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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Get Access To All JobsDescription
The Assistant Substation Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to assist project staff in the preparation of design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical power substation projects. The Assistant Substation Engineer will work with the project team through the design and construction process, adapting engineering plans according to budget constraints, design factors, or client needs.
- Assists in the design of substation projects from the conceptual phase through completion.
- Assists in the preparation and development of substation design packages including, but not limited to, physical arrangement above and below grade, protective relaying and control, electrical studies such as grounding and lightning analysis, and lighting and security.
- Assists in the development of substation calculations including, but not limited to, insulation, AC station service, DC systems and battery sizing, voltage drop, cable sizing, and conduit fill.
- Assists in the preparation of design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, bill of materials, and other required deliverables.
- Applies basic knowledge of IEEE, NESC, and other industry and utility standards, guides, specifications and procedures.
- Assists with field inspections for substation facilities on public and private utility systems.
- Assists with research and compile project-related data as required by the project managers.
- Assists with client presentations, reports, and visualizations to demonstrate technical results and project status.
- Identifies, communicates and assists in resolving issues on projects as needed.
- Adheres to established project schedule to meet deadlines.
- Works closely with the project team to ensure deliverables and services are being provided to client’s satisfaction and that projects are following internal QA/QC guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required or Bachelor Degree in related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required.
- Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.
- Engineers in Training (EIT) Certification preferred.
- Basic knowledge in standard engineering techniques, principles and procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
- Desire to work in a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
- Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.
Compensation
- $85,000.00-130,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-CT-Wallingford
Other Locations US-MA-Newton, US-PA-Conshohocken, US-NJ-Morristown
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Req ID: 261480
Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-AM #T&D N/A
Description
The Assistant Substation Engineer will work under the supervision of a licensed professional engineer to assist project staff in the preparation of design deliverables for new and modified high-voltage (13kV to 765kV) electrical power substation projects. The Assistant Substation Engineer will work with the project team through the design and construction process, adapting engineering plans according to budget constraints, design factors, or client needs.
- Assists in the design of substation projects from the conceptual phase through completion.
- Assists in the preparation and development of substation design packages including, but not limited to, physical arrangement above and below grade, protective relaying and control, electrical studies such as grounding and lightning analysis, and lighting and security.
- Assists in the development of substation calculations including, but not limited to, insulation, AC station service, DC systems and battery sizing, voltage drop, cable sizing, and conduit fill.
- Assists in the preparation of design sketches, cost estimates, equipment specifications, bill of materials, and other required deliverables.
- Applies basic knowledge of IEEE, NESC, and other industry and utility standards, guides, specifications and procedures.
- Assists with field inspections for substation facilities on public and private utility systems.
- Assists with research and compile project-related data as required by the project managers.
- Assists with client presentations, reports, and visualizations to demonstrate technical results and project status.
- Identifies, communicates and assists in resolving issues on projects as needed.
- Adheres to established project schedule to meet deadlines.
- Works closely with the project team to ensure deliverables and services are being provided to client’s satisfaction and that projects are following internal QA/QC guidelines.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or related degree from an ABET accredited program required or Bachelor Degree in related Engineering Technology from an ABET accredited program and successful completion of the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam required.
- Prior internship and/or related consulting experience preferred.
- Engineers in Training (EIT) Certification preferred.
- Basic knowledge in standard engineering techniques, principles and procedures.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient computer skills (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite).
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
- Demonstrated critical thinking skills.
- Desire to work in a collaborative team environment.
- Demonstrated leadership skills.
- Minimum of a 3.0 GPA strongly preferred.
- Involvement on campus or in the community preferred.
- Candidates must be legally authorized to work permanently (i.e., without time limitations, without restrictions or without need for work sponsorship) in the country where this position is located.
Compensation
- $85,000.00-130,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Electrical Engineering
Primary Location US-CT-Wallingford
Other Locations US-MA-Newton, US-PA-Conshohocken, US-NJ-Morristown
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 10 % of the Time
Req ID: 261480
Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-AM #T&D N/A
See all 629+ Substation Engineer jobs
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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.
Substation Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Substation Engineer JobsFrequently 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.
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