Substation Engineer Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
Substation engineers design and maintain electrical power distribution systems, making them essential for utility companies and energy infrastructure projects. Most positions require an electrical engineering degree and qualify for H-1B visa, TN visa, and E-3 visa sponsorship. Large utilities like Duke Energy and Xcel Energy regularly sponsor international engineers. For detailed occupation requirements, see the O*NET profile.
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- (193756)
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?
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.
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.
HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Project Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.
The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include physical substation, protection, and control engineering for High Voltage Electric Utility projects, 12 kV through 500 kV. Projects range in size, complexity, and voltage class from small distribution equipment upgrades to large transmission substation projects across the globe.
In the role of Substation Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Support preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure that schedules and budgets are met
- Understand 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
- Understand 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.)
- Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing
- Coordinate design activities with other departments (Civil/Structural, Networks, Transmission Line, etc.)
- Effectively communicate and coordinate project activities with manager, clients, and others as needed
- Work independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EITs and/or Designers
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters degree in Engineering
- A minimum of 3 years experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
- Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
- Experience in Substation Engineering, with emphasis in Physical design
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: 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.) Spokane, WA: $80,168.40 - $139,200 Bellevue/Seattle, WA: $97,440 - $139,200
Primary Location:
United States-Washington-Seattle
Other Locations:
United States-Washington-Spokane, United States-Washington-Bellevue
Industry:
Power
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Substation Engineering
Job Posting:
Jun 12, 2026
Substation Engineer
- (193756)
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?
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.
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.
HDR Engineering is looking for a Substation Project Engineer to join our growing and nationally ranked team of Power Delivery professionals.
The primary duties of the Substation Project Engineer include physical substation, protection, and control engineering for High Voltage Electric Utility projects, 12 kV through 500 kV. Projects range in size, complexity, and voltage class from small distribution equipment upgrades to large transmission substation projects across the globe.
In the role of Substation Engineer, we'll count on you to:
- Support preparing scopes, schedules, and budgets, and ensure that schedules and budgets are met
- Understand 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
- Understand 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.)
- Prepare equipment specifications for procurement and/or factory acceptance testing
- Coordinate design activities with other departments (Civil/Structural, Networks, Transmission Line, etc.)
- Effectively communicate and coordinate project activities with manager, clients, and others as needed
- Work independently and may direct, mentor, train, and/or supervise efforts of less-experienced EITs and/or Designers
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications:
- Masters degree in Engineering
- A minimum of 3 years experience in project execution within the Power Market Sector
- Previous experience with an engineering consulting firm
- Experience in Substation Engineering, with emphasis in Physical design
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: 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.) Spokane, WA: $80,168.40 - $139,200 Bellevue/Seattle, WA: $97,440 - $139,200
Primary Location:
United States-Washington-Seattle
Other Locations:
United States-Washington-Spokane, United States-Washington-Bellevue
Industry:
Power
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Substation Engineering
Job Posting:
Jun 12, 2026
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Visa Sponsorship as a Substation Engineer
Target utility companies and power grid operators
Major utilities like Entergy, Southern Company, and Pacific Gas & Electric sponsor substation engineers regularly. They have established immigration processes and understand the specialty occupation requirements for electrical engineering roles.
Emphasize power systems and SCADA experience
Highlight experience with supervisory control systems, protection schemes, and grid automation. These specialized skills are in high demand and help justify the H-1B specialty occupation requirement to USCIS.
Consider engineering consulting firms
Companies like Black & Veatch, Burns & McDonnell, and Quanta Services hire substation engineers for client projects nationwide. They often sponsor visas and offer diverse project exposure across different utility systems.
Apply to renewable energy developers
Solar and wind companies need substation engineers to integrate renewable generation into the grid. NextEra Energy, First Solar, and Orsted regularly sponsor engineers for transmission interconnection projects.
Obtain relevant professional certifications
IEEE certifications, NERC reliability standards training, and state Professional Engineer licenses strengthen visa applications. They demonstrate specialized knowledge that supports the H-1B specialty occupation argument for electrical engineering positions.
Focus on transmission and distribution experience
Experience with high-voltage equipment, fault analysis, and protective relaying is highly valued. Document specific voltage levels, equipment types, and protection schemes you've worked with to differentiate yourself from general electrical engineers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do substation engineers qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, substation engineers typically qualify for H-1B visas as the role requires specialized electrical engineering knowledge. The position involves complex power systems design, protection schemes, and grid integration that clearly meets the specialty occupation requirement. Most employers can successfully argue the specialized nature of substation work.
What degree do I need for visa sponsorship as a substation engineer?
An electrical engineering bachelor's degree is typically required for visa sponsorship. Some employers accept electrical engineering technology degrees with extensive power systems experience. Power engineering or electrical power specializations strengthen applications. The degree must be directly related to electrical systems and power distribution.
Which visa types work best for substation engineers?
H-1B is most common for substation engineers at utilities and consulting firms. Canadian and Mexican engineers can use TN visas under the "Engineer" category. Australian engineers qualify for E-3 visas. All three visa types recognize electrical engineering as a qualifying specialty occupation for substation work.
Do utilities sponsor international substation engineers?
Yes, major utilities regularly sponsor substation engineers due to specialized skill shortages in power systems. Companies like Duke Energy, American Electric Power, and Dominion Energy have established visa sponsorship programs. They understand the critical nature of grid infrastructure and invest in international talent acquisition.
Can substation engineers get sponsored without U.S. power grid experience?
Yes, international power systems experience translates well to U.S. substations. Employers value experience with high-voltage equipment, protective relaying, and SCADA systems regardless of country. Different grid standards and equipment manufacturers provide valuable perspective that utilities often seek for modernization projects.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored Substation 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.
How to find Substation Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship?
To find Substation Engineer jobs with visa sponsorship, use Migrate Mate, which specializes in connecting international engineers with sponsoring employers. Focus your search on electrical utilities, power generation companies, and infrastructure firms that frequently sponsor H-1B, TN, and O-1 visas for engineers. These companies often have ongoing projects requiring specialized substation design and maintenance expertise.