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 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 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.