Power Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Power Engineer jobs in the U.S. qualify as specialty occupations under the H-1B visa, making employer visa sponsorship a realistic path for candidates with a bachelor's degree in electrical or power systems engineering. Utilities, independent power producers, and engineering consultancies regularly file Labor Condition Applications for these roles.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Join a team of highly motivated professionals that are doing exciting work! We hope you’ll check out the Duties and Desirable Qualifications below and apply for this great career opportunity to join our State Water Project team and help deliver water to over 27 million Californians as well as contribute to protecting our environment and species conservation efforts.
Why Choose Us:
We own and operate our own facilities, which is the largest water and power delivery system in the United States. And as owners and operators of our own infrastructure, we are empowered to make the right choices in design, detailing, and materials to ensure public safety and facility reliability. We direct the operations and maintenance of the State Water Project to safely deliver and optimize the uses of available water with environmental sensitivity.
At DWR you will have the support of knowledgeable and helpful colleagues, robust training programs, and professional organizational memberships for your professional growth. Our large organization provides an opportunity for a long and promising career full of growth and opportunity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under direction of the Power Resources Unit's Senior Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) Utility Engineer (Supervisor), the incumbent Associate Hydroelectric Power Utility Engineer is responsible for performing energy demand and supply optimization studies as part of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) integrated resource planning for the State Water Project (SWP); assisting in developing strategies to meet renewable and greenhouse gas portfolio standards; and developing strategies that will promote reliable and cost-effective energy supply for water deliveries.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Code #: JC-537386
Position #(s): 842-821-3675-012
Working Title: Associate Hydroelectric Power Utility Engineer
Classification: ASSOCIATE HYDROELECTRIC POWER UTILITY ENGINEER
Salary Range: $9,713.00 - $12,151.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job. All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Travel throughout the State will be required.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular and consistent attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
Under the provisions of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard CIP-004 as part of the Energy Policy of 2005, this position has authorized cyber access to or unescorted physical access around critical cyber assets and is subject to a satisfactory background check prior to appointment and every seven years thereafter.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
HOW TO APPLY
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
It is desirable that the incumbent have knowledge/experience in performing or long-term energy planning, resource planning, or integrated resource planning studies; performing technical, economic, financial, or quantitative analyses used to support energy resource decisions; California Independent System Operator (CAISO) energy market; conducting data analysis using python; conducting hydrology or hydraulics studies using computational modeling tools (CE-QUAL, CALSIM, HEC-RAS); and communicating complex technical information and recommendations to management, or decision-makers.
BENEFITS
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Stephanie Youngblood
(916) 574-1382
stephanie.youngblood@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Statement of Qualifications, and Resume. Please reference SAP Position # 50002668 and Job Control #537386 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.
Statement of Qualifications:
This is a (1-page maximum) separate typed document entitled Statement of Qualifications in Arial 12-point font that addresses the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as it relates to the job description.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.
Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.
Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link: ASSOCIATE HYDROELECTRIC POWER UTILITY ENGINEER
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
INTRODUCTION
Join a team of highly motivated professionals that are doing exciting work! We hope you’ll check out the Duties and Desirable Qualifications below and apply for this great career opportunity to join our State Water Project team and help deliver water to over 27 million Californians as well as contribute to protecting our environment and species conservation efforts.
Why Choose Us:
We own and operate our own facilities, which is the largest water and power delivery system in the United States. And as owners and operators of our own infrastructure, we are empowered to make the right choices in design, detailing, and materials to ensure public safety and facility reliability. We direct the operations and maintenance of the State Water Project to safely deliver and optimize the uses of available water with environmental sensitivity.
At DWR you will have the support of knowledgeable and helpful colleagues, robust training programs, and professional organizational memberships for your professional growth. Our large organization provides an opportunity for a long and promising career full of growth and opportunity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under direction of the Power Resources Unit's Senior Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) Utility Engineer (Supervisor), the incumbent Associate Hydroelectric Power Utility Engineer is responsible for performing energy demand and supply optimization studies as part of the Department of Water Resources (DWR) integrated resource planning for the State Water Project (SWP); assisting in developing strategies to meet renewable and greenhouse gas portfolio standards; and developing strategies that will promote reliable and cost-effective energy supply for water deliveries.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Code #: JC-537386
Position #(s): 842-821-3675-012
Working Title: Associate Hydroelectric Power Utility Engineer
Classification: ASSOCIATE HYDROELECTRIC POWER UTILITY ENGINEER
Salary Range: $9,713.00 - $12,151.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions: 1
Work Location: Sacramento County
Telework: Hybrid
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time
DEPARTMENT INFORMATION
Department of Water Resources (DWR) was established in 1956 by the California State Legislature. We manage California’s water resources, systems, and infrastructure, including the State Water Project, in a responsible sustainable way.
At DWR, we are embedding climate change response into every project we undertake. We have set standards to help evaluate how each project incorporates climate resilience principles and ensure consistency across the Department. Our mission is to sustainably manage the water resources of California, in cooperation with other agencies, to benefit the state’s people and protect, restore, and enhance the natural and human environments.
DWR also strives to create a trusting and welcoming workplace where employees embrace diverse viewpoints and treat each other with civility and respect. An important component of DWR’s equal employment opportunity program centers around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Employee is required to successfully complete all safety training related to the functions of the job. All employees are responsible for contributing to an inclusive, safe, and secure work environment that values diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, and is free from discrimination. Travel throughout the State will be required.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is committed to its mission and employees, and we are grounded in our commitment to public safety. Regular and consistent attendance is essential to the successful performance in this position.
Under the provisions of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard CIP-004 as part of the Energy Policy of 2005, this position has authorized cyber access to or unescorted physical access around critical cyber assets and is subject to a satisfactory background check prior to appointment and every seven years thereafter.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/24/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply.
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
HOW TO APPLY
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Water Resources
Mailing Address
Attn: Division of Human Resources
P.O. Box 1079
Sacramento, CA 95812
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Water Resources
Submit in Person
Certification Desk
715 P Street, 7th floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
08:00 AM - 04:30 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- Statement of Qualifications - See Special Instructions for additional details.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
It is desirable that the incumbent have knowledge/experience in performing or long-term energy planning, resource planning, or integrated resource planning studies; performing technical, economic, financial, or quantitative analyses used to support energy resource decisions; California Independent System Operator (CAISO) energy market; conducting data analysis using python; conducting hydrology or hydraulics studies using computational modeling tools (CE-QUAL, CALSIM, HEC-RAS); and communicating complex technical information and recommendations to management, or decision-makers.
BENEFITS
Click here to read about the outstanding benefits offered to eligible employees.
Personal Leave Program 2025: Effective July 1, 2025, state employees are subject to temporary wage reductions in exchange for Personal Leave Program (PLP) accruals. The specific rate and hours earned were negotiated and agreed upon by each bargaining unit. The actual monetary impact of these temporary reductions can vary based on your bargaining unit and/or federal and state tax withholdings. For additional information please visit Human Resources Manual - CalHR.
CONTACT INFORMATION
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Stephanie Youngblood
(916) 574-1382
stephanie.youngblood@water.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Office of Civil Rights
(916) 653-6952
civilrights@water.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
To be considered, submit a completed State application (STD. 678), Statement of Qualifications, and Resume. Please reference SAP Position # 50002668 and Job Control #537386 in the “examination(s) or job title(s) for which you are applying” section of your application.
Statement of Qualifications:
This is a (1-page maximum) separate typed document entitled Statement of Qualifications in Arial 12-point font that addresses the candidate’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience as it relates to the job description.
The following basis of eligibility will be considered: List eligibility, transfer, LEAP, reinstatement, and SROA/Surplus.
Note: Applicants who do not follow these instructions may be disqualified from the selection process. Resumes, cover letters, and/or other attachments will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. The hiring unit will receive only the documents specified in the Required Application Package Documents section.
Click here to complete DWR’s Recruitment Survey. This survey is for research purpose only and will not affect the application status.
EXAMINATION/ASSESSMENT
List eligibility can be established by taking and passing the examination/assessment.
Click the examination(s)/assessment(s) information link: ASSOCIATE HYDROELECTRIC POWER UTILITY ENGINEER
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Power Engineer
Align your credentials to U.S. licensing expectations
Power Engineer roles often sit alongside PE licensure requirements in job postings. Document your engineering degree transcripts and any professional registration equivalents before applying, so employers can confirm specialty occupation eligibility without delays.
Target utilities and IPPs filing LCAs consistently
Investor-owned utilities, independent power producers, and transmission operators file Labor Condition Applications for power engineering roles far more regularly than general contractors. Search DOL's OFLC disclosure data to identify which employers have certified LCAs for electrical or power systems titles.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Filter your job search to employers with confirmed LCA filing history for power engineering roles. Migrate Mate surfaces these employers by role and location, saving you from applying to companies with no track record of sponsoring this occupation.
Check prevailing wage tiers before accepting an offer
Your offered salary must meet the DOL prevailing wage for your specific power engineering role and work location. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the correct job zone before negotiating compensation, since undershooting triggers LCA certification issues.
Clarify H-1B cap status with every prospective employer
Public utilities and municipal power authorities sometimes qualify as governmental research organizations, which are cap-exempt. Confirm cap status early so you understand whether your offer requires winning the annual H-1B lottery or can proceed year-round.
Get your STEM credential evaluated before the offer stage
If your power engineering degree is from outside the U.S., obtain a formal equivalency evaluation from a NACES-member credential evaluation service before your employer files. USCIS scrutinizes foreign degree equivalencies for specialty occupation determinations in engineering petitions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Power Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Power engineering roles require at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, power systems engineering, or a closely related field, which satisfies the USCIS specialty occupation definition. Employers must document that the specific duties require that theoretical and practical application of engineering knowledge, and most utility and energy sector job descriptions already support this requirement clearly.
Which visa types are realistic for Power Engineers seeking U.S. sponsorship?
The H-1B is the primary path for most candidates and requires employer sponsorship and an annual lottery. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under the TN visa as engineers on the USMCA profession list, which has no cap and allows port-of-entry processing. For permanent residence, EB-2 or EB-3 categories are available through employer-sponsored PERM labor certification once you have a qualifying job offer.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor Power Engineers?
Migrate Mate lists employers with verified LCA filing history for power engineering and electrical engineering roles, searchable by city and job type. This shows you which companies have already navigated the sponsorship process for this occupation, which is a stronger signal than a job posting that simply says 'sponsorship available.'
Does a three-year engineering degree from Australia or the UK satisfy the specialty occupation requirement?
It can, but you'll need a credential evaluation confirming U.S. equivalency before your employer files the H-1B petition. USCIS accepts three-year bachelor's degrees in engineering if the evaluation establishes equivalency to a four-year U.S. degree in the specific field. Use a NACES-member evaluator and request a detailed course-by-course report, not just a general equivalency letter.
Can a Power Engineer on OPT or STEM OPT use that time to secure H-1B sponsorship?
Yes. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization after graduation, and a qualifying STEM degree in electrical or power engineering extends that by 24 months. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor your STEM OPT extension. That 36-month window typically covers two H-1B registration cycles, giving you two chances at lottery selection before your OPT expires.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Power Engineer jobs?
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.