Lead Substation Project Engineer

Lead Substation Project Engineer – WSP Federal Power & Energy Team

The Federal Power and Energy Team at WSP is seeking a Lead Substation Project Engineer located in Boise, Idaho;
Honolulu, Hawaii; or Huntsville, Alabama, though remote candidates will be considered. This role leads the engineering efforts for substation projects across the U.S. and internationally, typically 115 kV, open air and GIS, with most substations operating as metal‑clad switch gear and control enclosures at 35 kV.

The Lead Substation Project Engineer supports the Department Manager in achieving department goals, maintaining high-quality standards, and strengthening client relationships.

• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and quality for assigned projects.
• Support DM with management of relationships with NAVFAC and USACE.
• Perform QA/QC for deliverables to clients.
• Support project reporting and proposal development.
• Contribute to substation equipment specifications.
• Occasional travel and site visits.

• Perform and direct others in the detailed design of medium to high voltage substations, including:
  • One‑line, schematic, and wiring diagrams.
  • SCADA and Communications.
  • Station physical layouts, sections/elevations, and control enclosure details.
  • Cable and conduit plans and details.
  • Ground grid, foundations, and structural plans and details.
  • Lightning protection and yard lighting plans.
  • Bills of Materials.
• Perform substation studies and calculations (e.g., AC, DC, Lightning Analysis, Voltage Drop).
• Specify and select substation equipment.
• Provide construction support and inter‑disciplinary coordination.

• Support the mentorship and training of other team members.
• Understand and adhere to client standards and processes, including NAVFAC/USACE procedures and UFC conformance.
• Demonstrate ability to work in a fast‑paced environment, tracking and organizing multiple tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• 10+ years of post‑educational experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for substations.
• Professional Engineering license (PE).
• Experience in 15 kV through 115 kV substation design and IEEE/ANSI and UFC standards.
• Direct experience working as a consultant on DOD projects.
• Experience managing concurrent substation projects.
• Comprehensive knowledge of adjacent disciplines such as electrical engineering, P&C, SCADA, and telecom.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Strong technical computation and calculation skills.
• Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• High-level self‑leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization.
• Independent work with minimal oversight and leadership of junior team or project members, with strict QA/QC adherence.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office automation, discipline‑specific design software (Inventor, AutoCAD Electrical), and analytical tools.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills for data analysis and effective solutions.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors safely and efficiently.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and compliance with WSP’s policies.
• Ability to work schedules beyond typical hours if required.
• Occasional travel may be required.

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• 15+ years of experience in substation design.
• Experience designing up to 230 kV substations.
• Experience managing people on a multi‑disciplinary project team.
• Experience with Micro Station (V8 or newer), AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, or Inventor.

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits including coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation; paid parental leave; and paid time off for bereavement, voting, and naturalization proceedings.

Expected Salary: $155,000 – $200,000 (all locations). WSP reserves the right to adjust compensation based on experience and geographic location.

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world’s leading engineering and professional services firms. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with clients to design solutions in buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets.

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.