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
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.
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.
See all OPT Substation Design Engineer Jobs
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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.