Lead Structural Designer – Generation Division

This Opportunity

WSP is currently initiating a search for a Lead Structural Designer- Generation Division to join our Power & Energy team in Houston, TX.  The candidate will be involved in projects with our Power Generation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our client’s objectives and solves their challenges. 

As one of the world’s leading professional services firms, WSP now brings world-class expertise in power delivery, power generation, and project management with the recent acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. Our vision is to be the preeminent pure-play global consulting firm for the world’s energy transition. And we need your help.

With over 73,000 multidisciplinary professionals worldwide, we collaborate daily to create positive, long-lasting impacts on the communities we serve through a culture of innovation, integrity and inclusion. In the U.S, WSP was recognized on TIME’s list of the world’s best companies and Fortune’s Change the World list.

As part of our team, you will have access to an unparalleled network of resources and endless opportunities to collaborate on exciting projects with diverse teammates from across the globe. 

Your Impact

• As a Lead Structural Designer, you'll be responsible for developing concrete foundation and structural steel models, preparing design drawings for a variety of structures, and supporting field verification activities on both established and under-construction sites.
• You’ll help serve a diverse client base—including Independent Power Producers, Municipal Electric Utilities, Investor-Owned Utilities, Contractors, and Developers—and work on power grid systems of the future. Our project portfolio spans biomass, municipal waste, geothermal, hydrogen, fossil fuel, carbon capture, battery energy storage, hydro, and solar technologies, across multiple divisions (Power Generation, Power Delivery, Facilities, and Federal).
• Develop detailed 3D structural models and construction drawings for concrete and steel systems using tools such as SmartPlant 3D, Navisworks, Autodesk, Bentley, and Intergraph.
• Coordinate designs with multidisciplinary teams (civil, mechanical, electrical) and ensure compliance with codes, standards, and best practices.
• Participate in design reviews, clash detection, and QA/QC processes to maintain high-quality deliverables.
• Perform field verification at active and under-construction sites; support construction teams with accurate, field-validated documentation.
• Mentor junior designers and drafters, offering technical guidance and design oversight.
• Take ownership of project tasks and contribute independently within a collaborative team environment.
• Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team to execute project work; occasionally leading tasks and Drafting/Design Support staff on technical assignments.
• Assure plans adhere to city code, state and federal regulations.
• Work collaboratively with the engineer-in-charge and other technical professionals on assigned project phases, segments, checks, and tasks.
• Engage in occasional contact with client and contractor personnel to schedule and coordinate project drafting and design support review.
• Provide guidance and training to entry-level drafting and design support staff.
• 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 11 years of relevant post education experience in discipline with prior drafting and design support experience.
• 5+ years of design/drafting experience with SmartPlant 3D or equivalent 3D design software.
• Coordination model experience with SmartPlant Review and/or Navisworks.
• 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 a technical and non-technical audience.
• Highly proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, results orientation, and managing multiple priorities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to learn new techniques, perform multiple tasks simultaneously, follow instruction, work independently, and comply with company policies.
• 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 or bachelor's Degree in closely related discipline is preferred.
• In-depth knowledge of structural steel, concrete, and foundation design standards and specifications.
• Significant experience preparing concrete and steel detail drawings for industrial facilities.
• Prior experience in power plant or refinery environments is highly preferred.