Substation Drafter

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Drafter for our Burnsville, MN 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. 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.

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 planning, transportation, infrastructure, and technical services business lines.  Tasks may include developing skills and generating CADD designs on various assigned projects of basic 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

• Assist with drafting tasks for substation projects, including physical and civil layout drawings, electrical schematics, and wiring diagrams, ensuring accuracy and compliance with client standards and project expectations.
• Use 3D computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) software—such as AutoCAD and/or MicroStation—to prepare detailed substation drawings, layouts, equipment arrangements, grounding plans, and electrical connections, while developing proficiency in these tools within a substation engineering environment.
• Apply strong mathematical skills and experience working with scaled drawings, geometric dimensioning, tolerance, and quantity calculations to ensure proper illustration, fit, form, and function of substation components.
• Demonstrate experience in a substation design/drafting environment, including control and/or physical design, with knowledge of substation electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and physical/civil drawings.
• Utilize specialized software such as Autodesk Raster Design and Bentley Descartes for drafting tasks, and ProjectWise File Management System for organizing and managing project files.
• Apply proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel to support drafting and documentation tasks.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineers and other drafters, to execute substation project work and ensure plans adhere to applicable codes, standards (such as IEEE, NESC), and federal/state regulations.
• Prepare multiple versions of substation designs for review, specify dimensions, materials, and procedures for assigned projects, and ensure compliance with contract requirements.
• Assist with verifying calculations, design changes, interpretation of contract plans and specifications, and escalate technical issues for resolution.
• Complete training on assigned tasks, including substation-specific drafting standards and practices.
• Exhibit basic knowledge of current drafting and design support practices for high to extra-high voltage substations.
• 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 5 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior drafting and design support experience.
• Experience in a substation design/drafting (control and/or physical design) environment.
• Familiar with drafting principles, practices, methods, and techniques specific to substation design.
• Familiar with relevant codes, standards (IEEE, NESC), compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements for substations.
• 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.
• 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’s Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
• Essential professional licensure/certification.
• Experience with industry-standard CADD software (such as AutoCAD, MicroStation) for substation design.
• Familiarity with utility client standards and procedures for substation drafting.
   

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.

Compensation:

Expected Salary (all locations): $55,600 - $91,630

WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant’s sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
 

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