Substation Area Lead

WSP

9d•Onsite

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Substation Area Lead for its Freeport, Maine office. Reporting to the Substation Department Manager, the Area Lead will manage a team of drafters, designers, and engineers while carrying current and future project responsibilities. The role provides technical assistance and guidance for utility, industrial, and commercial projects across due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction. The position supports research, design, concept development, and construction for transmission and distribution substations, power distribution and regulation, renewable energy, and protection and control systems. Projects may involve utilities, transportation, buildings, and Federal, State, and local government clients. The Area Lead prepares and reviews technical reports and documentation concerning materials, installations, components, and construction specifications, while ensuring work meets or exceeds industry standards for design, safety, and functionality. The Area Lead advises the Department Manager and supports the Substation team’s operational and financial performance, planning, proposals, and project delivery. The role also involves detailed substation design, technical evaluations, mentorship, quality assurance and quality control, and client relationship development.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.
5 to 7 years of relevant post-education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for substation projects.
Demonstrated leadership experience with substation project and client teams.
Demonstrated competence in client team development and growing or maintaining client relationships.
Strong self-leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while tracking and organizing tasks of varying importance and size.
Proven ability and desire to mentor and help others.
Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
Strong written and oral English communication skills for interactions with internal team members and external client personnel.
Track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
Ability to work schedules that meet project-specific requirements and may extend beyond the typical workweek.
Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Nice To Haves

7 or more years of experience in substation design.
Professional Engineering License (PE) and/or proven related substation design experience.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of drafters, designers, and engineers, alongside current and future project responsibilities.
Advise the Department Manager through regular weekly touchpoints and monthly reporting.
Perform or assist in managing the financial and technical aspects of Substation team performance, including timecard approvals and weekly and monthly resource planning.
Support annual business plans, appraisals, salary, promotion, and bonus recommendations, and department involvement in Regional and Business Unit initiatives.
Support proposal development, construction cost estimates, project scheduling, and project budgeting.
Contribute to proposals, project design, book audits, lunch-and-learns, mentorship, and QA/QC activities.
Perform and direct detailed design of medium- to extra-high-voltage substations.
Prepare one-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA designs, and communications designs.
Develop conduit and cable sizing and routing, and prepare substation physical layouts and elevations.
Develop substation equipment specifications and participate in equipment selection and specification.
Perform facility studies and related technical evaluations.
Prepare and substantiate reports and documentation regarding materials, installations, components, and construction specifications.
Provide technical guidance for project due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction.
Ensure responsibilities are delivered in accordance with acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Make responsible and ethical decisions regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and follow WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.