Substation Lead Physical Engineer

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Physical Lead Engineer to join our Power & Energy Team in a hybrid role supporting our OE role for a client in Rochester, New York and servicing the state of New York.  The following location will also be considered: Buffalo, NY, Denver, CO, Salt Lake City, UT, Kansas City, MO, Orlando, FL, Boston, MA, New York, NY and Augusta, ME.  

Substation Physical Engineer serves as a client-facing point of contact engineer on electric substation design projects for high-voltage utility systems and renewable energy interconnection projects. They will apply NESC, NEC, and other applicable codes and standards in the engineering design and will also independently produce high voltage physical arrangements, plan and elevations views, station grounding analysis, layout, and details, cable trough and conduit plans, AC and DC calculations to determine station service and battery system requirements, preparation of equipment specifications and bill of materials, and preparation of construction documents. They will also work with other internal and external project stakeholders to ensure project milestones and expectations of contracted services are met. WSP has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients. 

Your Impact

• Take technical ownership of all aspects of design for high voltage (4kV – 500kV) substation projects including the development of
  • General Arrangements, Plan Views and Elevation Views, Grounding Plans, Cable Trough/Conduit Plans, Specifications for Major Primary Equipment (transformers, breakers, switches, etc.), Documentation for Design Calculations, Bill of Materials, Construction Sequencing Documentation
  • Perform the following studies: Grounding, Lightning, AC and DC calculations for Station Service and Battery System Sizing, Bus Fault Stress Analysis
• Technical Support
• Procurement
• Construction
• Active Coordination
• Ability to work seamlessly with Physical Designer to develop the above listed drawings.
• Ability to coordinate efforts with other various external and internal project team members, with familiarity in identifying when coordination is needed with certain design disciplines such as transmission line engineers, distribution line engineers, civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, and surveyors.
• Other Expectations:
  • Keenly focused on the production of high-quality work and supports continuous improvement efforts.
  • Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects.
  • Responsible for assisting with the identification of key client interests and drivers and may determine the key clients in some instances.
  • Communicates client interests and drivers to project team members and develops approaches to accommodate these concerns in the performance of the work.
  • Serves as a technical specialist for system protection and communication and has knowledge and skillset to provide consultation and guidance to project teams.
  • Remove any impediments that are obstructing the engineering team from achieving its goals.
  • Works to advise Management about how to maximize ROI for the team.
  • Attending all client technical review meetings.
• 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.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from a recognized accredited program
• 3 to 5 years of relevant post education experience in the field of high voltage substation design – Physical
• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Superior Verbal & Written Communications
• Proficient in the use of AutoCAD or Bentley MicroStation
• Proficient in the use of CDEGS, WinIGS, or similar programs for lightning and grounding studies.
• Proficient in assessing mechanical forces and thermal effects of high fault currents on rigid bus
• Good knowledge of the industry and technology trends specific to substations.
• Strong familiarity with the NEC and National Electrical Safety Code
• 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.
• This position is subject to and contingent upon client approval of candidates put forth for consideration by