Senior Substation Physical Designer

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Senior Substation Physical Designer for our Hailey, ID office. Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.

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

Provides technical design and CADD support to engineers and project managers to produce designs and specifications to be used within the Power Delivery business lines. Responsibilities involve generating CADD designs on various assigned projects of moderate- to larger-scale, scope, and/or complexity. Generates accurate and concise design phase deliverables including reports, technical memoranda, design manuals, plans and profiles, models, sections, 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

• Collect, compile, and analyze data from the physical work site, surveys, structural concepts, blueprints, schematics, data, verbal or written specifications, technical drawings, rough sketches, diagrams, and other matrices to support drafting and design activities for single, multi-phase, or multi-site project work.  
• Assist with drafting tasks for substation projects, including physical and civil layout drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, ensuring accuracy and compliance with client and WSP CADD standards and project expectations.
• Use 3D computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software—such as AutoCAD and/or MicroStation, Inventor, Visual Lighting—to prepare detailed substation drawings, layouts, equipment arrangements, bill of materials, foundation plans and details, grounding plans and details, conduit and raceway plans, electrical connections, lightning protection & lighting layouts, while developing proficiency in these tools within a substation engineering environment.
• Follows standard practices to provide technical design assistance and guidance that accounts for the proper illustration, fit form, and function using geometric dimensioning, tolerance and quantity calculations, while ensuring the construction and maintainability of designs according to design standard specifications.  
• Acts as consultant regarding work progress and problem resolution; may serve as the only Drafting/Design Support resource on a project or assist in overseeing Drafting/Design Support activities for projects of a moderate scope and complexity within a district.
• Verify accuracy of calculations, design, change orders, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, recognizing moderate to slightly intricate construction or engineering problems and escalating or resolving any differences, errors, or technical problems for appropriate resolution.  
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work.
• Assure plans adhere to city code, state and federal regulations.
• Prepare multiple versions of designs for review by engineer.
• Monitor drafting and design plans to ensure quality control and contract compliance; documenting work progress and issues arising throughout scope of project.
• Work collaboratively with the engineer-in-charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Apply analytical techniques and software to solve more intricate and involved engineering issues on projects, or to modify or redesign existing designs in accordance with project standards and specifications.
• Engage in occasional contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project drafting and design support review.
• Provide guidance and training to entry-level drafting and design support staff.
• Perform quality control design reviews for completed design packages.
• Remain current in latest drafting and design support knowledge, techniques, and practices.
• 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 9 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Experience with discipline-specific design software (e.g., AutoCAD, AutoCAD Electrical, MicroStation, Inventor).
• Experience with utility transmission and distribution substation physical designs up to 500 kV.
• Familiarity with IEEE, NEC, NESC, and RUS standards.
• Well-defined knowledge of drafting and design support principles, practices, process, methods and techniques.
• Well-defined knowledge of relevant codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
• Defined ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of geometry and mathematical concepts, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate standards or regulations.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to a technical and non-technical audience.
• Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from data collation, calculations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective 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:

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.

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.

#LI-JJ2