E-3 Visa Substation Design Engineer Jobs
Substation design engineers qualify for E-3 visa sponsorship as specialty occupation workers under DOL's electrical engineering classification. The E-3 has no lottery and no annual cap, so Australian engineers can accept a U.S. offer and be working within weeks of consulate approval.
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INTRODUCTION
WSP is currently initiating a search for an Experienced Substation Design Engineer (Physical and/or Protection & Controls) for our Maitland, FL 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.
This Opportunity
Provides technical assistance and guidance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Assist with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide 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
- Provide technical assistance and guidance for the design, development, and construction of high-voltage substation projects, focusing on physical and/or protection & controls (P&C) engineering for voltages from 15kV to 345kV (required) and up to 500kV (preferred).
- Collect, compile, and analyze data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
- Assist in reviewing third-party design documents, procurement lists, and project plans.
- Perform professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of substation physical layouts (general arrangement, bus arrangement, grounding grid, lightning protection) and/or protection & control systems (single line, three line, AC/DC schematics, wiring diagrams, relay settings) for 15kV–345kV substations.
- Participate in incorporating future-ready techniques, concept development, operating strategies, and various design requirements with equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies that 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.
- Verify the characteristics of a site, providing technical assistance on various engineering, design, testing maintenance modifications, and construction procedures and issues.
- Develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, accurate reports, sketches, calculations, and illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of data, findings, or analyses.
- Maintain quality control standards and procedures for accurate and precise measurements, statistical analysis, and reporting.
- Work as an individual or as part of a cross-functional team of engineers, planners, scientific, and construction professionals to execute project work, assist with laying out installations, calculating costs and quantities of material/equipment/labor, and ensuring project work conforms with specifications, permit applications, compliance documentation, and regulatory and technical analysis memos.
- Assist with development and scoping of small- to medium-sized projects.
- Contribute to the preparation of technical reports and presentations that explain research and findings to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design and/or electrical engineering issues or problems.
- Conduct engineering studies and surveys to gain further information on a particular design and construction problem or issue and/or to plan for future needs.
- Assist in the analysis, evaluation, and interpretation of data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for low to mid-level risk mitigation activities.
- Assist in the preparation and implementation of site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs).
- Work collaboratively with other engineers and disciplines 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.
- 3 to 5 years of relevant post education experience in an electrical engineering capacity designing power transmission and distribution systems in utility or industrial/commercial environments.
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- 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.
- Experience with infrastructure planning, design, and construction management, including rehabilitation and new design.
- Ability to coordinate with agency regulators and understand requirements.
- Knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Capable interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Effective 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.
- Moderate proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
- Experience with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP), AutoCADD electrical.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution.
- 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:
- Experience with substation design for voltages from 345kV up to 500kV.
- Master’s Degree in Engineering.
- Engineer in Training Certification.
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:
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and/or offer for this position within the state of California, based on the successful applicant’s education, experience, knowledge, skills, and 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.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding E-3 Visa Sponsorship as a Substation Design Engineer
Translate your credentials before applying
Australian 3-year engineering degrees are accepted as equivalent to U.S. 4-year bachelor's degrees for E-3 visa purposes. Have your transcripts and any Engineers Australia accreditation ready to send with your resume so employers don't stall on credential questions.
Target utilities and EPC firms directly
Substation design roles are concentrated in investor-owned utilities, transmission developers, and engineering-procurement-construction firms. These employers file LCAs routinely and understand E-3 mechanics, unlike general tech companies encountering sponsorship for the first time.
Search verified E-3 sponsorship roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters substation and power systems roles by employers with active E-3 and LCA filing history, so you're not cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored an Australian engineer before.
Clarify PE licensure expectations upfront
Many U.S. substation roles list a Professional Engineer license as preferred, but you can start on E-3 status without one and obtain it through the NCEES pathway. Flag this during the offer stage so neither side is surprised by the timeline.
Get your LCA filed before accepting a start date
Your employer must file the Labor Condition Application with DOL and receive certification before you can attend your consulate appointment. LCA processing typically runs seven business days, so build that window into your onboarding negotiation.
Use Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service for the full process
Once you have an offer, Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service handles LCA preparation, DOL submission, visa paperwork, and consulate appointment preparation end-to-end, so engineering-specific documentation is correctly framed for the specialty occupation requirement.
E-3 Visa Substation Design Engineer: Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find substation design engineer jobs with E-3 visa sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for Australian professionals seeking U.S. roles with E-3 sponsorship. It surfaces substation and power systems positions from employers with documented LCA filing history, which means you're applying to companies that have already navigated the sponsorship process rather than learning it alongside you.
How much does it cost to get an E-3 visa?
Migrate Mate's E-3 filing service covers the entire process for $499, including the Labor Condition Application, visa document preparation, and consulate appointment guidance. Traditional immigration lawyers charge $2,000–$5,000+ for the same work. The E-3 has less paperwork than most work visas, so paying thousands for legal help is usually unnecessary.
Does substation design engineering qualify as a specialty occupation for E-3?
Yes. Electrical and power systems engineering roles that require a bachelor's degree in engineering or a directly related field meet DOL's specialty occupation definition. Substation design roles, which typically require knowledge of protection schemes, relay coordination, and high-voltage equipment, consistently qualify. A generic job description that accepts any engineering degree can create problems, so ask your employer to confirm the LCA job title aligns with your actual duties.
How does the E-3 compare to H-1B for Australian substation engineers?
The E-3 has no lottery and no annual numerical cap, so you don't compete for a slot the way H-1B visa applicants do. You can apply as soon as you have a certified LCA and a job offer. H-1B registration opens once a year in March, with selection in April and the earliest start date of October 1. For an Australian engineer with a U.S. offer in hand, the E-3 path is typically months faster.
Can I switch employers while on an E-3 as a substation design engineer?
Yes, but the new employer must file a fresh LCA with DOL before you start work. The E-3 is employer-specific, so your current approval doesn't transfer. Build the LCA filing timeline, typically around seven business days for DOL certification, into your transition planning so there's no gap between your last day and your new start date.