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.
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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.
HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Building Information Modeling (BIM) 3D Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals in our Substation group.
The successful candidate will be a part of a team that provides 3D designer support for large and small scale substation engineering projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who wants to learn and take on new challenges.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Substation BIM 3D Designer, we'll count on you to:
- Perform 3D modeling and design of Substation projects, utilizing 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software.
- Perform substation design tasks, CADD design, develop design drawings and documents, prepare material lists, and other tasks for simple to moderately complex projects.
- Perform most design responsibilities with assistance, guidance, and input from engineers on simple to moderately complex projects.
- Work independently with little to no guidance on simple projects, and will work independently while performing CAD work and functions.
- Other duties include, but are not limited to interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables, performing field reviews and walk downs at client facilities, and applying client standards related to the work.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical degree or a minimum of 3 years related industry experience.
- Technically qualified with 3D design software and document management infrastructure.
- Competency of Microsoft Office products and communication tools.
- Experience with 3D Coordination tools.
- Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational traits are essential.
- Intermediate understanding of engineering or architectural concepts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- An Associate’s Degree in drafting or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, or a high school diploma and 3 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
- 3+ years of Substation design experience.
- Advanced knowledge of 2D and 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software and raster CAD.
- Electrical utility or similar design experience preferred.
- Preference given to candidates in the local area.
- Experience in both the Protection and Control (Indoor) and Physical (Outdoor) aspects of High Voltage (HV) Substation design.
- Experience with substation design including One Line Diagrams, General Arrangements Sections, Material Lists (Bill of Materials/BOM), Lightning Stroke Shielding Plans, Conduit, Electrical Connection & Grounding Plans & Details, Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, & Lighting Plans, Foundation Plans, Relay and Control Systems Schematics and Wiring Diagrams.
- Independently make design and engineering decisions for low to moderately complex projects with minimal oversight.
- Ability to work directly with clients and strong communication skills.
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Idaho-Boise
Other Locations: United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-Washington-Spokane, United States-Arizona-Tucson, United States-Idaho-Coeur d'Alene, United States-Nevada-Las Vegas
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
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.)
- Washington: $22.44-32.06
- Nevada: $26.55-37.94
- California: $29.21-41.73 Hourly
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.
HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Building Information Modeling (BIM) 3D Designer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals in our Substation group.
The successful candidate will be a part of a team that provides 3D designer support for large and small scale substation engineering projects. This is an excellent growth opportunity for a self-directed individual who wants to learn and take on new challenges.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Substation BIM 3D Designer, we'll count on you to:
- Perform 3D modeling and design of Substation projects, utilizing 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software.
- Perform substation design tasks, CADD design, develop design drawings and documents, prepare material lists, and other tasks for simple to moderately complex projects.
- Perform most design responsibilities with assistance, guidance, and input from engineers on simple to moderately complex projects.
- Work independently with little to no guidance on simple projects, and will work independently while performing CAD work and functions.
- Other duties include, but are not limited to interpreting and incorporating vendor information into design deliverables, performing field reviews and walk downs at client facilities, and applying client standards related to the work.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Technical degree or a minimum of 3 years related industry experience.
- Technically qualified with 3D design software and document management infrastructure.
- Competency of Microsoft Office products and communication tools.
- Experience with 3D Coordination tools.
- Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and organizational traits are essential.
- Intermediate understanding of engineering or architectural concepts.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- An Associate’s Degree in drafting or Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, or a high school diploma and 3 or more years drafting course work or equivalent technical experience, or combination of education and relevant experience.
- 3+ years of Substation design experience.
- Advanced knowledge of 2D and 3D AutoCAD and MicroStation software and raster CAD.
- Electrical utility or similar design experience preferred.
- Preference given to candidates in the local area.
- Experience in both the Protection and Control (Indoor) and Physical (Outdoor) aspects of High Voltage (HV) Substation design.
- Experience with substation design including One Line Diagrams, General Arrangements Sections, Material Lists (Bill of Materials/BOM), Lightning Stroke Shielding Plans, Conduit, Electrical Connection & Grounding Plans & Details, Control Building Equipment, Cable Tray, & Lighting Plans, Foundation Plans, Relay and Control Systems Schematics and Wiring Diagrams.
- Independently make design and engineering decisions for low to moderately complex projects with minimal oversight.
- Ability to work directly with clients and strong communication skills.
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Idaho-Boise
Other Locations: United States-Arizona-Phoenix, United States-Washington-Spokane, United States-Arizona-Tucson, United States-Idaho-Coeur d'Alene, United States-Nevada-Las Vegas
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
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.)
- Washington: $22.44-32.06
- Nevada: $26.55-37.94
- California: $29.21-41.73 Hourly
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.
See all 119+ 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.