Project Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
Project engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California span aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, civil infrastructure, and tech-driven construction. Major employers include Bechtel, Jacobs Engineering, Northrop Grumman, and Intel. Engineering activity concentrates in Los Angeles, San Jose, San Diego, and Sacramento, giving internationally qualified project engineers meaningful access to one of the most active hiring markets in the country.
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Get Access To All JobsSenior Power Project Engineer (PE) Substation
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.
You will be part of a growing team wanting to take your career to the next level. Having developed foundational expertise in high voltage substation design, including physical and protection & controls design for 12 kV through 500kV projects, you will be ready to undertake a more complex and responsible role requiring you to work independently while at times, directing, mentoring, training, and/or supervising less-experienced EITs and/or Designers.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Senior Power Project Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Assume technical lead within a project execution team
- Coordinate the work of design engineers with the balance of a multidiscipline team throughout the entire project's development
- Establish client relations and participate in marketing, design, and production meetings
- Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed
- Understanding physical substation design including yard layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, interior and exterior raceways, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material
- Support preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure that schedules and budgets are met
- Understands protection and control design including panel arrangements, one lines/single lines, three lines, AC/DC schematics, equipment wiring and relay panel wiring
- Prepare calculations for studies and reports (grounding, lighting protection, AC/DC load studies, etc.)
- Review project documents for areas of conflict with other disciplines - Write and edit project specifications
- Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing
- Conduct the work of the power design team through the schematic design development and contract document phase of a project
- Establish meetings and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
- Coordinate workload to complete the deliverable on schedule
- Conduct work sessions at the project site in conjunction with the Project Manager and other disciplines
- Coordinate with and assist affected disciplines with addenda, requests for information (RFIs), change orders (COs), and take responsibility to incorporate agreed-upon changes into the project documents
- Provide construction contract administration as needed
- Direct the activities of other engineering professionals and act as a mentor to other staff members as needed
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- A minimum of 10 years of experience
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
- Proficient 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters degree in Engineering
- A minimum of 3 years experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector (Utilities, Substation, Transmission, Renewables, etc.)
- Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation design including One Line Diagrams, General Arrangements, Grounding & Conduit Plans, Foundation Plans, Material Lists, Relay and Control Systems, Control Schematics and Wiring Diagrams is required
- Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
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. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $131,670.00 - $188,100.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-California-Sacramento
INDUSTRY
Power
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
BUSINESS CLASS
Substation Engineering
JOB POSTING
May 22, 2026
Senior Power Project Engineer (PE) Substation
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.
You will be part of a growing team wanting to take your career to the next level. Having developed foundational expertise in high voltage substation design, including physical and protection & controls design for 12 kV through 500kV projects, you will be ready to undertake a more complex and responsible role requiring you to work independently while at times, directing, mentoring, training, and/or supervising less-experienced EITs and/or Designers.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In the role of Senior Power Project Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Assume technical lead within a project execution team
- Coordinate the work of design engineers with the balance of a multidiscipline team throughout the entire project's development
- Establish client relations and participate in marketing, design, and production meetings
- Work with Project Manager and Project Controller on project reviews with management as needed
- Understanding physical substation design including yard layouts, plans, sections and details, grounding, lightning protection, control building arrangements, interior and exterior raceways, auxiliary AC/DC power systems, and associated bills of material
- Support preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure that schedules and budgets are met
- Understands protection and control design including panel arrangements, one lines/single lines, three lines, AC/DC schematics, equipment wiring and relay panel wiring
- Prepare calculations for studies and reports (grounding, lighting protection, AC/DC load studies, etc.)
- Review project documents for areas of conflict with other disciplines - Write and edit project specifications
- Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing
- Conduct the work of the power design team through the schematic design development and contract document phase of a project
- Establish meetings and participate in reviews with various governing agencies for code compliance
- Coordinate workload to complete the deliverable on schedule
- Conduct work sessions at the project site in conjunction with the Project Manager and other disciplines
- Coordinate with and assist affected disciplines with addenda, requests for information (RFIs), change orders (COs), and take responsibility to incorporate agreed-upon changes into the project documents
- Provide construction contract administration as needed
- Direct the activities of other engineering professionals and act as a mentor to other staff members as needed
- Perform other duties as needed
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- A minimum of 10 years of experience
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
- Extensive experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
- Proficient 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
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters degree in Engineering
- A minimum of 3 years experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector (Utilities, Substation, Transmission, Renewables, etc.)
- Specific experience performing aspects associated with substation design including One Line Diagrams, General Arrangements, Grounding & Conduit Plans, Foundation Plans, Material Lists, Relay and Control Systems, Control Schematics and Wiring Diagrams is required
- Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
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. Stated benefits are for full-time regular positions. The expected compensation range for this position is $131,670.00 - $188,100.00 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location.
LOCATION
Primary Location: United States-California-Sacramento
INDUSTRY
Power
SCHEDULE
Full-time
EMPLOYEE STATUS
Regular
BUSINESS CLASS
Substation Engineering
JOB POSTING
May 22, 2026
Project Engineer Job Roles in California
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Search Project Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaProject Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for project engineers in California?
Large engineering and construction firms with established California operations, including Bechtel, Jacobs Engineering, AECOM, Northrop Grumman, and Fluor, have consistent records of sponsoring H-1B visas for project engineers. Semiconductor and technology companies such as Intel, Applied Materials, and Qualcomm also file regularly for project engineering roles. Sponsorship patterns are publicly searchable through Department of Labor LCA disclosure data.
Which visa types are most common for project engineer roles in California?
The H-1B is the most common visa category for project engineers in California, covering roles that require at least a bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field. Engineers from Canada or Mexico may qualify for the TN visa under USMCA. Australians with qualifying degrees can pursue the E-3 visa. For project engineers with extraordinary achievement, the O-1A is an additional pathway worth understanding.
Which cities in California have the most project engineer sponsorship jobs?
Los Angeles and the surrounding region generate significant demand through aerospace, defense, and large-scale construction projects. San Jose and the broader Bay Area concentrate project engineering roles in semiconductor fabrication and technology infrastructure. San Diego has active aerospace and biotech construction activity. Sacramento sees demand tied to state infrastructure programs and utilities. Each city reflects a distinct industry mix, so targeting your search by specialty improves results.
How to find project engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa sponsorship availability, making it easier to identify California employers actively hiring project engineers who need sponsorship. Rather than sorting through roles that don't mention immigration support, you can browse project engineer positions already confirmed for sponsorship. Migrate Mate covers roles across civil, mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering disciplines throughout California.
Are there state-specific factors that affect project engineer sponsorship in California?
California's prevailing wage requirements under Department of Labor rules mean employers must pay H-1B workers wages that meet state and regional standards, which tend to be higher than national benchmarks given California's cost of living. The state's large network of engineering programs at UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC San Diego, and Cal Poly also creates active OPT-to-sponsorship pipelines, meaning many California employers are experienced with international engineer transitions.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored project engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.