Early Career Substation Drafter

About the Role

WSP USA is initiating a search for an Early Career Substation Drafter for our Spring, TX location. This role involves projects with the Power Delivery Houston Substation Team within a growing organization focused on meeting client objectives and solving challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from various sources (physical work site, surveys, blueprints, schematics, drawings, sketches, etc.) 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.
• Utilize 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 and tolerance, quantity calculations, and adherence to design standards for construction and maintainability.
• Assist with verifying calculations, designs, change orders, and interpretation of contract plans and specifications, escalating issues or technical problems.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• 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 project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of current drafting and design support practices.
• Exhibit responsible and ethical decision-making, adhering to company policies and Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma.
• 0-1 years of 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 effective interaction 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 and 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 company policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements, potentially extending 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.