Lead Substation Project Engineer

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Substation Project Engineer for our Boise, ID office. The following locations will also be considered: Billings, MT and Reno, NV. 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, hybrid, or remote work arrangement, depending on candidate location, experience, and business needs.

This Opportunity

Provides high‑level technical assistance and guidance for multi‑site and multi‑phase substation projects, including investigation, design, development, and construction of utility‑scale transmission and distribution infrastructure. Tasks include research, engineering design, concept development, planning, and execution of medium‑ to extra‑high‑voltage substations, including power distribution, protection and control systems, grounding, and equipment integration. Supports project execution, department initiatives, and client relationships while ensuring that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.

Your Impact

• Support the Area Lead/Department Manager in achieving department goals, maintaining high‑quality standards, and strengthening client relationships.
• Support the management of relationships with alliance and key utility clients, including coordination, communication, and technical support.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, quality, and deliverables for assigned substation projects.
• Support project reporting and proposal development efforts, including scope definition, technical input, and coordination with internal teams.
• Perform QA/QC reviews for technical deliverables prior to client submission, ensuring accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable standards.
• Provide guidance with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to physical work sites, drawings, specifications, substation components, and equipment requirements.
• Apply advanced electrical engineering techniques across project phases including concept development, preliminary design, detailed design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Perform and direct others in the detailed design of medium‑ to extra‑high‑voltage substations, including one‑line and three‑line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA and communications systems, station layouts, grounding grids, and lightning protection.
• Prepare supporting design documents such as sections and elevations, control enclosure details, cable and conduit plans, foundation and structural coordination details, yard lighting plans, and bills of materials.
• Review electrical studies and calculations including load flow, short circuit, grounding, protective device coordination, AC/DC systems, lightning analysis, and voltage drop.
• Contribute to and review substation equipment specifications and technical procurement documents, supporting equipment selection and vendor coordination.
• Provide technical leadership and oversight across multiple concurrent substation projects, ensuring consistency in quality, execution, and client expectations.
• Oversee and support engineers and designers through mentorship, technical review, and direction in support of project execution.
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, exhibits, and presentations to communicate design intent, findings, and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
• Interact with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies in a professional and confident manner.
• Collaborate with internal teams on proposal pursuits, project execution strategies, and business development opportunities.
• Remain current with evolving substation design practices, technologies, and applicable codes and standards.
• Participate in occasional travel and site visits in support of project execution, construction activities, and client needs.
• 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:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 7 to 10 years of relevant post‑education experience providing substation design deliverables for utility‑scale transmission and distribution projects.
• Experience in medium‑ to high‑voltage substation design (15kV through 230kV) and application of IEEE and ANSI standards.
• Demonstrated experience acting as the lead electrical engineer on multiple substation projects occurring concurrently.
• Demonstrates competence and comprehensive knowledge concerning related disciplines such as protection & control (P&C), SCADA, communications, and telecommunications.
• Well‑defined knowledge of applicable electrical codes, standards, regulations, compliance practices, and record‑keeping requirements.
• Ability to perform and review complex engineering calculations and interpret plans and specifications.
• Highly effective written and verbal communication skills when interacting with engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
• Demonstrated self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic project environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight while providing technical leadership and guidance to junior team members with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Proficiency with technical writing, office tools, and electrical design software such as AutoCAD Electrical, Inventor, or similar platforms.
• 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:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• 7+ years of substation design experience.

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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