Substation P&C Designer

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation P&C Designer for our Columbus/NewAlbany, OH 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. This position offers an on‑site or hybrid work arrangement, depending on candidate location, experience, and business needs.

WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help.

This Opportunity

Under general to minimal supervision, provides technical design and CADD support on projects to produce designs and specifications to be used for power and energy electrical infrastructure services, supporting transmission and distribution substations. Tasks may include developing skills and generating CADD designs on various assigned projects of basic complexity, with an emphasis on substation protection and control (P&C) design (e.g., schematics, wiring, interconnections, panel layouts). Generates accurate and concise design phase deliverables including reports, technical memoranda, design manuals, details, specifications, and material lists. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, accuracy, and functionality.

Your Impact

• Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, schematics, data, verbal or written specifications, technical drawings, rough sketches, diagrams, and other matrices to support substation protection and control (P&C) design and drawing development activities.
• Under general supervision, use computer‑aided design and drafting (CADD) software to assist with basic design details and prepare substation P&C drawings which require a high degree of precision (e.g., control schematics, wiring diagrams, interconnection diagrams, panel layouts).
• Provide basic technical design assistance that accounts for the proper illustration, fit, form, and function, while ensuring the construction and maintainability of designs according to design standard specifications.
• Assist with verifying calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, and escalating any issues or technical problems for appropriate resolution.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Assure plans adhere to applicable codes, standards, and client/utility requirements.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineer.
• Ensure the specification of materials, and procedures for assigned projects, ensuring compliance with contract requirements.
• Work collaboratively with the engineer-in-charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Travel to and attend client site visits related to projects
• Complete training on assigned tasks and tools supporting substation P&C design.
• Exhibit basic knowledge of current drafting and design support practices supporting substation P&C design deliverables.
• 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.

Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant post‑education experience in a substation design role supporting protection and control (P&C) design for electrical power transmission and distribution projects, preferably in utility or industrial/commercial environments.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future employer sponsorship (including H‑1B, OPT, CPT, or other employment‑based visas).
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Familiar with drafting and design support principles, practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Familiar with relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements applicable to electrical/substation design work.
• Excellent research and evaluation skills with analytical mindset.
• Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, and comply with company policies.
• 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, 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software (e.g., AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation) is preferred.
• Exposure to substation P&C deliverables such as panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and cable schedules is a plus.

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