OPT Substation Engineer Jobs
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.
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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 Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Substation Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 OPT: Frequently 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.