Substation Project Lead

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Project Lead for our Data Center Initiation Team
. This role can report to any WSP US Office. In this role, you will collaborate with teams across WSP supporting data center initiatives and contribute to a growing organization focused on meeting client objectives and solving challenges.

This role leads the development of preliminary substation layouts for data center clients, supporting early-stage planning and feasibility assessments. The candidate will collaborate across WSP business lines—including Property & Buildings, Generation, and Earth & Environment—to evaluate site suitability, utility capacity, and infrastructure requirements, helping clients determine whether their projects can meet performance, scalability, and reliability objectives.

The position plays a key role in guiding technical decision-making during project initiation, including equipment selection, system configuration, and overall electrical infrastructure strategy. The candidate will provide informed recommendations to help clients identify optimal, cost-effective solutions aligned with project goals.

In addition, this individual will lead and coordinate a multidisciplinary team of professionals, ensuring seamless transition from project initiation into subsequent design and execution phases, while maintaining alignment with client expectations and delivery timelines.

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams (internal and external) to support project delivery, site evaluation, and infrastructure integration.
• Support proposal development, including scope definition, technical input, and execution planning for new opportunities.
• Lead and coordinate technical execution across all project phases, including initiation, concept development, design, procurement, construction, and commissioning.
• Interface with clients, utilities, contractors, and regulatory agencies to support project coordination and successful delivery.
• Conduct site visits and field support activities to validate design assumptions, address constructability issues, and resolve technical challenges.
• Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and quality for assigned substation projects.
• Perform and oversee detailed design of medium to extra high voltage substations, including one-line and three-line diagrams, schematics, wiring diagrams, SCADA/communications systems, station layouts, grounding, and lightning protection.
• Prepare and review design deliverables such as general arrangements, sections, elevations, control enclosure details, cable/conduit plans, foundation coordination, yard lighting, and bills of materials.
• Review and provide technical oversight for electrical studies and calculations, including load flow, short circuit, grounding, protection coordination, AC/DC systems, voltage drop, and insulation coordination.
• Develop, review, and coordinate equipment specifications, procurement packages, and vendor selection activities.
• Ensure QA/QC of technical deliverables, verifying accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and client requirements.
• Coordinate and approve substation design packages, maintaining alignment with scope, budget, schedule, and quality expectations.
• Lead and mentor engineers and designers, providing technical guidance, oversight, and professional development support.
• Prepare technical reports, calculations, visualizations, and presentations to communicate design intent, findings, and recommendations.
• Apply and maintain knowledge of current industry standards, codes, and emerging substation design practices.
• Uphold responsible and ethical decision‑making in alignment with company policies and standards.
• Perform additional duties as required to support business needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• 7 to 10 years of relevant experience delivering substation engineering design deliverables for capital power transmission and distribution projects, with progressive responsibility including technical task or design package leadership.
• Experience…