Lead Substation Engineer (P&C or Physical)

Job Description

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.extra-high voltageprocessesof instructionsand
  
  
  

About WSP

ABOUT US

WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.

www.wsp.com

WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.

At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.

The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.