STEM OPT Transmission Line Design Engineer Jobs
Transmission Line Design Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT because they sit squarely in engineering CIP codes. Your 24-month STEM OPT extension brings your total work authorization to 36 months, giving employers a meaningful runway. Every employer hiring you must be enrolled in E-Verify, which utility and infrastructure firms typically are.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
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.
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 Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Transmission Line Design Engineer
Verify your CIP code maps correctly
Check your degree's CIP code against the official STEM OPT designated degree list before applying. Electrical Engineering (14.1001) and Civil Engineering (14.0801) both qualify, but a mismatch between your transcript and the list can delay your I-20 STEM OPT recommendation.
Search E-Verify status before applying
Confirm a company is enrolled in E-Verify using the E-Verify employer search tool before you invest time in an application. Utility companies and large EPC contractors almost always enroll, but smaller regional transmission consultancies may not.
Target employers with active LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to filter for transmission and power engineering employers who have active Labor Condition Applications on file. DOL LCA data shows which companies are actively hiring engineers under work authorization, saving you from cold outreach to non-sponsoring firms.
Build your I-983 training plan around deliverables
Draft your I-983 training plan before your start date, not after. Structure it around specific transmission line deliverables like right-of-way assessments, PLS-CADD modeling tasks, or protection relay coordination studies so the plan clearly demonstrates a direct connection to your STEM degree.
Check prevailing wage before negotiating your offer
Run your job title and work location through the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions. Transmission Line Design Engineers fall under SOC 17-2071, and your employer's LCA must certify a wage at or above the prevailing level for that location.
Time your OPT start date around project cycles
Utility and transmission EPC firms hire on project-award timelines, not standard corporate cycles. Coordinate your OPT start date with your DSO to align with a firm's upcoming transmission project kick-off, maximizing your 36 months against actual billable work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Transmission Line Design Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field like Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering. Transmission Line Design Engineer positions typically fall under SOC 17-2071 (Electrical Engineers) or 17-2051 (Civil Engineers), both of which map to qualifying CIP codes. Confirm your specific degree's CIP code appears on the official STEM OPT designated degree list before your DSO recommends your STEM OPT I-20.
Does my employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify for STEM OPT?
Yes. STEM OPT requires your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify, not just registered. Most large utility companies, transmission owners, and EPC contractors are already enrolled, but regional engineering consultancies may not be. You can confirm enrollment using the E-Verify employer search tool. If a firm isn't enrolled, they cannot legally employ you under the STEM OPT extension regardless of how willing they are to hire you.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Transmission Line Design Engineer?
The I-983 requires a detailed description of how your work assignments connect to your STEM degree. For this role, that means documenting specific technical tasks: transmission line route analysis, structure loading calculations using software like PLS-CADD, protection and coordination studies, or environmental permitting work. Vague descriptions like 'engineering support' are insufficient. USCIS expects the plan to demonstrate a genuine academic connection, and your DSO must sign off before your STEM OPT start date.
How does cap-gap protection work if my H-1B is selected in the lottery?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year while USCIS adjudicates the petition. You can continue working as a Transmission Line Design Engineer without interruption. Your DSO issues an updated I-20 reflecting the cap-gap extension. If premium processing is used, you may receive a decision well before October 1, reducing the uncertainty period.
Where can I find Transmission Line Design Engineer jobs where employers are open to STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers with documented sponsorship and E-Verify enrollment history, so you're not guessing which companies will work with your STEM OPT status. Transmission and power sector employers who regularly file LCAs are surfaced based on DOL data, giving you a concrete starting point rather than mass-applying to roles that may never move forward for international candidates.