TN Visa Substation Design Engineer Jobs
Substation Design Engineer roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineer category, covering power systems, protection relay design, and high-voltage infrastructure work. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry with no cap. Mexican citizens require consular processing. A qualifying job offer and a relevant engineering degree are required.
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Get Access To All JobsSubstation Project Engineer
- (194470)
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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our 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.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include responsibility for knowledge and execution of the technical aspects and deliverables of projects assigned and is an experienced, competent engineer who generally understands and can complete all technical requirements of projects of basic to moderate complexity.
Responsibilities:
- Developing design deliverables including substation physical layouts, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing, substation grounding, and major equipment wiring diagrams
- Preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports, and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage)
- Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing
- Coordinating design activities with other departments (Civil, Structural, Transmission Line, etc.)
- Assigns tasks and provides guidance to junior team members, and coordinates QC reviews for work performed by junior level engineers and/or designers
- Work with Senior Engineers and the Business Class Leader to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline
- Responsible for quality control reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis
- Works independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EIT's and/or Designers
- Performing site visits during the design, construction, and as-built phases of projects
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
- California P.E. License
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in substation design
- Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation design including substation layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, conduit plans and details, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material
- Strong computer skills, AutoCAD, Microstation, Microsoft Office and electrical design software (e.g., CDEGS)
- Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm desired
- Some travel may be required
- Preference will be given candidates local to the Irvine, CA area
- Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility considered a plus
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
- Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
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.) Irvine: $93,000 - $133,000
LOCATION:
Primary Location: United States-California-Irvine
Industry:
Power
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Substation Engineering
Job Posting:
Jul 23, 2026
Substation Project Engineer
- (194470)
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 foster a culture of inclusion throughout our 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.
We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you’ll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You’ll work side-by-side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.
The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include responsibility for knowledge and execution of the technical aspects and deliverables of projects assigned and is an experienced, competent engineer who generally understands and can complete all technical requirements of projects of basic to moderate complexity.
Responsibilities:
- Developing design deliverables including substation physical layouts, material lists, conduit and cable sizing/routing, substation grounding, and major equipment wiring diagrams
- Preparation of engineering drawings, calculations, analyses, reports, and designs for electrical substations (Low, Medium and High Voltage)
- Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing
- Coordinating design activities with other departments (Civil, Structural, Transmission Line, etc.)
- Assigns tasks and provides guidance to junior team members, and coordinates QC reviews for work performed by junior level engineers and/or designers
- Work with Senior Engineers and the Business Class Leader to identify and develop specific technical expertise and will attend training and seminars focused on further development and understanding of complex concepts related to their discipline
- Responsible for quality control reviews of projects from other teams on an as needed basis
- Works independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EIT's and/or Designers
- Performing site visits during the design, construction, and as-built phases of projects
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
- California P.E. License
- A minimum of 5 years of experience in substation design
- Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation design including substation layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, conduit plans and details, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material
- Strong computer skills, AutoCAD, Microstation, Microsoft Office and electrical design software (e.g., CDEGS)
- Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm desired
- Some travel may be required
- Preference will be given candidates local to the Irvine, CA area
- Prior experience consulting or working for an electric utility considered a plus
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license
- Previous experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
- Computer skills in Microsoft Office as well as standard Power Market Sector design software (examples include PLS CAD, AutoCAD, Plant 3D, AutoPipe, and Revit)
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture
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.) Irvine: $93,000 - $133,000
LOCATION:
Primary Location: United States-California-Irvine
Industry:
Power
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Substation Engineering
Job Posting:
Jul 23, 2026
See all 153+ TN Visa Substation Design Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship as a Substation Design Engineer
Verify your degree aligns with Engineering
The TN visa Engineer category requires a degree in engineering, not a related field like physics or construction management. A degree in electrical, power systems, or electrical engineering technology is the strongest credential match for substation design roles.
Target utilities and EPC firms directly
Investor-owned utilities, municipal power authorities, and engineering-procurement-construction firms hire substation design engineers in volume. These employers file TN documentation regularly and are less likely to conflate TN sponsorship with H-1B lottery uncertainty during interviews.
Frame your offer letter around specialty tasks
A vague offer letter is the single most common TN denial trigger. Ask your employer to specify substation-related duties: protection relay coordination, single-line diagram development, or switching scheme design. Generic language like 'engineering support' invites scrutiny at the port of entry or consulate.
Clarify cap status before accepting an offer
Canadian professionals can enter at land ports with same-day TN approval, while Mexican citizens require a consular appointment with processing times that vary by post. Confirm which pathway applies to you before your employer sets a start date or submits an I-129 through USCIS.
Use Migrate Mate to find sponsoring employers
Search Migrate Mate to identify substation engineering roles at employers with recent visa filings and experience sponsoring work visas. This cuts the research time spent cold-applying to firms unfamiliar with USMCA professional categories or unwilling to support your TN application with the required employer letter.
Prepare a professional credential package upfront
Gather your engineering degree, transcripts, and any P.E. license documentation before starting interviews. CBP officers reviewing TN applications at the border may request supporting documents on the spot, and delays due to missing credentials can result in deferred entry.
Substation Design Engineer TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Substation Design Engineer qualify for TN visa status?
Yes. Substation Design Engineers qualify under the TN visa's Engineer category, provided the role requires the application of engineering principles and the applicant holds a degree in engineering. Duties such as protection relay design, grounding studies, and switching scheme development clearly fall within this category. A general engineering or electrical engineering degree is typically sufficient, but the offer letter must describe engineering-specific tasks.
How does TN compare to H-1B for Substation Design Engineer roles?
TN has no lottery and no annual cap for Canadians, making it far more predictable than H-1B for most applicants. Canadian citizens can obtain TN status at a port of entry the same day an offer is accepted. H-1B requires a lottery registration in March, a cap-subject petition, and months of processing. For substation roles where the employer wants someone to start within weeks, TN is the practical choice.
Where can I find Substation Design Engineer jobs with TN sponsorship?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for TN visa job seekers and surfaces substation engineering roles from employers familiar with USMCA sponsorship. General job boards don't filter by visa category, so you often can't tell whether an employer understands TN or has any sponsorship experience before investing time in an application.
Can a Mexican citizen get TN status as a Substation Design Engineer?
Yes, but the process differs from the Canadian pathway. Mexican citizens cannot apply at a land port of entry and must instead attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate in Mexico. The consulate will evaluate the TN classification, the offer letter, and the applicant's credentials. Processing times vary by post, so building lead time into your start date negotiation is practical planning, not caution.
What documents does my employer need to provide for TN sponsorship?
Your employer must provide a detailed offer letter on company letterhead confirming your job title, a description of engineering duties specific to substation design, your anticipated length of employment, and your professional credentials. The letter should reference the TN Engineer category explicitly. USCIS or CBP may also request evidence that the employer is a legitimate U.S. business, such as a business license or tax identification documentation.