Early Career Electrical Engineer (ESSP)

About the Role

WSP is seeking an Early Career Electrical Engineer (ESSP) for its Freeport, Maine office. Other eligible locations include Orlando, Florida; Fort Mill, North Carolina; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Syracuse, New York. This role involves working with the Power Delivery ESSP department on projects to meet client objectives and solve challenges.

The Opportunity

The successful applicant will be responsible for performing electrical studies and developing/troubleshooting Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (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: Perform 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: Conduct 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: Analyze substation grounding, corona and electric/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: Design and configure network and communication paths for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs), protective relays, meters, Human Machine Interface (HMIs), PLCs, and other SCADA system equipment. Develop basic specifications for fiber optic, microwave, power line carrier, or radio communication paths. Travel to project sites to troubleshoot and commission network and communication systems.
• Applicable network and communication protocols: DNP, Modbus, SEL Communication Protocol, Goose Messaging, IEC 61850.
• Logic and Control Systems: Develop and implement logic and control schemes for remote and local operation of power system equipment. Develop programs on various platforms for implementation of these schemes. Travel to project sites to test and commission control schemes.
• Applicable Logic and Control Platforms: SEL RTAC, Orion, Cooper SMP, GE-D20.
• Data Acquisition: Prepare points lists for data transfer between control centers and controlled apparatus. Assign and program data addressing and routing information. Develop HMI screens. Travel to project sites to test and commission data transfer schemes.
• Applicable Software: Wonderware, Clearview, AcSELerator RTAC, Visual Basic, OSIPI, Python scripting.
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations for fundamental components in design requirements, field equipment applications, and operations.
• Write technical reports summarizing research findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, providing input on design concepts, construction, mitigation, improvement activities, and remediation projects.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including project controls, business deployment, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting.
• Complete assigned training.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.

Qualifications

• Recent Engineering Graduate (Bachelor’s Degree) or currently enrolled in a university pursuing an engineering degree.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to exercise sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to express ideas effectively to 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 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Within one (1) year of graduation.
• GPA above 3.0/4.0.
• 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.
• Internships and experience in technical areas and software listed in the Job Description.
• Engineer In Training (EIT) certification, with the expectation to work toward professional engineering registration (PE).