OPT Substation Electrician Jobs
Substation Electrician roles involve high-voltage electrical systems, protective relay work, and utility infrastructure maintenance, making them strong OPT candidates in energy and utilities. Many employers in this field sponsor H-1B visas and are familiar with OPT work authorization. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree field.
Find OPT Substation Electrician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 117+ Substation Electrician jobs
See all 117+ Substation Electrician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Substation Electrician roles.
Get Access To All JobsABOUT AMPIRICAL
At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.
We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.
YOUR ROLE: SUBSTATION PROTECTION AND CONTROL DESIGNER
This onsite position in our Duluth, GA office supports Ampirical’s Substation - Protection & Control team and the development of electrical protection and control design packages.
We are considering candidates at the Designer I, Designer II, and Designer III levels. The appropriate level will be determined based on education, relevant experience, technical knowledge, and the candidate’s ability to independently perform protection and control design work.
In this role, you will develop and interpret protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, cable lists, and related electrical documentation while building or applying knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis.
The scope and independence of the work increases with level. Designer I performs lower-complexity work with significant guidance, Designer II handles intermediate-complexity work with moderate oversight, and Designer III handles moderately complex work with low oversight and provides peer checks for lower-level designers.
Occasional site visits and field support are required.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Create and interpret protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists
- Apply knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis to protection and control design tasks
- Develop electrical design documentation using AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Perform electrical load calculations appropriate to project scope and position level
- Interpret project scopes and translate them into accurate design deliverables
- Support protection and control projects ranging from equipment and panel replacements to more complex station modifications and greenfield station builds
- Assist with or prepare equipment specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs) based on position level
- Review and incorporate vendor drawings and equipment information
- Apply client-specific drawing and design standards
- Perform self-checks and participate in quality-control and peer-review processes
- Use Bluebeam Revu to review and mark up project documentation
- Support project schedules, budgets, scope, and quality requirements
- Participate in site visits, pre-scoping activities, field documentation, and construction support
- Collaborate with engineers, project leads, clients, vendors, and other members of the project team
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Designer I
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field (non-ABET)
- 0+ years of professional experience required
- Candidates without a qualifying degree may be considered with 2+ years of directly relevant experience in protection and control design or a related technical field
Designer II
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field (non-ABET)
- 2+ years of progressive experience in protection and control design or a related technical field
- Candidates without a qualifying degree may be considered with 2+ additional years of directly relevant experience
Designer III
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field (non-ABET)
- 4+ years of progressive experience in protection and control design or a related technical field
- Candidates without a qualifying degree may be considered with 2+ additional years of directly relevant experience
Experience
Designer I
- Basic knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Ability to create and interpret basic protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists under appropriate oversight
- Strong drafting background with AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Ability to learn and apply client drawing standards and quality procedures
- Ability to assist with equipment specifications, BOM preparation, and vendor drawing reviews
- Strong attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to learn
Designer II
- Intermediate knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Ability to independently support moderately complex protection and control design tasks
- Ability to create and interpret intermediate protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Ability to assist with equipment specifications and BOM preparation
- Experience with vendor drawing review processes
- Ability to apply client drawing standards and perform design self-checks
- Ability to participate in site visits and pre-scoping activities with appropriate oversight
Designer III
- Proficient knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Ability to execute moderately complex protection and control design tasks with minimal oversight
- Ability to create and interpret moderately difficult protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Ability to specify equipment and prepare BOMs
- Experience reviewing vendor quotes and drawings
- Ability to independently apply client standards across varying project complexities
- Ability to provide peer checks for lower-level designers
- Ability to perform site visits, support construction activities, and develop simple scopes of work with limited oversight
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
SKILLS
- AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Protection and control schematics
- Wiring diagrams
- Panel layouts
- Cable lists
- Electrical design documentation
- Bluebeam Revu
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Equipment specifications and Bills of Materials appropriate to position level
- Vendor drawing review
- Ability to understand and apply client-specific drawing and design standards
- Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate design documentation
- Strong communication, organization, collaboration, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
HOURLY RATE:
Designer I
- 0+ years of experience
- $28.92 - $38.46/hour ($60,144 - $80,001 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Designer II
- 2+ years of relevant experience
- $30.65 - $40.77/hour ($63,752 - $84,801 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Designer III
- 4+ years of relevant experience
- $31.97 - $43.48/hour ($66,497 - $90,429 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k): 4% match with immediate vesting
PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
Flexible Work Schedule: Every other Friday off
Career Development: Advancement opportunities and tuition reimbursement
Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more
Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
ABOUT AMPIRICAL
At Ampirical, we're shaping the future of the power grid with precision, innovation, and purpose. Just as the ampere is the foundation of electric current, Ampirical is a core force driving the energy sector forward. We focus on quality, forward-thinking solutions, and empowering our team to grow and thrive.
We don’t just build projects—we build careers. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions matter and your professional development is supported every step of the way, we’d love to meet you. Watch this video to get a glimpse into our culture.
YOUR ROLE: SUBSTATION PROTECTION AND CONTROL DESIGNER
This onsite position in our Duluth, GA office supports Ampirical’s Substation - Protection & Control team and the development of electrical protection and control design packages.
We are considering candidates at the Designer I, Designer II, and Designer III levels. The appropriate level will be determined based on education, relevant experience, technical knowledge, and the candidate’s ability to independently perform protection and control design work.
In this role, you will develop and interpret protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, cable lists, and related electrical documentation while building or applying knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis.
The scope and independence of the work increases with level. Designer I performs lower-complexity work with significant guidance, Designer II handles intermediate-complexity work with moderate oversight, and Designer III handles moderately complex work with low oversight and provides peer checks for lower-level designers.
Occasional site visits and field support are required.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
- Create and interpret protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists
- Apply knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis to protection and control design tasks
- Develop electrical design documentation using AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Perform electrical load calculations appropriate to project scope and position level
- Interpret project scopes and translate them into accurate design deliverables
- Support protection and control projects ranging from equipment and panel replacements to more complex station modifications and greenfield station builds
- Assist with or prepare equipment specifications and Bills of Materials (BOMs) based on position level
- Review and incorporate vendor drawings and equipment information
- Apply client-specific drawing and design standards
- Perform self-checks and participate in quality-control and peer-review processes
- Use Bluebeam Revu to review and mark up project documentation
- Support project schedules, budgets, scope, and quality requirements
- Participate in site visits, pre-scoping activities, field documentation, and construction support
- Collaborate with engineers, project leads, clients, vendors, and other members of the project team
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Designer I
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field (non-ABET)
- 0+ years of professional experience required
- Candidates without a qualifying degree may be considered with 2+ years of directly relevant experience in protection and control design or a related technical field
Designer II
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field (non-ABET)
- 2+ years of progressive experience in protection and control design or a related technical field
- Candidates without a qualifying degree may be considered with 2+ additional years of directly relevant experience
Designer III
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology, Construction Management, or a related technical field (non-ABET)
- 4+ years of progressive experience in protection and control design or a related technical field
- Candidates without a qualifying degree may be considered with 2+ additional years of directly relevant experience
Experience
Designer I
- Basic knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Ability to create and interpret basic protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists under appropriate oversight
- Strong drafting background with AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Ability to learn and apply client drawing standards and quality procedures
- Ability to assist with equipment specifications, BOM preparation, and vendor drawing reviews
- Strong attention to detail, reliability, and willingness to learn
Designer II
- Intermediate knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Ability to independently support moderately complex protection and control design tasks
- Ability to create and interpret intermediate protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Ability to assist with equipment specifications and BOM preparation
- Experience with vendor drawing review processes
- Ability to apply client drawing standards and perform design self-checks
- Ability to participate in site visits and pre-scoping activities with appropriate oversight
Designer III
- Proficient knowledge of AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Ability to execute moderately complex protection and control design tasks with minimal oversight
- Ability to create and interpret moderately difficult protection and control schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and cable lists
- Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- Ability to specify equipment and prepare BOMs
- Experience reviewing vendor quotes and drawings
- Ability to independently apply client standards across varying project complexities
- Ability to provide peer checks for lower-level designers
- Ability to perform site visits, support construction activities, and develop simple scopes of work with limited oversight
- Strong collaboration and communication skills
SKILLS
- AutoCAD and/or AutoCAD Electrical
- AC/DC circuit design and analysis
- Protection and control schematics
- Wiring diagrams
- Panel layouts
- Cable lists
- Electrical design documentation
- Bluebeam Revu
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Equipment specifications and Bills of Materials appropriate to position level
- Vendor drawing review
- Ability to understand and apply client-specific drawing and design standards
- Strong attention to detail and ability to produce accurate design documentation
- Strong communication, organization, collaboration, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
HOURLY RATE:
Designer I
- 0+ years of experience
- $28.92 - $38.46/hour ($60,144 - $80,001 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Designer II
- 2+ years of relevant experience
- $30.65 - $40.77/hour ($63,752 - $84,801 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Designer III
- 4+ years of relevant experience
- $31.97 - $43.48/hour ($66,497 - $90,429 annualized) - Commensurate (dependent on experience, education, and qualifications)
Profit-Sharing Bonus: Semi-annual, performance-based (10% to 20% of salary)
Day-One Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision
401(k): 4% match with immediate vesting
PTO: Starting at 80 hours of vacation and 40 hours of sick time per year + 10 paid holidays
Flexible Work Schedule: Every other Friday off
Career Development: Advancement opportunities and tuition reimbursement
Perks: Gym membership stipend, wellness program, fertility benefits, pet insurance, and more
Ampirical is an Equal Opportunity Employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on the following characteristics in our hiring and employment practices: Age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion or religious attire, marital status, pregnancy (child birth or related medical conditions), citizenship status or amnesty, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, sickle-cell trait, status as a tobacco user or non-user, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law.
See all 117+ OPT Substation Electrician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Substation Electrician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Substation Electrician
Target utility companies and electrical contractors directly
Large investor-owned utilities and regional electrical contractors hire substation electricians regularly and often have established OPT and H-1B sponsorship processes. Focus your search on employers with existing international hiring infrastructure rather than smaller independent shops.
Clarify your OPT authorization type upfront
Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. If your degree is in electrical engineering or a related STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your eligibility with your DSO before applying so you can answer employer questions confidently.
Highlight relevant certifications in your application
OSHA electrical safety credentials, NFPA 70E training, and state journeyman or apprentice licenses signal job-readiness to employers. These certifications address a common concern about hiring OPT candidates and reduce perceived onboarding risk for regulated utility roles.
Ask about sponsorship timing during the interview, not after
Raise the H-1B sponsorship question once an employer has shown genuine interest, ideally late in the interview process. Frame it around your long-term commitment to the role and ask directly whether they have sponsored international employees in similar positions before.
Understand the gap between OPT expiration and H-1B start
H-1B cap-subject petitions have an October 1 start date. If your OPT expires before then, the cap-gap rule may bridge the difference automatically. Discuss your timeline with your DSO early so you and your employer can plan the filing schedule without risking a work authorization gap.
Use your degree field to negotiate STEM OPT eligibility
Electrical engineering, power systems, and related technical degrees commonly qualify for STEM OPT. Confirm your degree CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer. Employers value the extended authorization window because it gives them more time to file an H-1B petition on your behalf.
Substation Electrician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Substation Electrician on OPT?
Yes, you can work as a Substation Electrician on OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. Electrical engineering, power systems, and applied electrical technology degrees typically satisfy this requirement. You must have an active EAD card before starting work. Confirm the connection between your degree and the role with your DSO if you're unsure.
Does a Substation Electrician job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in electrical engineering, electrical technology, or a qualifying STEM field listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
Do employers in the electrical utility industry sponsor H-1B visas for substation roles?
Many do, particularly larger investor-owned utilities, municipal power authorities, and established electrical contractors. These employers tend to have existing international hiring infrastructure and legal teams familiar with H-1B petitions. Smaller contractors are less likely to sponsor. Browse substation electrician roles on Migrate Mate to find employers with a track record of sponsoring international candidates in this field.
What happens to my OPT work authorization if I change employers?
OPT is not tied to a specific employer, but every new position must still be directly related to your degree. When you change jobs, report the new employer information to your DSO within 10 days so it can be updated in SEVIS. Failing to update your employment record can put your F-1 status at risk, even if your EAD card remains valid.
Are there state licensing requirements that affect OPT substation electricians?
Yes. Most states require electrical workers to hold a journeyman or apprentice license, and some utilities have additional certification requirements for high-voltage substation work. Licensing is separate from work authorization, but gaps in credentials can affect hiring timelines. Research your state's electrical licensing board requirements before accepting an offer to avoid delays in your start date.