Lead Substation Engineer (P&C or Physical)

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Engineer (P&C or Physical) for our Ft Mill, SC office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges. A hybrid or in-office work setup is preferred to foster collaboration and mentorship, but remote work will be considered for candidates with proven experience.

Your Impact

• Technical Leadership & Engineering Delivery
  • Provide advanced technical leadership and independent judgment for the design, development, and construction of medium to extrahighvoltage substation projects, specializing in physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) engineering for 15kV–345kV substations (required) and up to 500kV (preferred).
  • Lead and perform complex electrical engineering design work for substation physical systems (general arrangement, bus configuration, grounding, lightning protection) and/or P&C systems (one-line/three-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings).
  • Direct and review detailed design deliverables prepared by others, ensuring technical accuracy, constructability, safety, and compliance with project requirements and applicable standards.
• Design Development & Technical Expertise
  • Develop and review substation engineering deliverables including:
  • One-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA and communications designs
  • Conduit, trenching, and cable sizing/routing
  • Substation physical layouts and elevations
  • AC/DC panel designs and associated equipment layouts
  • Develop equipment specifications and procurement documentation; participate in equipment evaluation, selection, and technical alignment with project needs.
  • Perform and oversee electrical calculations, including load flow, short circuit, voltage drop, grounding, lighting, feeder and equipment sizing, and power distribution studies.
• Standards, Reviews & Quality
  • Apply and interpret IEEE, NESC, and NERC standards and utility requirements throughout design development, reviews, and construction support.
  • Lead or perform reviews of third-party design documents, procurement lists, and construction packages for both physical and P&C scopes.
  • Maintain and enforce QA/QC standards to ensure accurate calculations, drawings, technical documentation, and reporting.
• Project Execution & Collaboration
  • Work independently and collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams to execute projects, resolve complex technical challenges, and ensure compliance with specifications, permits, and regulatory requirements.
  • Support project planning activities including scope definition, technical input for proposals, cost estimating, and development of work plans for small to large scale projects.
  • Conduct and interpret engineering studies, field investigations, and surveys to support design decisions, risk mitigation strategies, and future infrastructure needs.
• Mentorship, Knowledge Sharing & Innovation
  • Serve as a technical resource and mentor to junior and mid-level engineers, providing guidance on design approaches, standards application, and problem solving.
  • Contribute to internal knowledge sharing initiatives such as technical presentations, lunch and learns, book audits, and lessonslearned efforts.
  • Incorporate future ready and innovative design strategies that enhance safety, reliability, constructability, and operational performance.
• Construction & Field Support
  • Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and testing activities, including resolution of field issues and design modifications.
  • Verify site conditions and coordinate engineering responses to construction constraints, equipment interfaces, and operational requirements.
• Health, Safety & Professional Practice
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of sites pecific Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
  • Exercise sound professional judgment and ethical decision-making in accordance with WSP’s Code of Conduct and corporate policies.
  • Perform additional responsibilities consistent with the role and business needs.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for capital projects in transmission and distribution substations with a focus on protection and controls at a utility, industrial, or commercial scale.
• Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.
• Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation and new design.
• Knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Effective self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP), AutoCAD Electrical.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
• 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:

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.
• Professional Engineer License.
• High-Voltage

WSP Benefits:

WSP provides a comprehensive suite of benefits focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career. These benefits include coverage related to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life; retirement savings; paid sick leave; paid vacation (or other personal time); paid parental leave; and paid time off for purposes of bereavement, voting, and/or attendance at naturalization proceedings.

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