OPT Power Systems Engineering Jobs
Power Systems Engineering OPT jobs span utilities, grid operators, and energy companies that routinely sponsor F-1 students. Most roles require a degree in electrical engineering with a power systems focus, and STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of authorized work, a meaningful advantage in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
We are designing the grid of the future! 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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Join us in leading the change! We are seeking an experienced Power Systems Software Engineer to join the EPE software team. You'll sit at the intersection of transmission planning and software: turning the way planners actually run studies into reliable, automated, cloud-based tools that utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and developers use every day.
Your primary responsibility is to design, test, and validate software that supports and accelerates transmission planning and interconnection assessment workflows. You will work closely with power system engineers, software developers, and product owners to define requirements, automate processes, and make sure our tools produce results that engineers trust.
How you can make an impact:
- Domain requirements & product input: Translate transmission planning practice (study scopes, criteria, contingency definitions, mitigation logic) into clear requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria for the development team.
- Software design & testing: Design and test features that enhance utility-scale generation interconnection and transmission planning assessments, including steady-state, short circuit, and dynamic stability workflows.
- Automation & programming: Use Python and related tools to automate study setup, execution, and post-processing, and to build tools that streamline transmission system studies and simulations.
- Model & data management: Work with power flow and dynamics case data, contingency and monitored-element files, and supporting data to keep models and inputs clean, versioned, and reproducible.
- Software validation & benchmarking: Benchmark tool results against established industry software and hand-calculated or reference studies; troubleshoot discrepancies to ensure accuracy, reliability, and performance.
- Collaboration: Partner with transmission planners, software developers, and cross-functional teams to develop and integrate solutions that energy development and planning teams need.
- Documentation: Write clear methodology notes, user guides, and release validation reports that help engineers understand and trust tool outputs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems; a Master's degree is a plus.
- 4+ years of experience as a power systems engineer in transmission planning and analysis, generation interconnection, or renewable energy development.
- Hands-on experience performing power system studies such as steady-state (thermal/voltage, contingency analysis), short circuit, and/or dynamic stability.
- Working proficiency in at least one major power system analysis tool (e.g., PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld, TSAT/DSATools, PSCAD, ASPEN, TARA).
- Solid understanding of the US transmission network and generation development, including ISO/RTO market structures, interconnection queue processes, and NERC TPL planning standards.
- Working knowledge of Python for scripting and automation of engineering workflows.
- Strong presentation and communication skills: able to explain complex technical topics to engineers, clients, and non-technical audiences.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, especially in identifying and resolving issues in power system simulations, models, and software results.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong programming and automation skills in Python, including power system APIs (e.g., psspy) and data libraries (pandas, NumPy).
- Experience with software testing frameworks and practices (e.g., pytest, regression/benchmark test suites) and version control (Git).
- Experience with Agile development, issue tracking (e.g., Jira), and writing requirements or user stories.
- Familiarity with cloud-based software development, distributed or batch computing.
- Experience with SPP, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, CAISO, or other ISO/RTO interconnection or transmission planning processes (e.g., DISIS, cluster studies, TPL assessments).
- Familiarity with FERC Order 2023 and current interconnection reform.
- Knowledge of AI-driven or machine-learning applications in power systems.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT.
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 located in City, State
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! 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.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Join us in leading the change! We are seeking an experienced Power Systems Software Engineer to join the EPE software team. You'll sit at the intersection of transmission planning and software: turning the way planners actually run studies into reliable, automated, cloud-based tools that utilities, ISOs/RTOs, and developers use every day.
Your primary responsibility is to design, test, and validate software that supports and accelerates transmission planning and interconnection assessment workflows. You will work closely with power system engineers, software developers, and product owners to define requirements, automate processes, and make sure our tools produce results that engineers trust.
How you can make an impact:
- Domain requirements & product input: Translate transmission planning practice (study scopes, criteria, contingency definitions, mitigation logic) into clear requirements, user stories, and acceptance criteria for the development team.
- Software design & testing: Design and test features that enhance utility-scale generation interconnection and transmission planning assessments, including steady-state, short circuit, and dynamic stability workflows.
- Automation & programming: Use Python and related tools to automate study setup, execution, and post-processing, and to build tools that streamline transmission system studies and simulations.
- Model & data management: Work with power flow and dynamics case data, contingency and monitored-element files, and supporting data to keep models and inputs clean, versioned, and reproducible.
- Software validation & benchmarking: Benchmark tool results against established industry software and hand-calculated or reference studies; troubleshoot discrepancies to ensure accuracy, reliability, and performance.
- Collaboration: Partner with transmission planners, software developers, and cross-functional teams to develop and integrate solutions that energy development and planning teams need.
- Documentation: Write clear methodology notes, user guides, and release validation reports that help engineers understand and trust tool outputs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bring your passion, here's what’s needed:
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering with a focus on power systems; a Master's degree is a plus.
- 4+ years of experience as a power systems engineer in transmission planning and analysis, generation interconnection, or renewable energy development.
- Hands-on experience performing power system studies such as steady-state (thermal/voltage, contingency analysis), short circuit, and/or dynamic stability.
- Working proficiency in at least one major power system analysis tool (e.g., PSS/E, PSLF, PowerWorld, TSAT/DSATools, PSCAD, ASPEN, TARA).
- Solid understanding of the US transmission network and generation development, including ISO/RTO market structures, interconnection queue processes, and NERC TPL planning standards.
- Working knowledge of Python for scripting and automation of engineering workflows.
- Strong presentation and communication skills: able to explain complex technical topics to engineers, clients, and non-technical audiences.
- Excellent problem-solving skills, especially in identifying and resolving issues in power system simulations, models, and software results.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong programming and automation skills in Python, including power system APIs (e.g., psspy) and data libraries (pandas, NumPy).
- Experience with software testing frameworks and practices (e.g., pytest, regression/benchmark test suites) and version control (Git).
- Experience with Agile development, issue tracking (e.g., Jira), and writing requirements or user stories.
- Familiarity with cloud-based software development, distributed or batch computing.
- Experience with SPP, MISO, PJM, ERCOT, CAISO, or other ISO/RTO interconnection or transmission planning processes (e.g., DISIS, cluster studies, TPL assessments).
- Familiarity with FERC Order 2023 and current interconnection reform.
- Knowledge of AI-driven or machine-learning applications in power systems.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license or EIT.
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 located in City, State
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 790+ OPT Power Systems Engineering Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Power Systems Engineering
Target STEM-designated employers early
Power systems roles at utilities and grid operators almost always qualify for STEM OPT extension. Confirm your employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer, since that enrollment is required for your three-year STEM extension filing.
Align your degree field with the job description
USCIS requires your degree to relate directly to your OPT role. Power systems positions typically map cleanly to electrical engineering degrees. If your concentration was in power electronics or energy systems, mention that explicitly in your application materials.
Approach smaller utilities and cooperatives
Regional electric cooperatives and municipal utilities hire power systems engineers and are often more flexible on visa timelines than large corporations. Smaller organizations sometimes move faster through hiring decisions, which matters when your OPT start date is approaching.
Get your EAD card before your start date
Apply for OPT authorization at least 90 days before your intended start date. Power systems roles often have firm project onboarding schedules, and delays in your Employment Authorization Document can push back your start date and complicate employer planning.
Document your engineering contributions precisely
For STEM OPT extension, your training plan must describe how the work relates to your degree. Keep records of specific projects, grid modeling tools you use, and technical responsibilities. Vague job descriptions create problems at extension time.
Prioritize roles at ISO and RTO organizations
Independent System Operators and Regional Transmission Organizations, such as PJM, MISO, and CAISO, regularly hire OPT students for analytical and engineering roles. These organizations are experienced with work authorization and often have structured programs for recent graduates.
Power Systems Engineering OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do power systems engineering jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Power systems engineering roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because electrical engineering is a designated STEM field under the DHS STEM list. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must file Form I-765 before your initial OPT period expires. This gives qualifying students up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
What types of employers hire power systems engineers on OPT?
Utilities, Independent System Operators, engineering consultancies, renewable energy developers, and federal agencies like the Department of Energy all hire power systems engineers on OPT. Many of these organizations are experienced with F-1 work authorization and have HR processes in place to support it. You can browse verified OPT-friendly employers in this field on Migrate Mate.
How does changing employers affect my OPT if I work in power systems?
During standard OPT, you can change employers but your new role must still relate to your degree field. For STEM OPT, you must report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days and submit a new Form I-983 training plan with your new employer. Your new employer also needs to be E-Verify enrolled. Gaps in employment exceeding 90 days during OPT can affect your status.
Can I work as a contractor or consultant on OPT in a power systems role?
Yes, but with restrictions. Self-employment is not permitted on OPT. Contract or consulting work is allowed if a qualifying employer directs and evaluates your work and the role relates to your degree. Staffing agency arrangements are permissible as long as the end client provides the day-to-day supervision. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific arrangement meets OPT requirements.
What should I include in my STEM OPT training plan for a power systems role?
Your Form I-983 training plan should describe specific engineering tasks, such as load flow analysis, protection coordination, or grid interconnection studies, and explain how each relates to your electrical engineering coursework. Generic descriptions like 'performs engineering duties' are insufficient. Include measurable learning objectives, the tools and software you will use, and how your supervisor will evaluate your technical progress.