OPT Transmission Line Project Manager Jobs
Transmission Line Project Manager jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering, civil engineering, or construction management. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of work authorization, making you a competitive candidate for employers seeking long-term infrastructure talent.
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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 work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the 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.
HDR Engineering is currently seeking a Senior Extra-High Voltage (EHV) Transmission Line Project Manager to join our growing local and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals. You’ll be part of a rapidly growing team wanting to take your career to the next level. Having developed foundational expertise in EHV Transmission Line project management, including routing, siting, public involvement, environmental permitting, right of way acquisition, surveying, geotechnical, engineering, and procurement and construction support, you are ready to undertake a complex and responsible role of leading linear projects 5-100+ miles in length and up to 765kV of moderate to difficult complexity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary duties of this role include project leadership, client interface, scope and/or proposal development, team development and assignment, team and client communication, scheduling, change management, financial management, and closeout. Under your direction, a team of engineering managers and/or discipline leads and a project team will be responsible for execution and deliverables, quality control/quality assurance, and procurement and construction support.
Specific duties include:
- Responsible for overall project management duties including scope/schedule/budget, project planning, financial management and controls, earned value, communication, team management, change management, and closeout.
- Understanding and oversight of a project life cycle, client goals and objectives, contract terms and project risk, and project management in a work breakdown structure format.
- Leadership and coordination of multiple disciplines within linear projects, including public involvement, environmental permitting, real estate/right of way acquisition, surveying, geotechnical investigations, engineering, construction management, and potentially other services.
- Project scheduling of all disciplines and coordination with discipline leads and subcontractors to meet project milestones and deliverable dates.
- Directs and oversees technical engineering managers and discipline leaders who lead and oversee the QA/QC process and is committed to delivering world class quality.
- Performs client management, project management and/or technical support activities.
- Represents HDR to support marketing and proposal development for new opportunities.
- Some travel for business development and execution may be required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in related field
- 10 years related experience
- A minimum of 5 years of project management experience
- Familiar with Microsoft Office, estimating and scheduling software, project management software
- Must have the ability to interact with various design teams, have excellent organizational, project management and communication (both written and verbal) skills
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Mechanical Engineering, or similar combination of relevant education and experience.
- Minimum 5 years of linear multi-discipline project management.
- Project scheduling experience utilizing Microsoft Project or P6.
- Strong client and project management skills.
- Demonstrates leadership and communication skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office.
- Some travel may be required.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate or ability to obtain.
- EHV Transmission Line project management experience
- EHV Transmission Line design experience
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.
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.)
COMPENSATION
- Montana: $118,703 - $169,575
- New York: $124,950 - $178,500
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-Montana-Billings
Other Locations: United States-North Carolina-Charlotte, United States-Idaho-Boise, United States-Maine-Portland, United States-Michigan-Ann Arbor, United States-Montana-Missoula, United States-Missouri-Kansas City, United States-New York-Syracuse, United States-Texas-Dallas, United States-Oregon-Portland, United States-Texas-Houston
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
BUSINESS CLASS
Transmission/Distribution Eng
JOB POSTING
Feb 19, 2025
At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Transmission Line Project Manager
Lead with your STEM OPT timeline upfront
Electrical and civil engineering degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years total. Mention this in your cover letter so employers understand your authorization window before evaluating your application.
Target utilities and transmission-focused EPC firms
Large investor-owned utilities and engineering, procurement, and construction firms regularly manage multi-year transmission projects. These employers have established HR processes for OPT workers and are more likely to support visa sponsorship after your authorization period.
Emphasize project coordination experience, not just technical skills
Hiring managers for this role prioritize scheduling, subcontractor coordination, and budget oversight. Highlight any internship or capstone work where you managed timelines or cross-functional teams, even at a smaller scale than utility-level projects.
Get your PMP or CAPM certification before applying
Project management credentials signal professional readiness and reduce employer hesitation about OPT status. The CAPM is accessible for recent graduates and demonstrates commitment to the project management discipline that transmission line roles require.
Demonstrate familiarity with NERC standards and OSHA requirements
Employers expect candidates to understand reliability and safety compliance frameworks governing transmission work. Referencing these in your resume or interview shows you can operate within regulated environments, which matters significantly to utility and infrastructure employers.
Address OPT reporting requirements proactively with employers
Some employers unfamiliar with OPT worry about compliance obligations. Clarifying that your DSO handles SEVIS reporting and that their role is limited to verifying employment details reduces friction and builds confidence during the hiring conversation.
Transmission Line Project Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Transmission Line Project Managers?
Yes. F-1 students with degrees in electrical engineering, civil engineering, construction management, or a related field can work in this role during their OPT period. The position must be directly related to your major field of study. If your degree qualifies as STEM, you can apply for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12-month OPT authorization.
Does a Transmission Line Project Manager role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in electrical engineering, civil engineering, or construction management from the STEM-designated fields list, your degree likely qualifies for the extension. The job itself must also be directly related to that STEM field. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Transmission Line Project Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Browse Migrate Mate, which is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters roles by sponsorship openness. Transmission line roles are concentrated in utilities and EPC firms with active infrastructure pipelines. Searching by employer type rather than job title alone can surface more relevant openings for OPT candidates in this specialized field.
Do employers in the transmission and utility sector commonly sponsor OPT workers?
Large investor-owned utilities and national EPC contractors have established immigration compliance programs and more frequently support OPT and subsequent H-1B visa sponsorship. Smaller regional firms may be less familiar with the process. Targeting employers with a track record of hiring international engineers improves your odds significantly for roles in transmission line project management.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my transmission project ends before my authorization period does?
If your employment ends, you have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your total OPT period, though STEM OPT has stricter rules and allows only 60 days. You must update your employer information in SEVIS through your DSO promptly. Finding a new qualifying position before that window closes is critical to maintaining valid F-1 status.