Substation Senior Project Engineer

WSP•Spring, TX

12h•Onsite

About The Position

WSP is seeking a Lead Substation Project Engineer for its Austin, Ft. Worth, or Houston, Texas offices, or its Overland Park, Kansas office. The position provides technical and design leadership within the Power & Energy Substations Business Unit, applying expertise in substation electrical engineering, high- and medium-voltage systems, relay protection and control, SCADA integration, and power system studies to utility infrastructure projects. The role ensures that engineering designs and technical deliverables—including diagrams, schematics, protection schemes, and equipment layouts—meet applicable engineering, safety, and company standards. It also supports innovation and administration related to substation automation, grid modernization, renewable energy interconnections, and transmission and distribution systems, while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations. The successful candidate will lead complex projects and engineering teams, support business development and client relationships, and provide strategic technical direction. The position involves coordination with utilities, regulators, contractors, clients, and multidisciplinary teams, as well as mentoring staff and supporting the growth of power delivery and electrical engineering services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field, preferably with a Power Systems focus, or equivalent experience in substation engineering and power delivery.
12 or more years of relevant experience in electrical engineering, substation design, and infrastructure development for capital projects across power generation, transmission, and distribution.
Professional Engineer (PE) license; multi-state licensure is preferred.
Experience supporting utility projects, NERC-regulated environments, and permitting requirements.
Advanced knowledge of power systems analysis, relay protection and control, grounding, short-circuit analysis, load-flow studies, coordination studies, and design-build/EPC and permitting applications.
Advanced knowledge of substation design, including AIS/GIS substations, HV and MV systems, bus configurations, transformer sizing, and equipment layouts.
Working knowledge of IEEE, NEC, and NESC standards; OSHA/NFPA safety regulations; and applicable permitting requirements, compliance documentation, and audit processes.
Ability to perform engineering calculations and technical analyses, including voltage drop and equipment ratings, and to interpret drawings, plans, and technical specifications.
Ability to work independently and provide leadership and direction to mid- and senior-level staff while ensuring adherence to QA/QC processes, design reviews, and engineering standards.
Excellent leadership and communication skills and ability to collaborate with engineering teams, project managers, clients, utilities, regulators, and executive leadership.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to prioritize in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to influence and collaborate with cross-functional teams, utility stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and senior leaders without direct authority.
Advanced proficiency with engineering and design software, including AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation, Revit, Aspen OneLiner, ETAP, CAPE, CYME, PSCAD, SKM PowerTools, WinIGS, and Inventor; strong Excel modeling and data analysis skills.
Commitment to workplace safety, safe design practices, and HSE compliance, including OSHA standards, job hazard analysis, and safety audits.
Adaptability and flexibility to support multiple projects, shifting priorities, and evolving client and business needs.
Willingness and ability to travel to project sites, substations, client offices, and field locations as required.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Engineering.
Experience managing the review and approval of documents and discipline-specific deliverables, certifications, processes, and plans in a multi-project environment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic technical leadership across substation design, HV and MV systems, relay protection and control, SCADA/automation, and power delivery.
Review permit applications, substation design packages, diagrams, protection schemes, wiring schematics, grounding plans, and equipment specifications for standards compliance and sound engineering practice.
Lead large, complex substation and infrastructure projects, including greenfield and brownfield AIS/GIS substations; manage scope, schedule, budgets, costs, resources, and forecasts.
Supervise EPC contractors, subcontractors, and multidisciplinary teams.
Drive business development and project execution for electrical infrastructure, substation, and T&D projects, supporting utility, renewable energy, and grid modernization initiatives.
Lead technical aspects of client presentations, proposals, and stakeholder meetings, including scope definition and risk assessment.
Support long-term strategy, growth, and pipeline development for power delivery and electrical engineering services.
Ensure profitable project performance through margin management, cost control, schedule adherence, and successful delivery.
Assist with annual business plans, forecasting models, and tactical initiatives aligned with regional and sector goals.
Work with utilities, ISOs/RTOs, municipalities, regulatory agencies, and private-sector clients to address electrical, substation, and construction challenges.
Maintain engineering discipline certifications and value proposition, including PE licensure, NERC compliance awareness, and industry best practices.
Conduct needs assessments, workforce planning, and capability gap analyses to align expertise with grid reliability, load growth, renewable interconnections, and resiliency goals.
Lead engineering discipline meetings and provide updates on technical standards, substation innovations, and project performance metrics.
Serve as a liaison with utility clients, EPC firms, OEMs, and other stakeholders.
Develop and manage proposals, scopes of work, schedules, and cost estimates for substation and electrical projects.
Analyze technical reports and engineering documentation to support engineering decisions.
Provide input to multidisciplinary teams and deliver strategic technical advisory services to clients.
Develop client relationships and cross-sell power delivery, renewable energy, and grid solutions.
Mentor staff in substation design, protection and control, power systems, and project delivery practices.
Provide engineering team leadership and performance management, including resource allocation, utilization, and technical oversight.
Stay current with grid modernization, digital substations, BESS, renewable integration, and smart grid technologies.
Collaborate across disciplines to deliver integrated energy solutions and act as a trusted client advisor.
Make ethical decisions consistent with corporate governance, compliance standards, safety culture, and WSP’s Code of Conduct.
Perform additional responsibilities aligned with business needs, operational priorities, and project demands.

Benefits

Medical coverage
Dental coverage
Vision coverage
Disability coverage
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