Principal Protection Engineer

Principal Protection Engineer – Charlotte, NC

WSP is recruiting a Principal Protection Engineer to lead and deliver electrical protection studies and system coordination projects across the Charlotte, NC office. The role involves ownership of complex design, project leadership, and client relationship management within an expanding organization.

• Lead electrical studies for utilities, industrial/commercial and IPP clients, covering conventional and renewable generation, substations and transmission/distribution.
• Conduct and coordinate short‑circuit, symmetrical component, protection system and wide‑area coordination, and develop protection schemes including relay settings, NERC compliance and protection hardware in‑the‑loop testing.
• Provide strategic leadership for the electrical engineering discipline, driving quality, safety and performance across projects.
• Review permitting, design plans, specifications and contracts to ensure regulatory and engineering compliance.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, scope, and subcontractor oversight for large‑scale, complex electrical concepts.
• Advance business development within the electrical infrastructure area, including proposal development, client value analysis, and pipeline building.
• Serve as liaison to government agencies, clients and industry groups, maintaining WSP’s professional reputation.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
• 12+ years post‑education experience in electrical engineering and infrastructure design for capital projects in power generation, transmission, or distribution.
• Engineer license, multi‑state preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in electrical design, permitting, codes, and business impact.
• Strong leadership, communication and analytical skill set.
• Ability to adapt to changing schedules and business needs.
• Occasional travel may be required.

• Master’s or PhD in Engineering, Power Systems MSEE.
• Experience with protective relay OEM R&D, electromagnetic transient studies, RSCAD/RTDS.
• Active IEEE or industry organization involvement.

WSP USA is a global leader in engineering and professional services, delivering solutions across buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees in 300+ U.S. offices, we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP provides a flexible, agile workplace model and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life and retirement savings.

WSP USA (and all its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Race, Age, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Disability or Protected Veteran Status. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes become the property of WSP.