STEM OPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs
Electrical Controls Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree is in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or a related CIP-coded field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to authorize the 24-month extension, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization to build experience in PLC programming, industrial automation, and control systems design.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.
PSE's Generation & Natural Gas Storage team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Engineer I - Generation Electrical & Controls position!
Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Puget Sound Energy’s Generation Electrical & Controls (GEC) department is looking for an Electrical Engineer with experience in Industrial Processes and Controls, Protective Relaying, electrical maintenance, asset management or in closely related fields, to join our team.
GEC is a centralized group providing electrical engineering support for all PSE owned generating facilities including hydro, gas turbine, wind, solar and battery storage. This support includes professional engineering services in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of these facilities.
The successful candidate will review and verify complex engineering plans, designs, drawings, specifications, standards, evaluations, and studies utilizing specialized analytical skills. The candidate should possess knowledge of, or must be able to learn, plant electrical and mechanical systems related to power generation and storage. They must be able to communicate successfully with personnel possessing a wide variety of technical backgrounds, and be able to ensure compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements and ensure that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment. In addition, they will need to provide quick, professional responses to assist generating plant staff with troubleshooting operational problems on complex plant control systems as well as a variety of power generation equipment.
The ideal candidate would have significant power plant controls experience. Tasks for this position include but are not limited to the following:
- Support commissioning and troubleshoot operational issues related to wind and solar generation (primary function), instrumentation, PLCs, DCSs, SCADA, and various power generation equipment.
- Propose recommendations for control system upgrades, component replacements and design improvements.
- Manage projects from inception to project close-out including:
- create the project scope, budget and schedule
- support construction and installation phases
- lead commissioning and initial start-up
- ensure successful implementation and accurate documentation
- development of maintenance plans and plant procedures
- Prepare specifications and request-for-proposals as well as evaluate proposals from vendors.
- Evaluate the condition of critical electrical components; specify new and replacement components as required.
- Design and/or modify HMIs, PLC, and DCS logic using various programming methods, including ladder logic, structured text and function block “languages”.
- Creating or modifying P&IDs, loop drawings, schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Mentor and train other engineers and technicians.
- Support emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather or other system failures.
- Validate NERC compliance and develop/execute action plans to close compliance gaps.
- Perform Arc Flash studies and develop reports.
The work will consist of a mix of field and office responsibilities in central and southeast Washington State as well as the Billings, Montana area, primarily in support of various wind and solar projects. The field work typically ranges from 40-60 percent of the total depending upon assignments and takes place at the various PSE generating locations. Some overnight stays may be necessary when working at distant locations. This is a hybrid work position with some flexibility in selecting an office location.
This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Interprets and/or modifies available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
- Reviews and verifies complex designs, standards, studies and analyses.
- Provides a detailed design review of internal or external technical documents.
- Prepares cost estimates and project evaluations without direct supervision.
- Plans and develops project budgets with appropriate documentation.
- Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
- Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work and initiate corrective action.
- Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth of skills within PSE’s engineering workforce.
- Communicates solutions to personnel possessing a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds, including in public forums in both verbal and written forms.
- Ensures that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment.
- Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
- May lead or coordinate the work of junior engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, and others who assist on specific projects. (This includes contractor/consultants.)
- Performs job duties at various PSE generating sites and requires employees operate a vehicle up to eight hours per day while maintaining a clean driving record free of moving violations.
- Traverse at least one mile per day over uneven ground, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- In order to access equipment, must climb and descend wind turbine generators, stairs, ladders, and temporary scaffolding, with or without reasonable accommodation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- ABET accredited, or completed NCEES Credentials evaluated, Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering discipline. An EIT or FE certificate may qualify in lieu of ABET accreditation.
- Entry level to three (3) years of experience in engineering design, preparation of specifications, technical field work, or system studies. Other prior non-engineering work experience may be considered for individuals at this level.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in wind or solar generation.
- Experience with Low and Medium Voltage electrical systems.
- Solar and Wind site asset maintenance and inspection experience.
- Experience with Low Voltage electrical studies including Arc Flash and low voltage protection coordination.
- Protective Relay experience, both electrical design and settings, as well as related NERC compliance.
- Possession of, or ability to acquire, a Professional Engineering license.
- Experience working on complex engineering projects.
- Industrial Controls along with SEL RTAC experience; Industrial Networking and NERC compliance experience a plus.
- Knowledge of and experience with computer networking, firewalls, architecture, protocols, routers, and controllers.
- Experience with MET towers is a plus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.
The pay range for this position is $80,200.00 - $115,800.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.
PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com).
Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.
Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.
Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.
INTRODUCTION
Puget Sound Energy is looking to grow our community with top talented individuals like you! With our rapidly growing, award winning energy efficiency programs, our pathway to an exciting and innovative future is now.
PSE's Generation & Natural Gas Storage team is looking for qualified candidates to fill an open Engineer I - Generation Electrical & Controls position!
Specific details regarding the work arrangements for this position will be discussed in further detail during the interview process.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Puget Sound Energy’s Generation Electrical & Controls (GEC) department is looking for an Electrical Engineer with experience in Industrial Processes and Controls, Protective Relaying, electrical maintenance, asset management or in closely related fields, to join our team.
GEC is a centralized group providing electrical engineering support for all PSE owned generating facilities including hydro, gas turbine, wind, solar and battery storage. This support includes professional engineering services in the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of these facilities.
The successful candidate will review and verify complex engineering plans, designs, drawings, specifications, standards, evaluations, and studies utilizing specialized analytical skills. The candidate should possess knowledge of, or must be able to learn, plant electrical and mechanical systems related to power generation and storage. They must be able to communicate successfully with personnel possessing a wide variety of technical backgrounds, and be able to ensure compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements and ensure that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment. In addition, they will need to provide quick, professional responses to assist generating plant staff with troubleshooting operational problems on complex plant control systems as well as a variety of power generation equipment.
The ideal candidate would have significant power plant controls experience. Tasks for this position include but are not limited to the following:
- Support commissioning and troubleshoot operational issues related to wind and solar generation (primary function), instrumentation, PLCs, DCSs, SCADA, and various power generation equipment.
- Propose recommendations for control system upgrades, component replacements and design improvements.
- Manage projects from inception to project close-out including:
- create the project scope, budget and schedule
- support construction and installation phases
- lead commissioning and initial start-up
- ensure successful implementation and accurate documentation
- development of maintenance plans and plant procedures
- Prepare specifications and request-for-proposals as well as evaluate proposals from vendors.
- Evaluate the condition of critical electrical components; specify new and replacement components as required.
- Design and/or modify HMIs, PLC, and DCS logic using various programming methods, including ladder logic, structured text and function block “languages”.
- Creating or modifying P&IDs, loop drawings, schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Mentor and train other engineers and technicians.
- Support emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather or other system failures.
- Validate NERC compliance and develop/execute action plans to close compliance gaps.
- Perform Arc Flash studies and develop reports.
The work will consist of a mix of field and office responsibilities in central and southeast Washington State as well as the Billings, Montana area, primarily in support of various wind and solar projects. The field work typically ranges from 40-60 percent of the total depending upon assignments and takes place at the various PSE generating locations. Some overnight stays may be necessary when working at distant locations. This is a hybrid work position with some flexibility in selecting an office location.
This job is considered “safety sensitive” as defined in RCW 49.44.240 and is subject to pre-employment drug screening that includes screening for the presence of marijuana and marijuana metabolites.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Interprets and/or modifies available guidelines for application to existing problems or processes.
- Reviews and verifies complex designs, standards, studies and analyses.
- Provides a detailed design review of internal or external technical documents.
- Prepares cost estimates and project evaluations without direct supervision.
- Plans and develops project budgets with appropriate documentation.
- Ensures compliance with codes, standards, and design, operation, and maintenance requirements.
- Identifies potential areas of weakness with assigned work and initiate corrective action.
- Documents and shares work with others to strengthen the depth of skills within PSE’s engineering workforce.
- Communicates solutions to personnel possessing a wide variety of educational and employment backgrounds, including in public forums in both verbal and written forms.
- Ensures that problem solutions are tailored to PSE’s business environment.
- Supports emergency response work as requested including immediate and extended restoration efforts driven by weather and other system failures.
- May lead or coordinate the work of junior engineers, engineering assistants, field technicians, and others who assist on specific projects. (This includes contractor/consultants.)
- Performs job duties at various PSE generating sites and requires employees operate a vehicle up to eight hours per day while maintaining a clean driving record free of moving violations.
- Traverse at least one mile per day over uneven ground, with or without reasonable accommodation.
- In order to access equipment, must climb and descend wind turbine generators, stairs, ladders, and temporary scaffolding, with or without reasonable accommodation.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- ABET accredited, or completed NCEES Credentials evaluated, Bachelor of Science degree in electrical, mechanical, civil or other appropriate engineering discipline. An EIT or FE certificate may qualify in lieu of ABET accreditation.
- Entry level to three (3) years of experience in engineering design, preparation of specifications, technical field work, or system studies. Other prior non-engineering work experience may be considered for individuals at this level.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience working in wind or solar generation.
- Experience with Low and Medium Voltage electrical systems.
- Solar and Wind site asset maintenance and inspection experience.
- Experience with Low Voltage electrical studies including Arc Flash and low voltage protection coordination.
- Protective Relay experience, both electrical design and settings, as well as related NERC compliance.
- Possession of, or ability to acquire, a Professional Engineering license.
- Experience working on complex engineering projects.
- Industrial Controls along with SEL RTAC experience; Industrial Networking and NERC compliance experience a plus.
- Knowledge of and experience with computer networking, firewalls, architecture, protocols, routers, and controllers.
- Experience with MET towers is a plus.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
At PSE, we value our employees and provide them with opportunities to excel. We offer a competitive and comprehensive total rewards package. To learn more about why PSE is a great place to work, see our Employee Value Proposition, which highlights our commitment to employee growth, work-life balance, and meaningful career opportunities in the energy sector.
The pay range for this position is $80,200.00 - $115,800.00, and this position is eligible for annual goals based incentive bonuses.
PSE offers a suite of benefits to our employees. Employees are eligible for medical, dental, vision, basic life, and short- and long-term disability insurance. There are additional voluntary options of supplemental life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent daycare, and an Employee assistance program (EAP). For long term savings, PSE offers a 401(k) investment option and a cash balance retirement plan. Employees will also receive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays throughout the calendar year. Detailed benefit overviews can be found on our Career page - Why Work For Us (pse.com).
Families and businesses depend on PSE to provide the energy they need to pursue their dreams. Our steadfast commitment to serving Washington communities with safe, dependable and efficient energy started in 1873. Today we're building the Northwest's energy future through efforts like our award winning energy efficiency programs and our leadership in renewable energy.
Puget Sound Energy is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status or presence of a disability that with or without reasonable accommodation does not prevent performance of the essential functions of the job, or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law.
Should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources Staffing department at jobs@pse.com or 425-462-3017.
See all STEM OPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Electrical Controls Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Electrical Controls Engineer
Verify your degree CIP code first
Electrical engineering degrees typically fall under CIP code 14.1001, but control systems coursework may also qualify under related codes. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying, so you don't discover eligibility issues after accepting an offer.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
Before submitting applications, confirm each employer is enrolled in E-Verify using the E-Verify employer search. Manufacturers and automation firms sometimes operate across subsidiaries, so verify the specific legal entity listed on your offer letter, not just the parent company.
Target industries with high controls engineering demand
Automotive OEMs, food and beverage manufacturers, semiconductor fabrication facilities, and utility companies file the highest volume of LCAs for controls engineer roles. Focusing your search on these sectors increases your chances of finding E-Verify-enrolled employers actively hiring OPT candidates.
Use Migrate Mate to surface verified sponsorship history
Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and active LCA filings for electrical controls and automation roles. This lets you prioritize outreach to companies already familiar with OPT paperwork rather than educating hiring teams from scratch.
Submit your I-983 training plan before your start date
Your employer must sign the I-983 documenting your training goals, supervision structure, and how the role relates to your STEM degree. Have your hiring manager or HR contact review the form before your first day, since ICE requires it to be in place at the start of the extension period.
Check prevailing wage levels before negotiating
Look up the wage level for your role using the OFLC Wage Search and the O*NET occupation code for electrical and electronics engineers. Knowing the DOL prevailing wage for your metro area prevents you from accepting offers that could create compliance problems for your employer during the extension period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension as an Electrical Controls Engineer?
Your degree qualifies if it falls under an approved STEM CIP code, which includes electrical engineering (14.1001), computer engineering (14.0901), and several related fields. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific program is on the STEM Designated Degree Program list maintained by USCIS. Automation and controls roles are consistently recognized as matching these degree fields, but the degree itself, not the job title, determines eligibility.
Does my Electrical Controls Engineer employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension begins, and enrollment must cover the specific worksite location listed on your I-983 training plan. If your employer operates across multiple entities or sites, verify that the legal entity signing your offer letter and I-983 is the enrolled one, since parent company enrollment doesn't automatically extend to subsidiaries.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a controls engineering role?
The I-983 must describe the specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, the supervision structure, how your daily work connects to your field of study, and the practical skills you'll develop. For controls engineering, this typically means documenting PLC programming projects, instrumentation work, or control system design tasks that align with your electrical or computer engineering coursework. Both you and your employer sign the form, and your DSO must receive a copy before the extension starts.
How does cap-gap protection work if my employer files an H-1B petition while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your employer files a timely H-1B visa petition and your STEM OPT expires before October 1 of that fiscal year, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization until the H-1B start date. USCIS confirms cap-gap status through the USCIS website, and your DSO will issue an updated I-20 reflecting the extension. You can continue working in your controls engineering role without interruption as long as the petition remains pending or approved.
How do I find Electrical Controls Engineer jobs that accept STEM OPT students?
Search Migrate Mate to find Electrical Controls Engineer roles at employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history in automation and controls engineering. Many manufacturers and industrial firms actively hire STEM OPT candidates but don't advertise it explicitly in job postings, so filtering by verified sponsorship history saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking each recruiter individually.