OPT Substation Design Engineer Jobs
Substation Design Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical or power systems engineering. Most roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of U.S. work authorization while you build experience in transmission and distribution infrastructure.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HDR Engineering is currently seeking a Substation Physical Design EIT/Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a team that executes technical design on substation engineering projects ranging in scale from simple device replacements to large greenfield design projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who is eager to learn and take on new challenges. The primary duties of a Substation EIT include preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage) and substation systems under the direction and supervision of more senior engineers and designers. The successful/ideal candidate will be seeking knowledge and experience in both the Protection and Control (Indoor) and Physical (Outdoor) aspects of High Voltage (HV) Substation design.
Other responsibilities include:
- Work under the direction of the Project Manager(s) and Project Engineer(s).
- Prepare calculations, design sketches and redline drawings.
- Work with Designers and CAD Technicians to develop drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes and project specifications and requirements.
- Typical designs include general arrangements, bus layouts and elevations and span calculations, conduit layouts, grounding layouts, control enclosure layouts and elevations, equipment details (bus, conduit, grounding), one-line diagrams, understanding of protection and control schematics and wiring diagrams, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing and calculations, AC and DC systems calculations and sizing.
- Occasional short-term travel (typically 1-5 days) may be necessary. Longer term (several weeks) assignments may be required infrequently on project assignments.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Candidates without their EIT will be called a Substation Physical Designer and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field of study
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Montana-Billings
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
INDUSTRY
Power
COMPENSATION
The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Montana: $66800- $90500
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
INTRODUCTION
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
HDR Engineering is currently seeking a Substation Physical Design EIT/Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. The successful candidate will be an integral part of a team that executes technical design on substation engineering projects ranging in scale from simple device replacements to large greenfield design projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who is eager to learn and take on new challenges. The primary duties of a Substation EIT include preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage) and substation systems under the direction and supervision of more senior engineers and designers. The successful/ideal candidate will be seeking knowledge and experience in both the Protection and Control (Indoor) and Physical (Outdoor) aspects of High Voltage (HV) Substation design.
Other responsibilities include:
- Work under the direction of the Project Manager(s) and Project Engineer(s).
- Prepare calculations, design sketches and redline drawings.
- Work with Designers and CAD Technicians to develop drawings in accordance with national design standards, safety codes and project specifications and requirements.
- Typical designs include general arrangements, bus layouts and elevations and span calculations, conduit layouts, grounding layouts, control enclosure layouts and elevations, equipment details (bus, conduit, grounding), one-line diagrams, understanding of protection and control schematics and wiring diagrams, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing and calculations, AC and DC systems calculations and sizing.
- Occasional short-term travel (typically 1-5 days) may be necessary. Longer term (several weeks) assignments may be required infrequently on project assignments.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Candidates without their EIT will be called a Substation Physical Designer and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field of study
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Montana-Billings
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
INDUSTRY
Power
COMPENSATION
The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. Temporary and part-time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Montana: $66800- $90500
WHAT WE BELIEVE
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
OUR COMMITMENT
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Substation Design Engineer
Target utilities and EPC firms with established OPT pipelines
Large investor-owned utilities and engineering procurement construction firms regularly hire OPT students for substation work. These employers already have HR processes for work authorization and are far less likely to reject your application over OPT status.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Electrical engineering and power systems degrees on the DHS STEM list make you eligible for the 24-month extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before interviewing so you can answer work authorization questions with confidence.
Lead with your technical skills, not your visa status
Substation employers care about AutoCAD, ETAP, protection relay knowledge, and IEEE standards experience. Front-load these in your resume and cover letter. Visa status comes up during HR screening, not in the engineering interview that gets you the offer.
Apply before your OPT start date to avoid timeline pressure
Substation design roles often have 4-to-6-week hiring cycles. Starting your search 90 days before graduation keeps you from racing against your OPT authorization window and gives employers time to process onboarding requirements without urgency.
Understand which project types align with H-1B sponsorship later
Roles tied to federally regulated utility projects at larger firms correlate with higher H-1B visa sponsorship rates. Prioritizing these employers during your OPT job search positions you better for long-term visa sponsorship when your OPT period ends.
Get your EIT certification during OPT to strengthen sponsorship cases
Passing the FE exam and becoming an Engineer in Training demonstrates professional trajectory to employers evaluating H-1B sponsorship. Many substation design firms list EIT as a preferred qualification, and it signals commitment to a U.S. engineering career path.
Substation Design Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Substation Design Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Substation Design Engineer roles typically require a degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or a closely related field, all of which appear on the DHS STEM designated degree list. If your degree qualifies, you're eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months, giving you up to three years of work authorization without employer sponsorship.
How do I find Substation Design Engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, so you're not sorting through postings from employers who won't consider international candidates. Search for Substation Design Engineer roles on Migrate Mate to find positions where employers have already indicated openness to work authorization. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and hitting visa-related rejections late in the process.
What types of employers hire Substation Design Engineers on OPT?
The main hiring segments are investor-owned electric utilities, rural electric cooperatives, transmission owners, and engineering firms that design utility infrastructure on contract. Large engineering firms often have more structured onboarding for international candidates because they hire at volume. Government-owned utilities and municipal power authorities may have restrictions on hiring non-citizens or permanent residents, so verify employment eligibility requirements before applying to those specifically.
Can I work as a Substation Design Engineer as an independent contractor on OPT?
No. OPT requires that you work for an employer in a standard employment relationship. Self-employment and independent contracting are not permitted under OPT work authorization rules. Substation design roles are almost always full-time W-2 positions at engineering firms or utilities, so this is rarely a practical concern. If you're ever offered a contract-to-hire arrangement, confirm with your DSO whether the structure satisfies USCIS employment requirements.
Do I need a Professional Engineer license to get a Substation Design Engineer job on OPT?
Not for most entry-level and mid-level roles. Employers typically require a PE license for engineers who sign and seal drawings, but substation design work under the supervision of a licensed PE is common at the junior level. Earning your Engineer in Training designation by passing the FE exam is a practical step during your OPT period. It demonstrates professional intent and strengthens your profile when employers evaluate long-term H-1B sponsorship viability.