Renewable Energy Intermediate Electrical Engineer

WSP is seeking a Renewable Energy Intermediate Electrical Engineer for our Buffalo, NY office. The following locations will also be considered: New York NY, Chicago IL, Boulder, CO and Austin, TX. This opportunity involves being part of our vastly experienced and knowledgeable Onshore Renewable Energy team in the US.

This Opportunity

Provides technical assistance and guidance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of commercial and industrial sector distributed generation (small-) scale renewable energy projects (solar PV, BESS, PV+BESS) in the public and private sector.  Assist with the research, calculations, design, concept development, and detailed design of direct-current (DC) systems, low and medium-voltage alternating-current (LV/MVac) systems. as well as protection and control systems in a variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects).  Generates accurate and concise reports and documentation regarding material, installations, component, and construction specifications.  Ensures 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

• With minimal supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to distributed energy resource (DER) components, equipment specifications, concept/detailed/permit and construction design and review processes, and NFPA (NEC)/IEEE/NESC Standards for design work. 
• Perform basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three-line schematic diagrams, general arrangement, equipment layout, medium voltage interconnection, grounding design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
• Provides technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC systems and panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure. 
• Support senior engineers with research and recommendations of fundamental components identified in design requirements, as well as field equipment applications and operations.
• Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues. 
• Under minimal supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, power circuit sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits (where required) and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
• Write technical reports summarizing research with findings and conclusions, generating complete, accurate, and concise documentation using sketches, calculations, electronic systems, spreadsheets, and software.
• Assist technical staff and project managers with risk identification and assessment, offering input and analysis with design concepts, construction, mitigation and improvement activities, and remediation projects.
• Work with cross-functional teams in executing project work, including project controls, construction, procurement, document control, and permitting teams.
• Assist with work plan preparation and coordination of field/site work and permitting.
• Complete training on assigned tasks.
• Work collaboratively with other engineers and planners on projects with electrical infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects. 
• 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). 
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience in an electrical engineering capacity.
• Exposure to operations and project controls experience for purposes of reporting.
• Knowledge of electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues. 
• Familiarity with generation interconnection planning, design, and construction management; including rehabilitation and new design.
• Familiar with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices (NFPA, IEEE, NESC) relevant to DER as well as best practices for project file creation and data retention.
• 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 of 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 project objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Experience with discipline-specific design and drafting software e.g. AutoCAD, PVcase/PVFarm, Cymcap, ETAP, WinGIS, SEL acSELerator. etc.
• 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 to 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  

• Master’s Degree in Engineering.  
• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Prior design experience (distributed and utility-scale generation).
• Knowledge of distribution system interconnection.
• Knowledge of data acquisition systems (DAS).
• Experience of microgrids and utility-scale projects.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

Working Conditions and/or Physical Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.