Early Career Electrical Engineer (ESSP)

About the Role

WSP USA is seeking an Early Career Electrical Engineer (ESSP) for its Freeport, Maine office, with consideration for Orlando, Florida; Fort Mill, North Carolina; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Syracuse, New York. This role involves contributing to the Power Delivery ESSP department, working on projects for utility and industrial/commercial clients. Applicable power systems include conventional and renewable generation facilities, substations, transmission systems, and distribution systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform electrical studies and/or develop and troubleshoot SCADA systems.
• Protective Relaying:
• Perform short circuit and symmetrical component analysis.
• Conduct time-current coordination and protection scheme/criteria development.
• Calculate relay settings and integrate with SCADA systems.
• Ensure NERC compliance.
• Perform arc flash analysis.
• Applicable software: AcSELerator Quickset (SEL-5030), AcSELerator Architect, GE Enervista, ASPEN Oneliner, SKM-PTW, ETAP, RSCAD/RTDS.
• Power System Planning Studies:
• Conduct steady-state real and reactive power flow, including outage contingencies.
• Perform generation interconnect feasibility studies.
• Analyze P-V and Q-V for voltage stability margins.
• Assess dynamic stability performance.
• Automate large batch simulations.
• Work with models from NERC regional entities (e.g., WECC, MRO, SERC).
• Ensure NERC compliance.
• Applicable Software: PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld, Python Scripting.
• Design Studies:
• Analyze substation grounding.
• Evaluate corona and electric/magnetic fields.
• Perform insulation coordination (lightning, switching surge, contamination performance).
• Conduct transient (time domain) simulation.
• Analyze power quality (harmonics, voltage flicker, over/under voltage).
• Perform motor starting studies.
• Analyze AC interference (transmission line interaction with railroads and pipelines).
• Applicable Software: CDEGS, ATP-EMTP, PSCAD.
• Networking and Communications:
• Design and configure network and communication paths for RTUs, protective relays, meters, HMIs, PLCs, and other SCADA equipment.
• Develop basic specifications for fiber optic, microwave, power line carrier, or radio communication paths.
• Travel to project sites to troubleshoot and commission network and communication systems.
• Applicable network and communication protocols: DNP, Modbus, SEL Communication Protocol, Goose Messaging, IEC 61850.
• Logic and Control Systems:
• Develop and implement logic and control schemes for remote and local operation of power system equipment.
• Develop programs on various platforms for scheme implementation.
• Travel to project sites to test and commission control schemes.
• Applicable Logic and Control Platforms: SEL RTAC, Orion, Cooper SMP, GE-D20.
• Data Acquisition:
• Prepare points lists for data transfer between control centers and controlled apparatus.
• Assign and program data addressing and routing information.
• Develop Human Machine Interface (HMI) screens.
• Travel to project sites to test and commission data transfer schemes.
• Applicable Software: Wonderware, Clearview, AcSELerator RTAC, Visual Basic, OSIPI, Python scripting.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations on fundamental components, field equipment applications, and operations.
• Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, providing input on design concepts, construction, mitigation, improvement activities, and remediation projects.
• Work with cross-functional teams on project execution.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Analytical mindset with the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements, which may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Recent Engineering Graduate (Bachelor’s Degree) or enrolled in a university pursuing an engineering degree.
• Preferred: Within one (1) year of graduation.
• Preferred: GPA above 3.0/4.0.
• Preferred: Power system courses covering topics such as three-phase power, load flow and reactive compensation, protective relaying, symmetrical components, transmission line theory, power system transients, dynamic stability, and power system electromagnetics.
• Preferred: Internships and experience in technical areas and software listed in the Job Description.
• Preferred: Engineer In Training (EIT) certification, with the expectation to work toward professional engineering registration (PE).