TN Visa Substation Electrician Jobs
Substation Electrician roles qualify for TN visa sponsorship under the USMCA's Engineer category when the position requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. Canadian citizens can apply at the port of entry; Mexican citizens need consular processing. Utility employers, grid operators, and electrical contractors are the primary sponsors for this role.
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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
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding TN Visa Sponsorship in Substation Electrician
Verify your credentials meet Engineer classification
TN visa sponsorship for Substation Electricians flows through the Engineer category, which requires a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field. A journeyman license alone won't qualify; confirm your degree maps directly to the role's technical requirements.
Target utility and grid infrastructure employers first
Investor-owned utilities, regional transmission organizations, and electrical contractors servicing high-voltage infrastructure routinely sponsor TN visas for substation roles. Focus your search on companies with active capital expenditure programs for grid modernization, where substation staffing demand is consistent and recurring.
Request a support letter detailing your engineering duties
Your employer's TN support letter must describe your role in terms that match the Engineer category: system design, power analysis, relay protection work, or commissioning. A letter that emphasizes hands-on electrical work over engineering judgment can trigger CBP scrutiny at the port of entry.
Understand the Mexican TN process before accepting an offer
Mexican citizens can't use the port-of-entry TN route; you'll need a consular appointment at a U.S. Embassy in Mexico. Build at least four to six weeks of consular scheduling time into your start date negotiation so your employer isn't caught off guard.
Use Migrate Mate to find employers experienced with visa sponsorship
Searching broadly wastes time on employers unfamiliar with TN requirements for engineering roles. Migrate Mate filters Substation Electrician opportunities by recent visa filings, so you reach hiring managers experienced with work visa sponsorship and more likely to move quickly through the hiring process.
Align your Canadian credentials with U.S. engineering standards before applying
CBP officers expect your degree and professional background to map cleanly onto the job description. If your Canadian engineering designation differs from U.S. PE conventions, prepare a brief credentials summary your employer can reference when drafting the TN support letter.
Substation Electrician TN Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Substation Electrician role qualify for a TN visa?
It depends on how the position is defined. TN visas don't have a category for electricians, but Substation Electricians whose duties involve electrical system design, power flow analysis, relay protection engineering, or commissioning can qualify under the Engineer category. The job offer must describe engineering responsibilities, and you must hold a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline. Roles framed around installation or maintenance work without an engineering scope typically don't qualify.
How does the TN visa compare to the H-1B for Substation Electrician jobs?
The TN visa is faster and more predictable for Canadians and Mexicans in this role. There's no lottery, no annual cap for Canadians, and no waiting period. Canadian citizens can receive TN status at the port of entry the same day they present their documents. H-1B visa requires employer sponsorship through a lottery with roughly a one-in-four selection rate, and approved candidates wait until October 1 to begin work. For qualified candidates, TN is the more direct path.
What documents does a Canadian Substation Electrician need for TN entry?
You'll need a valid Canadian passport, a detailed employer support letter describing your engineering duties and confirming the TN classification, and proof of your qualifying degree such as a diploma or official transcript. CBP may also ask for a copy of the job offer or employment agreement. Bring originals and printed copies of everything. Incomplete documentation is the primary reason TN requests get delayed or denied at the border.
How do I find Substation Electrician jobs that include TN visa sponsorship?
Many employers in the utility and electrical contracting sectors are open to sponsoring work visas and have experience with visa sponsorship processes. Migrate Mate is built specifically to surface jobs at employers with recent visa filings, filtering for roles that may qualify for TN status based on job requirements and employer sponsorship experience—so you spend time on opportunities that can actually move forward.
Can a Mexican citizen get TN status for a Substation Electrician role at the border like a Canadian?
No. Mexican citizens must apply for TN status through a U.S. consular post in Mexico rather than at the port of entry. You'll schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, submit the same documentation as a Canadian applicant, and wait for visa issuance before traveling to the U.S. to begin work. Processing timelines vary by post and appointment availability, so coordinate your start date with your employer early in the process.