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 JobsDESCRIPTION:
The Substation Sr. System Protection Engineer serves as an engineer who can work independently with minimal guidance on electric substation design projects for high-voltage utility systems and renewable energy interconnection projects. He/she will apply their engineering knowledge and experience to fulfill the principal duties and responsibilities listed below as well as mentor, train, coordinate with clients and champion meetings and processes. He/she should be familiar with protection scheme functionality and have the ability to develop relay settings.
He/she will also work with other internal and external project stakeholders to ensure project milestones and expectations of contracted services are met. Westwood has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Mentor project stakeholders inside and outside the team
- Trains others on engineering and industry practices
- Support client coordination and technical meetings
- Champion for updates to processes and procedures to support company goals.
-
Performs all aspects of design for high voltage (4kV – 230kV) and EHV (above 230kV) substation projects to include:
-
Development of:
- Protection and Control Specifications
- Relay Settings
- Event Analysis
-
Studies
- Short Circuit
- Relay Coordination
- CT Saturation
- Other power system studies
-
Perform QA/QC
- One-Line Diagrams
- Three-Line Diagrams
- Current and Potential Schematics
- Control Schematics
- Alarm Schematics
-
Technical Support
- Procurement
- Construction (Testing and Commissioning)
-
Active Coordination
- Ability to work seamlessly with and provide guidance to the P&C Design team in their development of the above-listed items
- Ability to provide technical support to field personnel, responsible for applying and testing relay settings
- Ability to coordinate efforts with all project team members by identifying coordination needs within specific disciplines (i.e., protection and control design engineers, transmission line engineers, distribution line engineers, telecom engineers, etc.)
-
Support Consistency
- Follow department processes and procedures
- Continue strong customer service
-
Support Business
- Provides transparent and honest feedback to the project team (i.e., external stakeholders, clients, etc.)
- Helps develop approaches to accommodate unique client requests.
- Works to advise Management about how to maximize ROI for the team.
-
Other Expectations
- Leverages experience by mentoring and training entry-level professionals, including top graduates entering the field of system protection.
- Keenly focused on production of high-quality work and supports continuous improvement efforts.
- Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects.
- Responsible for assisting with identification of key client interests and drivers and may determine the key clients in some instances.
- Communicates client interests and drivers to project team members and develops approaches to accommodate these concerns in the performance of the work.
- Serves as a technical specialist for system protection and communication and has knowledge and skillset to provide consultation and guidance to project teams.
- Remove any impediments that are obstructing the engineering team from achieving its goals.
- Works to advise Management about how to maximize ROI for the team.
- Attending all client technical review meetings.
- Act as project technical lead and QA/QC lead as needed.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from a recognized accredited program
- EIT Certification
- Minimum of 4 years related work experience in the field of high voltage substation design, particularly relay settings for utility and/or renewable projects.
- Proficient using ASPEN One Liner, ETAP, Power Factory, CYME Dist., or similar programs
- Strong familiarity with NERC System Protection Coordination Requirements, including NERC PRC-019, NERC PRC-024, NERC PRC-025 and NERC PRC-027
- Strong familiarity with the NEC and National Electrical Safety Code
- Good knowledge of the industry and technology trends specific to substations
FOR PREFERRED CONSIDERATION (NOT REQUIRED):
- Meet minimum qualification
- Professional engineering license or ability to obtain one within 2 years of hire.
- Proficient with wind and solar farm SCADA and network requirements and associated designs and programming
- Arc Flash Studies
- SCADA and Communications Specifications
- I/O Mapping
- Points Lists and Associated Mapping
- Experience with proposal writing and project estimating.
- Working knowledge of scheduling and project controls processes.
- Knowledge of construction practices and constructability
ABOUT WESTWOOD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. (WESTWOOD)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
JOIN US IN CREATING A BETTER WORLD.
In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
DESCRIPTION:
The Substation Sr. System Protection Engineer serves as an engineer who can work independently with minimal guidance on electric substation design projects for high-voltage utility systems and renewable energy interconnection projects. He/she will apply their engineering knowledge and experience to fulfill the principal duties and responsibilities listed below as well as mentor, train, coordinate with clients and champion meetings and processes. He/she should be familiar with protection scheme functionality and have the ability to develop relay settings.
He/she will also work with other internal and external project stakeholders to ensure project milestones and expectations of contracted services are met. Westwood has a highly experienced and dynamic team of individuals dedicated to providing high-level professional services to our clients.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Mentor project stakeholders inside and outside the team
- Trains others on engineering and industry practices
- Support client coordination and technical meetings
- Champion for updates to processes and procedures to support company goals.
-
Performs all aspects of design for high voltage (4kV – 230kV) and EHV (above 230kV) substation projects to include:
-
Development of:
- Protection and Control Specifications
- Relay Settings
- Event Analysis
-
Studies
- Short Circuit
- Relay Coordination
- CT Saturation
- Other power system studies
-
Perform QA/QC
- One-Line Diagrams
- Three-Line Diagrams
- Current and Potential Schematics
- Control Schematics
- Alarm Schematics
-
Technical Support
- Procurement
- Construction (Testing and Commissioning)
-
Active Coordination
- Ability to work seamlessly with and provide guidance to the P&C Design team in their development of the above-listed items
- Ability to provide technical support to field personnel, responsible for applying and testing relay settings
- Ability to coordinate efforts with all project team members by identifying coordination needs within specific disciplines (i.e., protection and control design engineers, transmission line engineers, distribution line engineers, telecom engineers, etc.)
-
Support Consistency
- Follow department processes and procedures
- Continue strong customer service
-
Support Business
- Provides transparent and honest feedback to the project team (i.e., external stakeholders, clients, etc.)
- Helps develop approaches to accommodate unique client requests.
- Works to advise Management about how to maximize ROI for the team.
-
Other Expectations
- Leverages experience by mentoring and training entry-level professionals, including top graduates entering the field of system protection.
- Keenly focused on production of high-quality work and supports continuous improvement efforts.
- Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects.
- Responsible for assisting with identification of key client interests and drivers and may determine the key clients in some instances.
- Communicates client interests and drivers to project team members and develops approaches to accommodate these concerns in the performance of the work.
- Serves as a technical specialist for system protection and communication and has knowledge and skillset to provide consultation and guidance to project teams.
- Remove any impediments that are obstructing the engineering team from achieving its goals.
- Works to advise Management about how to maximize ROI for the team.
- Attending all client technical review meetings.
- Act as project technical lead and QA/QC lead as needed.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from a recognized accredited program
- EIT Certification
- Minimum of 4 years related work experience in the field of high voltage substation design, particularly relay settings for utility and/or renewable projects.
- Proficient using ASPEN One Liner, ETAP, Power Factory, CYME Dist., or similar programs
- Strong familiarity with NERC System Protection Coordination Requirements, including NERC PRC-019, NERC PRC-024, NERC PRC-025 and NERC PRC-027
- Strong familiarity with the NEC and National Electrical Safety Code
- Good knowledge of the industry and technology trends specific to substations
FOR PREFERRED CONSIDERATION (NOT REQUIRED):
- Meet minimum qualification
- Professional engineering license or ability to obtain one within 2 years of hire.
- Proficient with wind and solar farm SCADA and network requirements and associated designs and programming
- Arc Flash Studies
- SCADA and Communications Specifications
- I/O Mapping
- Points Lists and Associated Mapping
- Experience with proposal writing and project estimating.
- Working knowledge of scheduling and project controls processes.
- Knowledge of construction practices and constructability
ABOUT WESTWOOD PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, INC. (WESTWOOD)
At Westwood, our purpose is to create a better world for people through our work. We transform the energy grid, design resilient infrastructure, and develop communities that will flourish today and for future generations. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of innovation, we stand at the forefront of our industry, dedicated to understanding the unique needs of the markets we serve.
Our approach revolves around people. We are committed to building a culture that attracts, retains, and develops high performers. Our team values relationships, innovation, dedication, initiative, and growth. We believe fostering a collaborative “One Team” mentality yields superior outcomes in everything we do.
We customize our technical capabilities and geographic reach to meet our clients where they are and help them realize their vision. We are partners in our clients’ success, driving to provide solutions that make a lasting difference. Safety, sustainability, and operational excellence are not just facets of our work; they are intrinsic to our identity, guiding every decision we make.
We are deeply invested in the communities we serve. Through our projects and giving-back initiatives, we enrich the lives of those we serve, engage others within our industry, and create a lasting impact on communities around the world. To us, success transcends the completion of projects; it is reflected in the lives we have positively impacted by our work.
JOIN US IN CREATING A BETTER WORLD.
In 2025, Westwood was recognized as #77 on the ENR Top 500 Design Firms. Additionally, Westwood was ranked #5 for ENR's Top Design Firm for Solar, #6 for Battery Storage, and #3 for Wind (2025). The firm consistently ranks on the industry's top 25 lists and receives recognition for its involvement in award-winning projects nationwide.
Westwood provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We believe that diverse backgrounds strengthen our business. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
See all 135+ 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.