OPT Power Systems Engineer Jobs
Power Systems Engineer jobs are among the more OPT-friendly engineering roles because utilities, grid operators, and energy companies routinely sponsor H-1B visas, giving STEM OPT students a clear 3-year runway. Demand is rising with grid modernization, renewable integration, and EV infrastructure expansion driving consistent hiring.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are designing the grid of the future! In this role, you will support a diverse portfolio of utility clients by delivering high-quality consulting services focused on distribution system modeling, planning, and data-driven analysis. You will play a key role in helping clients make informed decisions aligned with the evolving energy landscape.
Your work will support distribution planning efforts through technical studies, analytical tool development, and clear communication of complex engineering concepts. This includes preparing professional reports and presentations and contributing to projects that integrate power system engineering with advanced data analytics.
Responsibilities
How you can make an impact:
You will support our clients through the execution of various distribution planning consulting services including (but not limited to) the following:
- Perform distribution planning studies across multiple software platforms while applying planning criteria and conducting mitigation and alternatives analyses.
- Evaluate the impacts of load growth and distributed energy resource (DER) interconnections, recommend cost-effective mitigation measures, and identify feasible alternatives.
- Assess multi-year utility system plans in alignment with client objectives and state or jurisdictional requirements.
- Conduct research related to the proliferation of DERs and advanced distribution technologies such as solar, wind, energy storage, electric vehicles, conservation voltage reduction, distribution automation, and system restoration.
- Develop and maintain data-driven solutions for distribution system analysis, including data processing pipelines, analytical and simulation models, and visualization or decision-support tools.
- Design and implement analytical tools, scripts, and workflows (Python- and/or SQL-based) to improve efficiency, automation, and reproducibility of studies.
- Analyze historical distribution system data (e.g., AMI, SCADA, DER, EV data) to identify trends, anomalies, and planning insights.
- Support the development of data standards, model validation processes, and integration between engineering tools and enterprise data systems.
- Apply statistical analysis and basic machine learning techniques to support distribution load forecasting and planning.
- Participate in multi-disciplinary teams to gather input, address comments, and deliver coordinated study results.
- Take responsibility for the timely completion of assigned projects while meeting quality, scope, and budget objectives.
- Perform technical reviews of studies completed by other engineers and provide constructive feedback to ensure high-quality deliverables.
- Mentor and collaborate with team members while contributing to a positive and solutions-oriented work environment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Master of Science or higher preferred.
- Minimum 4+ years of experience related to distribution utilities/power systems (i.e., electric cooperatives, municipalities, investor-owned utilities, research labs, etc.).
- Strong technical skills and understanding related to utility distribution systems.
- Distribution modeling software experience in at least one software platform (CYME, Synergi Electric, openDSS, etc.).
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to translate power system engineering problems into data-driven solutions, including data processing, statistical analysis, and model development.
- Experience in distribution system data analysis, including SCADA data, DER data, EV data, and AMI data.
- Familiarity with handling large datasets, experience with actual distribution system measurements (e.g., EV, AMI, SCADA) quality control, and developing reproducible analysis workflows.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis and basic machine learning techniques applied to distribution load forecasting.
- Experience in automation/programming (Python and/or SQL preferred).
- Proven team player skilled in mentoring and building strong internal and external relationships.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal, particularly with respect to explaining technical matters.
- Strong interpersonal, problem solving, and analytical skills.
- Capable of managing multiple tasks.
- Flexible with the ability to manage change.
- Have high standards and pride in producing quality reports and products.
- Strong technical report writing skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Lead the change!
Be a part of an innovative team shaping the grid of the future through advanced energy intelligence. For more than half a century, Electric Power Engineers (EPE) has partnered with power and energy clients across the globe, providing consulting expertise and energy intelligence software solutions for complex engineering and grid modeling challenges. As leaders in the renewables space, we are focused on building a modern, secure, and resilient grid. Join us in making an impact on the communities we serve and the environment in which we live. Together we can transform the future of energy.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU:
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision with 100% premium coverage for you.
- Generous PTO and paid holidays.
- MyShare Employee Ownership Program.
- Work with industry leaders.
- 401K, up to a 4% match (100% vested from day 1).
LOCATION
This position will be remote US.
TRAVEL
Occasional travel may be needed (10% or less).
EPE is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster, and its supplement are available using the following links: EEOC is the Law Poster.
THIRD-PARTY RECRUITING NOTIFICATION
EPE does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to EPE via our career page or to any of our managers or employees will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency. EPE will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency without a previously signed third-party agreement and has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Talent Acquisition team.
INTRODUCTION
We are designing the grid of the future! In this role, you will support a diverse portfolio of utility clients by delivering high-quality consulting services focused on distribution system modeling, planning, and data-driven analysis. You will play a key role in helping clients make informed decisions aligned with the evolving energy landscape.
Your work will support distribution planning efforts through technical studies, analytical tool development, and clear communication of complex engineering concepts. This includes preparing professional reports and presentations and contributing to projects that integrate power system engineering with advanced data analytics.
Responsibilities
How you can make an impact:
You will support our clients through the execution of various distribution planning consulting services including (but not limited to) the following:
- Perform distribution planning studies across multiple software platforms while applying planning criteria and conducting mitigation and alternatives analyses.
- Evaluate the impacts of load growth and distributed energy resource (DER) interconnections, recommend cost-effective mitigation measures, and identify feasible alternatives.
- Assess multi-year utility system plans in alignment with client objectives and state or jurisdictional requirements.
- Conduct research related to the proliferation of DERs and advanced distribution technologies such as solar, wind, energy storage, electric vehicles, conservation voltage reduction, distribution automation, and system restoration.
- Develop and maintain data-driven solutions for distribution system analysis, including data processing pipelines, analytical and simulation models, and visualization or decision-support tools.
- Design and implement analytical tools, scripts, and workflows (Python- and/or SQL-based) to improve efficiency, automation, and reproducibility of studies.
- Analyze historical distribution system data (e.g., AMI, SCADA, DER, EV data) to identify trends, anomalies, and planning insights.
- Support the development of data standards, model validation processes, and integration between engineering tools and enterprise data systems.
- Apply statistical analysis and basic machine learning techniques to support distribution load forecasting and planning.
- Participate in multi-disciplinary teams to gather input, address comments, and deliver coordinated study results.
- Take responsibility for the timely completion of assigned projects while meeting quality, scope, and budget objectives.
- Perform technical reviews of studies completed by other engineers and provide constructive feedback to ensure high-quality deliverables.
- Mentor and collaborate with team members while contributing to a positive and solutions-oriented work environment.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:
- Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Master of Science or higher preferred.
- Minimum 4+ years of experience related to distribution utilities/power systems (i.e., electric cooperatives, municipalities, investor-owned utilities, research labs, etc.).
- Strong technical skills and understanding related to utility distribution systems.
- Distribution modeling software experience in at least one software platform (CYME, Synergi Electric, openDSS, etc.).
- Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, with the ability to translate power system engineering problems into data-driven solutions, including data processing, statistical analysis, and model development.
- Experience in distribution system data analysis, including SCADA data, DER data, EV data, and AMI data.
- Familiarity with handling large datasets, experience with actual distribution system measurements (e.g., EV, AMI, SCADA) quality control, and developing reproducible analysis workflows.
- Familiarity with statistical analysis and basic machine learning techniques applied to distribution load forecasting.
- Experience in automation/programming (Python and/or SQL preferred).
- Proven team player skilled in mentoring and building strong internal and external relationships.
- Strong organizational and communication skills, both written and verbal, particularly with respect to explaining technical matters.
- Strong interpersonal, problem solving, and analytical skills.
- Capable of managing multiple tasks.
- Flexible with the ability to manage change.
- Have high standards and pride in producing quality reports and products.
- Strong technical report writing skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Lead the change!
Be a part of an innovative team shaping the grid of the future through advanced energy intelligence. For more than half a century, Electric Power Engineers (EPE) has partnered with power and energy clients across the globe, providing consulting expertise and energy intelligence software solutions for complex engineering and grid modeling challenges. As leaders in the renewables space, we are focused on building a modern, secure, and resilient grid. Join us in making an impact on the communities we serve and the environment in which we live. Together we can transform the future of energy.
HOW WE SUPPORT YOU:
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits including medical, dental, and vision with 100% premium coverage for you.
- Generous PTO and paid holidays.
- MyShare Employee Ownership Program.
- Work with industry leaders.
- 401K, up to a 4% match (100% vested from day 1).
LOCATION
This position will be remote US.
TRAVEL
Occasional travel may be needed (10% or less).
EPE is an equal opportunity/AA/Disability/Veteran employer. The EEO is the Law poster, and its supplement are available using the following links: EEOC is the Law Poster.
THIRD-PARTY RECRUITING NOTIFICATION
EPE does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. Any unsolicited third-party resumes forwarded by recruiters to EPE via our career page or to any of our managers or employees will be considered public information, may be treated as a direct application from the person identified in the resume, and will not be eligible for placement fee payment to the agency. EPE will not pay a fee to a third-party recruiter or agency without a previously signed third-party agreement and has not coordinated their recruiting activity with the appropriate member of the Talent Acquisition team.
See all 136+ OPT Power Systems Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Power Systems Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Power Systems Engineer
Target utilities and grid operators first
Investor-owned utilities like Duke Energy, Dominion, and PG&E have established immigration programs and sponsor consistently. They hire power systems engineers at scale, making them more reliable OPT sponsors than smaller energy consultancies.
Emphasize your STEM OPT extension eligibility
Electrical Engineering degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you three years total. Lead with this in outreach emails to recruiters so they understand sponsorship timelines before your initial OPT period ends.
Align your application to grid modernization projects
Employers prioritizing SCADA systems, smart grid infrastructure, and renewable integration are actively hiring. Framing your coursework and projects around these areas directly addresses the skills shortage driving the most sponsorship-friendly job openings.
Get licensed or start the PE process early
Many power systems roles require a Professional Engineer license long-term. Passing the FE exam during OPT signals commitment to a U.S. career and makes you a stronger H-1B petition candidate when your employer files.
Prioritize national labs and federal contractors carefully
National labs like Oak Ridge and Argonne hire power engineers but often require security clearances unavailable to most OPT students. Focus on private-sector grid companies and engineering consultancies where clearance requirements are less common.
Use your OPT period to build a specialty, not breadth
Employers sponsoring H-1B visas want demonstrable expertise in one area, whether protection and control, transmission planning, or power electronics. Specializing during OPT makes your sponsorship petition significantly stronger and easier to justify.
Power Systems Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Power Systems Engineer jobs commonly offer OPT and H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, power systems engineering is one of the stronger fields for visa sponsorship. Utilities, independent system operators, and energy consultancies routinely sponsor H-1B petitions because qualified candidates are scarce. You can browse verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for companies open to OPT and H-1B candidates.
Does a Power Systems Engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most power systems engineers hold degrees in Electrical Engineering or Electrical and Computer Engineering, both of which appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. That qualifies you for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you three years of work authorization total before needing H-1B sponsorship.
Are there security clearance issues for OPT students in power systems roles?
Some roles, particularly at federal contractors, national laboratories, and grid security divisions of utilities, require security clearances that most OPT students cannot obtain as non-permanent residents. Private-sector positions in transmission planning, substation design, and power electronics typically do not have clearance requirements and are generally accessible to OPT candidates.
What types of employers hire Power Systems Engineers on OPT?
The strongest hiring sectors are investor-owned utilities, regional transmission organizations, renewable energy developers, and engineering consulting firms. Companies focused on grid modernization, offshore wind, and EV charging infrastructure are actively expanding their power systems teams and have demonstrated willingness to sponsor OPT-to-H-1B transitions.
What should I highlight on my resume when applying for Power Systems Engineer jobs on OPT?
Prioritize technical skills directly tied to open grid challenges: power flow analysis, protection and control systems, SCADA, and familiarity with tools like PSCAD, PSS/E, or ETAP. Capstone projects, internships, or research involving renewable integration or transmission planning are especially compelling. Your STEM OPT eligibility and remaining authorization period are worth including so employers understand your timeline.