Early Career Electrical Engineer (ESSP)

About the Role

WSP is seeking an Early Career Electrical Engineer (ESSP) for its Freeport, Maine office. Other potential locations include Orlando, Florida; Fort Mill, North Carolina; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Syracuse, New York. This role involves projects within the Power Delivery ESSP department.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform electrical studies.
• Develop and troubleshoot Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems for utility and industrial/commercial clients.
• Focus on conventional and renewable generation facilities, substations, transmission systems, and distribution systems.
• Conduct Protective Relaying studies, including:
• Short circuit and symmetrical component analysis.
• Time-current coordination.
• Protection scheme and criteria development.
• Relay settings calculation.
• Integration with SCADA systems.
• NERC compliance.
• Arc flash analysis.
• Applicable software: AcSELerator Quickset (SEL-5030), AcSELerator Architect, GE Enervista, ASPEN Oneliner, SKM-PTW, ETAP, RSCAD/RTDS.
• Perform Power System Planning Studies, including:
• Steady-state real and reactive power flow (including outage contingencies).
• Generation interconnect feasibility.
• P-V and Q-V analysis for voltage stability margins.
• Dynamic stability performance.
• Automation of large batch simulations.
• Working with models from NERC regional entities (e.g., WECC, MRO, SERC).
• NERC compliance.
• Applicable software: PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld, Python Scripting.
• Conduct Design Studies, including:
• Substation grounding.
• Corona and electric and magnetic fields.
• Insulation coordination (lightning, switching surge, and contamination performance).
• Transient (time domain) simulation.
• Power quality (harmonics, voltage flicker, over/under voltage, etc.).
• Motor starting.
• AC interference (transmission line interaction with railroads and pipelines).
• Applicable software: CDEGS, ATP-EMTP, PSCAD.
• Manage Networking and Communications for SCADA systems, including:
• Design and configuration of network and communication paths for RTUs, protective relays, meters, HMIs, PLCs, and other SCADA equipment.
• Developing basic specifications for fiber optic, microwave, power line carrier, or radio communication paths.
• Troubleshooting and commissioning network and communication systems at project sites.
• Applicable network and communication protocols: DNP, Modbus, SEL Communication Protocol, Goose Messaging, IEC 61850.
• Develop Logic and Control Systems for power system equipment, including:
• Developing and implementing logic and control schemes for remote and local operation.
• Developing programs on various platforms for implementation of these schemes.
• Testing and commissioning control schemes at project sites.
• Applicable Logic and Control Platforms: SEL RTAC, Orion, Cooper SMP, GE-D20.
• Manage Data Acquisition, including:
• Preparing points lists for data transfer between control centers and controlled apparatus.
• Assigning and programming data addressing and routing information.
• Developing HMI screens.
• Testing and commissioning data transfer schemes at project sites.
• Applicable Software: Wonderware, Clearview, AcSELerator RTAC, Visual Basic, OSIPI, Python scripting.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations for fundamental components and field equipment.
• Write technical reports summarizing research, 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, and remediation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including project controls, business deployment, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Analytical mindset with the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with engineering and non-engineering audiences.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision 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 adhere to 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.

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).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.