Early Career Substation Drafter

About the Role

WSP USA is seeking an Early Career Substation Drafter for our Ft Worth, TX office to join our Power Delivery and Energy Substation Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from various sources (physical work site, surveys, blueprints, schematics, specifications, technical drawings, rough sketches, diagrams, and other matrices) to support drafting and design activities.
• Perform drafting and design tasks on substation projects, including physical and civil layout drawings, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Use 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 calculations.
• Ensure designs comply with construction and maintainability standards according to design specification.
• Assist with verifying calculations, designs, change orders, and interpretation of contract plans and specifications.
• Escalate issues or technical problems for appropriate resolution.
• Work with cross-functional teams to execute project work.
• Ensure plans adhere to city code, state, and federal regulations.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineers.
• Specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Collaborate with the engineer-in-charge and other technical professionals on project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct.
• Adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Learn, understand, and implement CAD knowledge.
• Learn client standards, practices, and procedures.
• Collaborate on design issues and seek guidance from experienced team members.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma.
• 0-1 years relevant post-education experience in discipline 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.
• Familiar with drafting and design support principles, practices, processes, methods, and techniques.
• Familiar 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 interacting 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, as well 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 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

• 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.

About WSP

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, a global engineering and professional services firm. We design lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water, and environment markets. With over 15,000 employees across more than 300 offices in the U.S., we partner with clients to help communities prosper. WSP offers a flexible and agile workplace model. Employees are provided with a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on health and financial stability, including medical, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, and retirement savings.