STEM OPT Transmission Line Design Jobs
Transmission line design roles in power systems and electrical infrastructure qualify for STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization after graduation. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your degree in electrical engineering or a related STEM field must map to an eligible CIP code.
Find STEM OPT Transmission Line Design JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 22+ Transmission Line Design jobs










See all Transmission Line Design Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Transmission Line Design roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
GFT is seeking a Transmission Line Engineer to join our Power Business Group! If you are in the Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Marlton, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL or Phoenix, AZ area, it would be hybrid position. However, it could be fully remote for other areas and for the right person.
Joining the power team at GFT means engaging in cutting-edge projects that drive the future of energy infrastructure. Our team excels in providing solutions for power transmission, distribution, and renewable energy, utilizing advanced technologies and creative problem-solving to meet today’s diverse energy needs. Be part of a dynamic group dedicated to enhancing system reliability, sustainability, and efficiency while shaping the energy landscape for a resilient and sustainable future. Discover some of our signature power and energy projects here.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Senior Transmission Line Engineer, you will lead and oversee transmission line project designs, serving as a subject matter expert in transmission line engineering. You will navigate the complexities of electrical transmission line design while leading project discussions with clients and internal teams. Additionally, you will provide strategic input to the leadership team, ensuring alignment with project goals. In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
- Design transmission line segments using PLS-CADD or other structural design software.
- Develop design criteria documents and construction specifications.
- Prepare comprehensive construction packages, including structure details, material lists, staking tables, plan and profiles, and stringing charts.
- Estimate project costs, resources, labor, and materials, establishing realistic deadlines and completion dates.
- Write, modify, and review specifications in compliance with NESC, IEEE, NEC requirements, and industry best practices.
- Conduct feasibility studies, routing studies, and EMF calculations to support project planning.
- Oversee project implementation, ensuring proper verification of foundations, structures, and equipment installation.
- Lead or assist with proposal preparation and business development initiatives.
- Travel to client sites for project definition and execution phases.
- Mentor and coach less experienced engineers and technicians, fostering professional growth within the team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Structural Engineering from an accredited college or university.
- 3+ years of experience in transmission line design.
- In-depth knowledge of NESC, IEEE, and other applicable codes and standards related to transmission line design.
- High proficiency in PLS-CADD.
- Experience in electrical utility or utility consulting is strongly preferred.
- Strong technical writing and verbal communication skills.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with RISA-3D and/or STAAD for structural analysis and design is preferred.
- Functional understanding of AISC, ACI 318, ASCE 7, ASCE 10, ASCE 48, EIA-TIA 222, CSA, and GO95 is preferred.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
COMPENSATION
- The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $125,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
FEATURED BENEFITS
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
- Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives. GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™
GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law. Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.
LOCATION
Charlotte, NC, Roanoke, VA, Marlton, NJ, Pittsburgh, PA, St. Louis, MO, Chicago, IL or Phoenix, AZ area, it would be hybrid position. However, it could be fully remote.
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Salary Range: $90,000 - $125,000 (USD) Salary dependent upon experience and geographic location.
LI-Hybrid
LI-GB1
LI-REMOTE
CALIFORNIA APPLICANTS
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco - Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California - Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
See all STEM OPT Transmission Line Design Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Transmission Line Design Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in Transmission Line Design
Verify your CIP code maps correctly
Check that your electrical engineering or power systems degree program carries a CIP code recognized for STEM OPT eligibility. Your DSO confirms this on your updated I-20 before you file the extension with USCIS.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask any prospective employer directly whether they're enrolled in E-Verify before you start the I-983 training plan process. Utilities and engineering consultancies often participate, but smaller contractors may not, which disqualifies the position.
Build your I-983 around transmission-specific tasks
Your training plan must connect your daily work to your STEM degree objectives. Document how line rating calculations, right-of-way analysis, or protection coordination directly develop the skills from your electrical engineering curriculum.
Target employers with active DOL labor condition filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter transmission and power-sector employers by E-Verify status and DOL filing history, so you're applying only to companies already set up to hire STEM OPT students in engineering roles.
Apply 90 days before your OPT end date
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed while your initial OPT EAD is still valid. Missing this window forces you to stop working, so align your job search timeline with your OPT expiration date.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to benchmark offers
Transmission line design roles span multiple wage levels depending on region and complexity. Run the OFLC Wage Search for your target metro area using the relevant SOC code before evaluating any offer, so you know where it sits against prevailing wage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a transmission line design job qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in electrical engineering, power systems, or another STEM field with an eligible CIP code. The role itself must also constitute practical training directly related to that degree. Your DSO updates your I-20 to reflect the STEM OPT extension, and USCIS approves the 24-month extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my employer in this role?
Any employer hiring you under STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify for the specific worksite where you'll work. This applies to utilities, engineering consulting firms, and contractors alike. If your employer uses a third-party staffing arrangement, E-Verify enrollment must cover the actual hiring entity, not just the staffing agency.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a transmission design position?
Your I-983 must describe how the work develops skills tied to your STEM degree. For transmission line design, that means documenting tasks like conductor sizing, load flow analysis, tower structure design, or protection relay coordination and linking each to specific learning objectives from your electrical engineering program. Both you and your employer's authorized representative sign it.
How does cap-gap protect me if my H-1B is selected while I'm on STEM OPT?
If your H-1B visa petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and your status runs through October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization until the H-1B start date. You can continue working in your transmission design role without interruption. USCIS confirms cap-gap eligibility through the timely filing of a complete I-129 petition.
Where can I find transmission line design jobs that sponsor STEM OPT students?
Search Migrate Mate to find transmission and power-sector employers filtered by E-Verify enrollment and DOL filing activity. This lets you focus your applications on companies that are already structured to hire STEM OPT engineers, rather than spending time on employers who haven't navigated the process before.