Early Career Substation Drafter

About the Role

WSP USA is seeking an Early Career Substation Drafter for its Spring, TX location. This role involves supporting the Power Delivery Houston Substation Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from various sources (physical work site, surveys, structural concepts, blueprints, schematics, data, verbal or written specifications, technical drawings, rough sketches, diagrams, and other matrices) to support drafting and design activities.
• Engage in drafting and design opportunities on substation projects, including physical and civil layout drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Use 3D computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software to assist with basic design details and prepare precise drawings.
• Provide basic technical design assistance, ensuring proper illustration, fit, form, and function using geometric dimensioning, tolerance, and quantity calculations, while ensuring constructability and maintainability according to design standards.
• Assist with verifying calculations, designs, change orders, and interpreting contract plans and specifications.
• Escalate issues or technical problems for appropriate resolution.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams on project execution.
• Ensure plans adhere to city code, state, and federal regulations.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for engineer review.
• Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the engineer-in-charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exhibit basic knowledge of current drafting and design support practices.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma.
• 0-1 years relevant post-education experience with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Associate's/technical degree in an accredited drafting program, or sufficient industry experience.
• Strong command of the English language with good written and oral communication skills.
• Familiarity with drafting and design support principles, practices, processes, methods, and techniques.
• Familiarity with relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Excellent research and evaluation skills with an analytical mindset.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instructions, and comply with company policies.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in a closely related discipline.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.
• 1+ year drafting experience with AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, preferably in an engineering work environment.
• Experience with Autodesk Raster Design and/or Bentley Descartes.
• Experience interpreting substation electrical schematics and wiring diagrams, and/or substation physical/civil drawings.
• Experience working with scaled drawings.
• Working knowledge of survey coordinate systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience with ProjectWise File Management System.
• Reliable, detail-oriented self-starter.