H-1B Visa Substation Design Engineer Jobs
Substation Design Engineer roles qualify as H-1B specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Utilities, EPC firms, and transmission developers sponsor H-1B visas for this role, and the 85,000-slot annual cap means timing your job search around the April filing window matters.
See All Substation Design Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 41+ Substation Design Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 41+ Substation Design Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Substation Design Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Designer Engineer - Lead Professional for our Burnsville (Minneapolis), Minnesota office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
The Substation Design Engineer will be responsible for Substation Physical and Control Design, Project Engineering, Mentoring Early Professionals, coordinating project scope/schedule/budget with Project Manager, and providing QAQC reviews on department projects.
Your Impact:
- Support the Department Manager with the management and development of client relationships and client teams
- Direct and lead multidisciplined project teams from scoping, through detailed design and construction support of medium to high voltage utility substations
- Perform high-level quality / cross-discipline design reviews of Substation Physical, P&C, and Civil Structural drawing packages
- Perform detailed quality design reviews of Substation Physical design packages and/or Substation P&C design packages
- Perform, mentor, and direct others in the detailed design of substations including, but not limited to
- Client Standards
- One-line diagrams
- Schematics
- Wiring diagrams
- SCADA
- Communications
- Station physical layouts
- Sections/Elevations
- Cable and conduit plans and details
- Ground grid design and details
- Foundation plans and details
- Structural plans and details
- Control enclosure design and details;
- Lightning protection plans
- Yard lighting plans
- Bills of Materials
- Inter-discipline coordination activities
- Specify and select substation equipment
- Contribute to substation equipment specifications
- Construction support
- Facility studies
- Site visits
- Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and quality of assigned projects
- Support the Project Manager with project reporting needs
- Support proposal development
- Occasional travel will be required
- Coordinate, review and approve electrical infrastructure design plans for smaller and less-complex projects, ensuring data integrity and work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations
- Apply high-level electrical engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various infrastructure project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation
- Develop and review plans, specifications, and cost estimates, construction safety and phasing plans, and updating electrical infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients
- Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design and construction of electrical infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation and reconstruction, site development, grading, drainage, equipment layout, elevations, specifications, building materials, phasing, and construction safety plans
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, concepts, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design, and/or construction issues or opportunities
- Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities
- Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs)
- Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner
- Collaborate with professionals, other engineers, planners, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities
- Remain current in latest electrical engineering techniques and practices
- 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)
- 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for capital projects in power generation, transmission, and distribution at a utility, industrial, or commercial scale
- Engineer license required
- Proficient with electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues
- Experience with electrical infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects
- Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements
- Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of electrical engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations
- Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies
- Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience
- Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment
- Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC
- Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP, WIN IGS, Inventor, AutoCADD electrical), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools
- Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution
- Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently
- 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:
- Master’s Degree in Engineering
- 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred
- Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired
INTRODUCTION
WSP is currently initiating a search for a Substation Designer Engineer - Lead Professional for our Burnsville (Minneapolis), Minnesota office. Be involved in projects with our Power & Energy Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients' objectives and solves their challenges.
The Substation Design Engineer will be responsible for Substation Physical and Control Design, Project Engineering, Mentoring Early Professionals, coordinating project scope/schedule/budget with Project Manager, and providing QAQC reviews on department projects.
Your Impact:
- Support the Department Manager with the management and development of client relationships and client teams
- Direct and lead multidisciplined project teams from scoping, through detailed design and construction support of medium to high voltage utility substations
- Perform high-level quality / cross-discipline design reviews of Substation Physical, P&C, and Civil Structural drawing packages
- Perform detailed quality design reviews of Substation Physical design packages and/or Substation P&C design packages
- Perform, mentor, and direct others in the detailed design of substations including, but not limited to
- Client Standards
- One-line diagrams
- Schematics
- Wiring diagrams
- SCADA
- Communications
- Station physical layouts
- Sections/Elevations
- Cable and conduit plans and details
- Ground grid design and details
- Foundation plans and details
- Structural plans and details
- Control enclosure design and details;
- Lightning protection plans
- Yard lighting plans
- Bills of Materials
- Inter-discipline coordination activities
- Specify and select substation equipment
- Contribute to substation equipment specifications
- Construction support
- Facility studies
- Site visits
- Develop and manage project schedules, budgets, and quality of assigned projects
- Support the Project Manager with project reporting needs
- Support proposal development
- Occasional travel will be required
- Coordinate, review and approve electrical infrastructure design plans for smaller and less-complex projects, ensuring data integrity and work is compliant with all applicable codes, ordinances, and regulations
- Apply high-level electrical engineering techniques and processes to identify improvements for various infrastructure project phases including concept development, preliminary design, final design, procurement, construction, and operation
- Develop and review plans, specifications, and cost estimates, construction safety and phasing plans, and updating electrical infrastructure layout plans that require coordination with owners, other disciplines, sub-consultants, and clients
- Involved from project inception to completion in the management of design and construction of electrical infrastructure projects, including rehabilitation and reconstruction, site development, grading, drainage, equipment layout, elevations, specifications, building materials, phasing, and construction safety plans
- Prepare data and visualizations such as tables, charts, reports, sketches, calculations, cross-sections, and other illustrations for the interpretation or presentation of more complex data, findings, or analyses
- Prepare comprehensive technical reports and presentations that explain research, findings, concepts, and recommendations to improve, prevent, control, restore, or address design, and/or construction issues or opportunities
- Analyze, evaluate, and interpret data obtained during field investigations, offering input with developing action plans for moderate- to high-level risk mitigation activities
- Prepare and implement site Health and Safety Plans (HASPs)
- Interact with regulatory agencies, subcontractors, and clients in a confident and professional manner
- Collaborate with professionals, other engineers, planners, and infrastructure authorities on Federal, State, regional, and locally funded improvement and development projects, as well as proposal and business development opportunities
- Remain current in latest electrical engineering techniques and practices
- 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)
- 7 to 10 years of relevant post education experience as an electrical engineer providing design deliverables for capital projects in power generation, transmission, and distribution at a utility, industrial, or commercial scale
- Engineer license required
- Proficient with electrical engineering principles, practices, process, design/build, and the application to permitting and project work-related issues
- Experience with electrical infrastructure planning, design, and construction management; including active involvement in a variety of rehabilitation, new design, and construction projects
- Well-defined specific knowledge of relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements
- Well-developed ability to make technical computations and calculations involving the application of electrical engineering principles, understanding plans and specifications, and making factual comparisons to the appropriate regulations
- Ability to plan and conduct inspections and investigations on various aspects of the construction and design of facilities or structures, applying applicable regulations and policies
- Highly effective interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience
- Demonstrated high-level of self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment
- Works independently with minimal oversight and provides guidance and leadership to junior team or project members, with strict adherence to QA/QC
- Highly proficient with technical writing, office automation, discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, CAPE, ETAP, WIN IGS, Inventor, AutoCADD electrical), technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools
- Well-developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills required to apply technical knowledge to reach conclusions from testing results, data collation, computations, statistical analysis and arriving at the most effective, economical, and logical solution
- Demonstrated effectiveness at coordinating and assertively directing subcontractors and others to consistently complete tasks safely and efficiently
- 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:
- Master’s Degree in Engineering
- 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred
- Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired
See all 41+ Substation Design Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Substation Design Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Substation Design Engineer
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
USCIS requires your degree to directly relate to substation design work. A bachelor's in electrical engineering is the clean match. If yours is in a related field, compile transcripts and any professional engineering licensure documents to support the connection before you apply.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Substation Design Engineer roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for this occupation code. That history signals an employer already understands H-1B prevailing wage obligations and won't be learning the process on your timeline.
Verify the prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the wage level for your specific SOC code and work location. Your offered salary must meet or exceed the certified LCA wage, and underpayment is grounds for USCIS denial even after the petition is filed.
Distinguish utilities from EPC contractors when targeting roles
Regulated utilities often have dedicated immigration counsel and repeat H-1B filing cycles. Engineering, procurement, and construction contractors may sponsor less frequently and have more variable timelines. Identify which type of employer you're pursuing so you can ask the right questions during the offer stage.
Secure your offer letter before the March registration window
H-1B cap registrations open in March for an October 1 start date. Your employer needs a signed offer letter to register you in the USCIS lottery. If your offer comes in April or later, you'll wait until the following fiscal year unless the role is cap-exempt.
Get your PE license or EIT status documented now
A Professional Engineer license or Engineer-in-Training credential strengthens both your specialty occupation case and your marketability to employers filing H-1B petitions. Have your state licensing board documentation ready because USCIS may request it as supporting evidence in a Request for Evidence.
Substation Design Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Substation Design Engineer JobsSubstation Design Engineer H-1B Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Substation Design Engineer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes. USCIS classifies Substation Design Engineer positions as specialty occupations because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a directly related field. The role involves applying theoretical and practical knowledge of power systems, protection schemes, and equipment specifications in a way that a general degree cannot satisfy.
Which types of employers sponsor H-1B visas for Substation Design Engineers?
Investor-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, transmission-only companies, and engineering procurement and construction firms are the primary sponsors. Federal contractors working on grid modernization projects also file regularly. You can search Migrate Mate to find employers with verified LCA filing history specifically for this occupation, which removes the guesswork from targeting your applications.
How does the prevailing wage requirement affect Substation Design Engineer offers?
DOL assigns wage levels to your SOC code and work location. Your employer must certify on the LCA that your offered salary meets at least the Level I prevailing wage for that area. Substation roles in high-cost transmission corridors like California or the Northeast often fall at Level II or III, which means the wage floor is higher than in rural utility markets.
Can a Substation Design Engineer role be cap-exempt for H-1B purposes?
Only if your employer qualifies as cap-exempt, not the role itself. Universities, nonprofit research organizations, and certain government research entities are cap-exempt. Most utilities and EPC firms are cap-subject, meaning your petition competes in the annual 85,000-slot lottery. If you're currently on OPT or another status, cap-gap rules may extend your authorization while your petition is pending.
What supporting documents strengthen an H-1B petition for this role?
Your employer's attorney will need your official transcripts, any Professional Engineer license or EIT documentation, a detailed job description mapping your duties to electrical engineering theory, and the certified LCA. If your degree is from a foreign institution, a credential evaluation from a NACES-member evaluator establishing U.S. equivalency is typically required by USCIS before the petition can proceed.
See which Substation Design Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Substation Design Engineer Jobs