Lead Electrical Engineer - Buildings

Job Overview

Lead Electrical Engineer – Detroit, MI. Provide high‑level technical assistance and guidance for multi‑site/phase due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects across public and private sectors. Responsibilities include research, design, concept development, planning, and construction of electrical building systems, standby power generation, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, and protection and control systems.

• Determine methods for collecting, compiling, and analyzing data related to building electrical systems and equipment specifications for procurement and pricing.
• Review and advise on third‑party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.
• Perform complex electrical engineering work, including single line diagrams, distribution equipment arrangement, grounding grid design, and lightning protection.
• Coordinate drawing reviews, future‑ready concept development, and design implementations.
• Lead junior engineers in research, component recommendations, and field equipment applications.
• Provide technical input on site characteristics and engineering/design issues.
• Develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, short‑circuit studies, protective device coordination, and single line diagram development.
• Develop plans, specifications, and electrical infrastructure layout plans requiring coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub‑consultants, and clients.
• Execute project work on concurrent projects within budgets, schedules, and regulatory requirements.
• Prepare data, reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for presentation of findings.
• Maintain high quality and responsiveness to client requirements, proactively communicating with staff and building officials.
• Provide guidance and training to entry‑level engineers and supervise staffing resource allocations.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations to improve or resolve design and construction issues.
• Conduct analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of field investigation data.
• Build relationships with clients to support profitable new business.
• Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients professionally.
• Stay current with latest electrical engineering techniques and practices.
• Collaborate with engineers and planners on infrastructure authority projects.
• Adhere to company policies, ethics, and WSP Code of Conduct.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical or Architectural Engineering.
• 7‑10 years of relevant post‑education experience in engineering and prior electrical design experience.
• Professional Engineer license required.
• Proficient with electrical engineering codes, principles, and design for permitting and project work.
• Extensive knowledge of building electrical infrastructure design.
• Competence in adjacent disciplines such as lighting, fire protection, and low‑voltage systems.
• Experience with electrical infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including renovation and new construction.
• Knowledge of engineering laws, codes, regulations, and compliance practices.
• Ability to perform technical calculations and engineering analyses.
• Experience conducting observations and investigations on construction and design.
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills with engineering and non‑engineering audiences.
• Strong self‑leadership, attention to detail, multitasking, and prioritization.
• Independent work with minimal oversight and guidance to junior team members.
• Proficient in technical writing, office automation, and discipline‑specific design software (Revit, BIM, AutoCAD, SKM/Dapper, AGI
  32, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel).
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving skills for testing and data analysis.
• Ability to coordinate and direct delegated tasks, completing them safely and efficiently.
• Track record of upholding workplace safety and adherence to WSP health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Flexible work schedules; occasional travel may be required.

• LEED certification desired.
• Client list or experience winning work within the region.

Comprehensive suite of benefits covering medical, dental, vision, disability, life, retirement savings; paid sick leave, vacation, parental leave, bereavement, voting, and naturalization time.

Expected Salary – Colorado only: $103,500 – $153,670. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and may offer additional benefits and other compensation.

WSP USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.