Early Career Electrical Engineer

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Full-Time Early Career Electrical Engineer in our Seattle office.  The following locations will also be considered: Portland, OR.  Be involved in projects with our NW Pacific Power and Energy Team and be a part of a part of a rapidly expanding group that provides trusted advisor and engineer of record services to clients in the energy sector throughout the western United States.

This position directly advances local and regional responses to Climate Change by supporting the owners and operators of clean hydropower and other renewable resources.  This role supports technical staff, engineers, and project managers for remediation, permitting, improvement, and construction of infrastructure projects and systems in the public and private sectors.  Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution systems, power regulation, renewable energy development, and integration, as well as power protection and control systems.  Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding material, installation, design, component, and construction specifications.   This a fantastic chance to work with a dynamic team, with access to a modern office, tools and software; while also traveling to job sites in our beautiful mountains and lush river valleys.   You will be joining the premier engineering firm that is leading the field in hydropower, pumped storage hydro, solar and batteries, and wind generation in the West. 

• Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design and construction of energy projects that include thermal, hydro, wind, solar and other power sources.  


• Understanding and implementing unique client needs for resiliency and reliability of power generation and distribution.


• Assist with detailed design of medium to high voltage power generation and distribution; including hydro, solar, and wind power; as well as emerging technologies such as pumped-storage, smart grid and microgrid systems.


• Assist with design of system protection and control, power dispatching, and control center design and integration.


• Perform energy usage analysis in close coordination with senior electrical engineers and client contacts.


• Assist with utility coordination including load studies, balance authority and interconnection agreements, WEC, FERC, and NERC CIP design, as well as compliance documentation.


• Support the development of construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates; construction safety, operational safety. and phasing plans and updating facility development plans; work that requires coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients.


• Assist with the development and implementation of advanced/experimental technologies including pumps, generators, turbines, monitoring devices, powerflowmodeling to meet clients' design requirements, and operating strategies to account for safety, functionality, and the implemention of future-ready solutions within the highest electrical engineering design standards.


• Assist with engineering review of permit applications, engineering design plans and specifications, standby plans and engineering contracts.


• Ensure technical reports and presentations explain research, findings, and recommendations to prevent, control, restore, or address engineering, design, and/or construction issues or opportunities.


• Become current in latest electrical engineering techniques and practices.


• Become current with regulatory agencies and other bodies with jurisdiction over electrical power generation facilities - including the Bonneville Power Administration, WECC, CAISO, etc..


• Conduct on-site inspections or desktop analysis to assess existing transmission and distribution systems and to identify and recommend appropriate changes and improvements to operations and/or systems.


• Collaborates with professionals from a variety of disciplines, other engineers, planners, and hydropower authorities on Tribal, Federal, State, regional, and locally funded projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities.


• 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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, or closely related discipline.


• 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience.


• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues.


• Familiarity with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including rehabilitation and new design.


• Familiar with relevant electrical codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.


• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.


• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.


• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.


• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.


• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.


• Experience with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Matlab, MathCAD, Aspen, ETAP, WIN IGS), study and modeling software (PSSE, PSLF for RMS powerflow studies and PSCAD for EMT studies), math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and other tools.


• Experienced with providing critical review for documents and preparing technical deliverables and plans with a high degree of complexity.


• 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:

• Engineer in Training Certification.


• Prior design experience.


• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.


• Experience with hydro, solar, wind, and thermal projects.


• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.


• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

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