Early Career Substation Electrical Engineer

About the Role

WSP USA is seeking an Early Career Electrical Engineer for our Meridian, Idaho office. This role will also consider candidates for Reno, Nevada. You will be involved in projects with the Power & Energy Substation Team, contributing to an organization that meets client objectives and solves challenges.

This opportunity involves providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data related to substation components and equipment specifications for procurement package development.
• Assist with data analysis for IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
• Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work related to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design, and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
• Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing, and cabling.
• Assist with AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
• Assist with verifying site characteristics and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
• Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
• Generate accurate and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebooks/logs.
• Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Excellent research skills with an analytical mindset.
• General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
• Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and 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 depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
• Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.