Early Career Electrical Engineer (ESSP)

About the Role

WSP is seeking an Early Career Electrical Engineer for its Power Delivery ESSP department. This role involves performing electrical studies and developing/troubleshooting SCADA systems for utility and industrial/commercial clients. Applicable power systems include conventional and renewable generation facilities, substations, transmission systems, and distribution systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Protective Relaying: Performing short circuit and symmetrical component analysis, time-current coordination, protection scheme and criteria development, relay settings calculation, integration with SCADA systems, NERC compliance, and arc flash analysis.
• Applicable software: AcSELerator Quickset (SEL-5030), AcSELerator Architect, GE Enervista, ASPEN Oneliner, SKM-PTW, ETAP, RSCAD/RTDS.
• Power System Planning Studies: Conducting 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 (WECC, MRO, SERC, etc.), and NERC compliance.
• Applicable Software: PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld, Python Scripting.
• Design Studies: Analyzing 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, and AC interference (transmission line interaction with railroads and pipelines).
• Applicable Software: CDEGS, ATP-EMTP, PSCAD.
• Networking and Communications: Designing and configuring network and communication paths for RTUs, protective relays, meters, HMIs, PLCs, and other SCADA system equipment; developing basic specifications for fiber optic, microwave, power line carrier, or radio communication paths; and troubleshooting and commissioning network and communication systems at project sites.
• Applicable network and communication protocols: DNP, Modbus, SEL Communication Protocol, Goose Messaging, IEC 61850.
• Logic and Control Systems: Developing and implementing logic and control schemes for remote and local operation of power system equipment; developing programs on various platforms for scheme implementation; and testing and commissioning control schemes at project sites.
• Applicable Logic and Control Platforms: SEL RTAC, Orion, Cooper SMP, GE-D20.
• Data Acquisition: Preparing points lists for data transfer between control centers and controlled apparatus, assigning and programming data addressing and routing information, developing HMI screens, and testing and commissioning data transfer schemes at project sites.
• Applicable Software: Wonderware, Clearview, AcSELerator RTAC, Visual Basic, OSIPI, Python scripting.
• Supporting senior engineers with research and recommendations for fundamental components and field equipment applications.
• Writing technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions.
• Assisting technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment.
• Working with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Completing training on assigned tasks.
• Performing additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Exercising responsible and ethical decision-making.

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.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Recent Engineering Graduate (Bachelor’s Degree) or enrolled in a university pursuing an engineering degree.
• 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 section (Preferred).
• Engineer In Training (EIT) certification (Preferred).
• GPA above 3.0/4.0 (Preferred).
• Within one (1) year of graduation (Preferred).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.