Substation Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Substation Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this field routinely sponsor H-1B visas, making it one of the more visa-friendly paths in power systems engineering.
See All Substation Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 248+ Substation Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 248+ Substation Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Substation Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsWhat You Will Do:
GFT is seeking experienced Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group in St. Louis, MO, Roanoke, VA, Charlotte, NC, Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Chicago, IL or Marlton, NJ
Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting-edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure. Our team excels in providing solutions for power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, utilizing advanced technologies and creative problem-solving to meet today’s diverse energy needs. Be part of a dynamic group dedicated to enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency while shaping the energy landscape for a resilient and sustainable future. Discover some of our signature power and energy projects here.
As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients.
You will need to have experience supporting or leading various substation projects from 34.5kV up through 500kV. In addition, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships with clients and key stakeholders in the Power & Utility industry.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Develop substation layout drawings including, plan and elevations, yard layouts, grounding, grounding details, raceway, raceway details, control building layouts, cable lists, and material lists on new and existing substations.
- Develop substation one lines, three lines, Aux AC Power Systems, DC Power Systems, DC Schematics, SCADA and Communications Systems, Relay Panel Layouts, Equipment Wiring, and Cable Schedules for new and existing substations.
- Prepare calculations and reports presenting the calculations to clients.
- Prepare equipment specifications, for substation equipment, components, and construction.
- Collaborate internally to pursue power substation projects regionally and nationally with the objective of increasing Gannett Fleming presence in the power delivery business.
- Develop and nurture client relationships and work across multiple disciplines in other offices.
- Assume an active role in the preparation of proposals, bids, reports, and presentations.
Education | Experience:
What you will bring to our firm:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Professional Engineer License or on the path to obtaining professional licensure.
- 3+ years progressive experience in design, engineering, and project management within the power and utility industry.
- Interest in or direct experience working in the consulting engineering profession.
- Demonstrated ability with project management software and tools (Microsoft Project or similar) for scope, schedule, and budget management.
- Design experience in high voltage substation and distribution projects.
- Experience in the creation of quality technical solutions and the design delivery of major power delivery projects.
- Commitment to driving strong business performance, continuous improvement, and best practices.
What we prefer you bring:
- Advanced Degree strongly preferred.
- Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or Inventor.
Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $77,000-$155,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Company Overview:
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, construction services, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™
GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or other characteristics protected by law. Unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.
LI-AM1
LI-Hybrid
Location: St. Louis, MO, Roanoke, VA, Charlotte, NC, Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Chicago, IL or Marlton, NJ
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $77,000 - $155,000; Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.
What You Will Do:
GFT is seeking experienced Substation Engineers (Electrical Engineers) to join our expanding Power Group in St. Louis, MO, Roanoke, VA, Charlotte, NC, Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Chicago, IL or Marlton, NJ
Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting-edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure. Our team excels in providing solutions for power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, utilizing advanced technologies and creative problem-solving to meet today’s diverse energy needs. Be part of a dynamic group dedicated to enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency while shaping the energy landscape for a resilient and sustainable future. Discover some of our signature power and energy projects here.
As a substation engineer, you will lead or support utility and power substation projects and clients.
You will need to have experience supporting or leading various substation projects from 34.5kV up through 500kV. In addition, you will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability to build effective relationships with clients and key stakeholders in the Power & Utility industry.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Develop substation layout drawings including, plan and elevations, yard layouts, grounding, grounding details, raceway, raceway details, control building layouts, cable lists, and material lists on new and existing substations.
- Develop substation one lines, three lines, Aux AC Power Systems, DC Power Systems, DC Schematics, SCADA and Communications Systems, Relay Panel Layouts, Equipment Wiring, and Cable Schedules for new and existing substations.
- Prepare calculations and reports presenting the calculations to clients.
- Prepare equipment specifications, for substation equipment, components, and construction.
- Collaborate internally to pursue power substation projects regionally and nationally with the objective of increasing Gannett Fleming presence in the power delivery business.
- Develop and nurture client relationships and work across multiple disciplines in other offices.
- Assume an active role in the preparation of proposals, bids, reports, and presentations.
Education | Experience:
What you will bring to our firm:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering.
- Professional Engineer License or on the path to obtaining professional licensure.
- 3+ years progressive experience in design, engineering, and project management within the power and utility industry.
- Interest in or direct experience working in the consulting engineering profession.
- Demonstrated ability with project management software and tools (Microsoft Project or similar) for scope, schedule, and budget management.
- Design experience in high voltage substation and distribution projects.
- Experience in the creation of quality technical solutions and the design delivery of major power delivery projects.
- Commitment to driving strong business performance, continuous improvement, and best practices.
What we prefer you bring:
- Advanced Degree strongly preferred.
- Experience with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or Inventor.
Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $77,000-$155,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
Featured Benefits:
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
Company Overview:
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, construction services, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™
GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status, or other characteristics protected by law. Unsolicited resumes from third-party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.
LI-AM1
LI-Hybrid
Location: St. Louis, MO, Roanoke, VA, Charlotte, NC, Pittsburgh, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Chicago, IL or Marlton, NJ
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $77,000 - $155,000; Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Substation Engineer
Target utilities and power infrastructure firms
Investor-owned utilities, grid operators, and EPC contractors hire substation engineers regularly and have established visa sponsorship pipelines. These employers understand OPT timelines and are accustomed to filing H-1B petitions for engineers in this specialty.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Electrical engineering and related power systems degrees typically appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you can accurately represent your 36-month authorization window to employers.
Emphasize hands-on experience with substation design tools
Proficiency in AutoCAD, ETAP, or PSCAD signals you can contribute immediately. Employers weighing the cost of sponsorship need confidence you'll hit the ground running. Document project work with specific voltage levels and equipment types you've worked with.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Substation engineering roles often have lengthy onboarding and clearance processes. Starting your search three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough runway to complete hiring without feeling pressured by your work authorization timeline.
Understand the H-1B specialty occupation argument for your role
Substation engineers typically qualify as specialty occupation workers because the role requires an electrical engineering degree specifically. Be prepared to articulate this connection clearly, as some smaller employers may be unfamiliar with how the specialty occupation standard applies.
Ask directly about sponsorship before investing time in lengthy interviews
Engineering hiring processes often run four to six rounds. Raise sponsorship in the first or second conversation to avoid late-stage surprises. Frame it matter-of-factly: confirm they've sponsored engineers before and ask whether they plan to support H-1B for this role.
Substation Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Substation Engineer JobsSee all 248+ Substation Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Substation Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Substation Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Substation engineering roles typically require an electrical engineering degree, which falls under the STEM OPT designated degree list. That gives you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization instead of 12. Confirm your specific degree's CIP code with your DSO, since the extension is tied to your degree classification, not just the job title.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for Substation Engineers?
Sponsorship is relatively common in this field compared to many other engineering disciplines. Utilities, transmission developers, and large EPC firms regularly file H-1B petitions for electrical and substation engineers because demand for qualified candidates exceeds domestic supply. Smaller engineering consultancies may be less familiar with the process, so it's worth filtering your search toward mid-to-large employers. Migrate Mate is built to help you find roles from employers who sponsor OPT students.
Can I work on a substation project site while on OPT?
Yes, OPT authorizes you to work for your sponsoring employer in any setting that fits your job offer, including field assignments and project sites. Your employment authorization document covers the role as described by your employer. If your position involves rotating site visits across multiple states, your OPT status travels with you as long as your core employment relationship remains with the same authorized employer.
What happens to my OPT status if my Substation Engineer role changes significantly within the same company?
A significant change in job duties may require reporting to your DSO and potentially updating your OPT record, depending on how your university handles position changes. OPT must be directly related to your degree field, so shifting from substation design work into an unrelated management function, for example, could create a compliance issue. Notify your DSO any time your role changes materially.
Are government or utility employers able to sponsor OPT students for Substation Engineer roles?
Investor-owned utilities and private-sector EPC firms can and do sponsor OPT students. Federal government agencies typically cannot hire F-1 OPT students directly due to citizenship requirements on many engineering positions involving critical infrastructure. State and municipal utilities vary by jurisdiction. Focus your search on private-sector employers in transmission, distribution, and substation construction. Migrate Mate lists substation engineering roles specifically and filters for OPT-eligible positions.
See which Substation Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Substation Engineer Jobs