sketches, diagrams, and other matrices to support drafting and design activities.
• Under minimal supervision, work closely with engineers to resolve design details or discrepancies, and to prepare drawings which require a high degree of precision on projects of basic complexity and/or scope.
• Provide routine technical design assistance that accounts for the proper illustration, fit, form, and function using geometric dimensioning, tolerance and quantity calculations, while ensuring designs align with utility, client, and industry standard specifications.
• Assist with verifying calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, recognizing basic construction or engineering problems and escalating any differences, errors, or technical problems for appropriate resolution.
• Work with cross‑functional teams in executing project work, including electrical, structural, and civil disciplines supporting substation development.
• Assure plans adhere to applicable utility standards, local jurisdiction requirements, and state and federal regulations.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineer.
• Ensure the specification of dimensions, materials, and procedures for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the engineer‑in‑charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exhibit basic knowledge of current substation design support 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.

Benefits

• Coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life
• Retirement savings
• Paid sick leave
• Paid vacation (or other personal time)
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED