System Operator Jobs in USA with Visa Sponsorship
System Operator roles in power generation, water treatment, and industrial control systems qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B visa, and many employers sponsor TN visas for Canadian and Mexican nationals. Facilities with 24/7 operations hire year-round, giving you a real edge over roles tied to seasonal demand.
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Get Access To All JobsDate: Nov 11, 2026
Location: Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Company: Entergy
Job Title: System Operator- Trans I-Sr.
PS Job Title: System Operator, Sr
Work Place Flexibility: Onsite
Legal Entity: Entergy Services, LLC
*** This position will be filled as a System Operator I, II or Sr. based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidates.***
JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE:
Safely and effectively manage the operations of Entergy’s bulk electric system from within the Transmission Control Center. Effectively interact over the phone with MISO, field crews, substation personnel, contractors, neighboring power entities and other system operations personnel while carefully monitoring system conditions to anticipate and mitigate potentially dangerous and costly system issues which might impact reliability of the bulk electric system. System operators continually train to hone their system knowledge and utilize simulation to practice new situations which broaden their expertise. Effectively respond and restore the bulk electric system to safe operating conditions before, during and after major system disturbances. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demonstrate effective understanding of general operating instructions, Entergy T&D Safety Manual, and Switching Tagging & Clearance Procedures.
- Identify and contribute to the resolution of complex technical, operational and organizational issues.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and key strategic partners.
- Direct Entergy’s switching tagging and clearance processes in a way that will reinforce Entergy's commitment to safety.
- Operate the Entergy Control Area in compliance with all applicable FERC, NERC, and SERC Operating Policies to ensure the security and reliability of Entergy’s Bulk Power System and avoid potential regulatory violations.
- Monitor Transmission System parameters (i.e. voltage, line flows, equipment loading, alarm conditions, etc.) in real-time and initiate appropriate corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain Entergy’s system within SOL and IROL limits; maintain accurate documentation concerning system conditions and actions taken (i.e. record essential system operating details in the appropriate manner and medium).
- Schedule, coordinate, and direct personnel in the performance of routine and emergency switching for transmission line and substation equipment outages, including planning, and issuing switching orders as required for scheduled outages and taking mitigating actions following unscheduled outages.
- Communicate transmission system status to internal and external customers as permitted by FERC guidelines to ensure that Entergy executives and key stakeholders are aware of Bulk Power System conditions, restoration efforts and risks.
- Maintain transmission grid awareness by analyzing and appropriately responding to transmission and substation equipment SCADA alarms.
- Perform actions and assume responsibility as required for areas containing Cyber Security Assets.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and Transmission Control Center customers.
- Exhibit and continually display effective utilization and internalization of Entergy Employee Practices and behaviors related to respect, open & trusting interactions, diversity & inclusion, accountability, safety, flexibility, leadership, and communications.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills necessary to develop relationships, which will promote an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
- Utilize appropriate analytical and technical skills to understand, communicate and resolve issues in response to a dynamic and changing work environment.
- Manage multiple priorities - effective prioritization of competing issues, recognizing relevant constraints and opportunities.
- Communicate effectively to interact with personnel at all levels of organization.
- Manage, coach, and hold others appropriately accountable, effectively.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification, etc.:
System Operator I:
- Post high school education or military experience, or at least 4 years of relevant work experience.
- Relevant experience in the following or similar areas: Control Operator or a Transmission/Technical Person in the Electric Utility Business Five or more years of relevant relay, substation, and/or control center experience.
- NERC System Operator certification to be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.
- If unable to obtain certification in the specified time, employment for this position will be terminated.
- Ability to independently perform core functions of a system operator.
System Operator II:
- 1+ years of related experience, or at least 3 years of experience as a System Operator I, or equivalent experience.
- NERC System Operator Certification.
- Ability to independently perform core functions of a system operator.
System Operator, Sr.:
- 5+ years of system operations experience, or at least 3 years of experience as a System Operator II, or equivalent experience.
- NERC System Operator Certification.
- Ability to independently perform core functions of a system operator.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstration of a complete understanding of general operating instructions, Entergy T&D Safety Manual, and Switching Tagging & Clearance Procedures.
- Knowledge in the operation of substation equipment & interpreting one-line diagrams.
- Ability to make and carry out clearly thought-out operating decisions during both normal and emergency conditions.
- Ability to obtain NERC certification within the first twelve months of employment. If unable to obtain certification in the specified time period, employment for this position will be terminated.
- Strong technical and operational skills and be able to recognize “off normal” conditions per industry standards.
- Ability to work rotating shift.
- Ability to perform core duties of the job.
- Possess a strong computer proficiency.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities; effective prioritization of competing issues, recognizing relevant constraints and opportunities.
- Effective communication skills to interact with personnel at all levels of organization.
- People management skills, including the ability to effectively coach others and hold others appropriately accountable.
Preference for the Following:
- 4-Year Degree in a technical area, preferably Electrical Engineering.
- Equivalent relevant work experience, consisting of at least 2 years of experience:
- as a Control Room Operator (CRO).
- in the Transmission/Distribution utility.
- in a transferable technical field.
- Relevant military experience.
- Experience operating in an ISO, RTO or similar type market structure.
- Relay, substation, and/or control center experience.
- Electric Transmission or Distribution switching, tagging and lockout experience.
- Operational and technical knowledge of substation equipment & interpreting one-line diagrams.
- Demonstrated understanding of powerflow and powerflow principles.
- Openness and willingness to explore alternative approaches willingness to drive change when needed.
- NERC System Operator Certification.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Vets. Please click here to view the EEO page, or see statements below.
EEO Statement: The Entergy System of Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Entergy System of Companies complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
The Entergy System of Companies expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the Entergy System of Company employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
Accessibility: Entergy provides reasonable accommodations for online applicants. Requests for a reasonable accommodation may be made orally or in writing by an applicant, employee, or third party on his or her behalf. If you are an individual with a disability and you are in need of an accommodation for the recruiting process please click here and provide your name, contact number, the accommodation requested and the requisition number that you are requesting the accommodation for. Employee Services will contact you regarding your request.
Additional Responsibilities: As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
The non-confidential portions of the affirmative action program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans shall be available for inspection upon request by any employee or applicant for employment. Please contact HRCompliance@entergy.com to schedule a time to review the affirmative action plan during regular office hours.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.
Primary Location: Mississippi - Jackson Mississippi : Jackson
Job Function: Field & Skilled Trade
FLSA Status: Professional
Relocation Option:
Union description/code: NON BARGAINING UNIT
Number of Openings: 1
Req ID: 125613
PS Job Title: System Operator, Sr
Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
Date: Nov 11, 2026
Location: Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Company: Entergy
Job Title: System Operator- Trans I-Sr.
PS Job Title: System Operator, Sr
Work Place Flexibility: Onsite
Legal Entity: Entergy Services, LLC
*** This position will be filled as a System Operator I, II or Sr. based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidates.***
JOB SUMMARY/PURPOSE:
Safely and effectively manage the operations of Entergy’s bulk electric system from within the Transmission Control Center. Effectively interact over the phone with MISO, field crews, substation personnel, contractors, neighboring power entities and other system operations personnel while carefully monitoring system conditions to anticipate and mitigate potentially dangerous and costly system issues which might impact reliability of the bulk electric system. System operators continually train to hone their system knowledge and utilize simulation to practice new situations which broaden their expertise. Effectively respond and restore the bulk electric system to safe operating conditions before, during and after major system disturbances. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Demonstrate effective understanding of general operating instructions, Entergy T&D Safety Manual, and Switching Tagging & Clearance Procedures.
- Identify and contribute to the resolution of complex technical, operational and organizational issues.
- Develop and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders and key strategic partners.
- Direct Entergy’s switching tagging and clearance processes in a way that will reinforce Entergy's commitment to safety.
- Operate the Entergy Control Area in compliance with all applicable FERC, NERC, and SERC Operating Policies to ensure the security and reliability of Entergy’s Bulk Power System and avoid potential regulatory violations.
- Monitor Transmission System parameters (i.e. voltage, line flows, equipment loading, alarm conditions, etc.) in real-time and initiate appropriate corrective actions as needed.
- Maintain Entergy’s system within SOL and IROL limits; maintain accurate documentation concerning system conditions and actions taken (i.e. record essential system operating details in the appropriate manner and medium).
- Schedule, coordinate, and direct personnel in the performance of routine and emergency switching for transmission line and substation equipment outages, including planning, and issuing switching orders as required for scheduled outages and taking mitigating actions following unscheduled outages.
- Communicate transmission system status to internal and external customers as permitted by FERC guidelines to ensure that Entergy executives and key stakeholders are aware of Bulk Power System conditions, restoration efforts and risks.
- Maintain transmission grid awareness by analyzing and appropriately responding to transmission and substation equipment SCADA alarms.
- Perform actions and assume responsibility as required for areas containing Cyber Security Assets.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers and Transmission Control Center customers.
- Exhibit and continually display effective utilization and internalization of Entergy Employee Practices and behaviors related to respect, open & trusting interactions, diversity & inclusion, accountability, safety, flexibility, leadership, and communications.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills necessary to develop relationships, which will promote an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect.
- Utilize appropriate analytical and technical skills to understand, communicate and resolve issues in response to a dynamic and changing work environment.
- Manage multiple priorities - effective prioritization of competing issues, recognizing relevant constraints and opportunities.
- Communicate effectively to interact with personnel at all levels of organization.
- Manage, coach, and hold others appropriately accountable, effectively.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Minimum Education, Experience, Certification, etc.:
System Operator I:
- Post high school education or military experience, or at least 4 years of relevant work experience.
- Relevant experience in the following or similar areas: Control Operator or a Transmission/Technical Person in the Electric Utility Business Five or more years of relevant relay, substation, and/or control center experience.
- NERC System Operator certification to be obtained within the first 12 months of employment.
- If unable to obtain certification in the specified time, employment for this position will be terminated.
- Ability to independently perform core functions of a system operator.
System Operator II:
- 1+ years of related experience, or at least 3 years of experience as a System Operator I, or equivalent experience.
- NERC System Operator Certification.
- Ability to independently perform core functions of a system operator.
System Operator, Sr.:
- 5+ years of system operations experience, or at least 3 years of experience as a System Operator II, or equivalent experience.
- NERC System Operator Certification.
- Ability to independently perform core functions of a system operator.
Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstration of a complete understanding of general operating instructions, Entergy T&D Safety Manual, and Switching Tagging & Clearance Procedures.
- Knowledge in the operation of substation equipment & interpreting one-line diagrams.
- Ability to make and carry out clearly thought-out operating decisions during both normal and emergency conditions.
- Ability to obtain NERC certification within the first twelve months of employment. If unable to obtain certification in the specified time period, employment for this position will be terminated.
- Strong technical and operational skills and be able to recognize “off normal” conditions per industry standards.
- Ability to work rotating shift.
- Ability to perform core duties of the job.
- Possess a strong computer proficiency.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities; effective prioritization of competing issues, recognizing relevant constraints and opportunities.
- Effective communication skills to interact with personnel at all levels of organization.
- People management skills, including the ability to effectively coach others and hold others appropriately accountable.
Preference for the Following:
- 4-Year Degree in a technical area, preferably Electrical Engineering.
- Equivalent relevant work experience, consisting of at least 2 years of experience:
- as a Control Room Operator (CRO).
- in the Transmission/Distribution utility.
- in a transferable technical field.
- Relevant military experience.
- Experience operating in an ISO, RTO or similar type market structure.
- Relay, substation, and/or control center experience.
- Electric Transmission or Distribution switching, tagging and lockout experience.
- Operational and technical knowledge of substation equipment & interpreting one-line diagrams.
- Demonstrated understanding of powerflow and powerflow principles.
- Openness and willingness to explore alternative approaches willingness to drive change when needed.
- NERC System Operator Certification.
An Equal Opportunity Employer, Minority/Female/Disability/Vets. Please click here to view the EEO page, or see statements below.
EEO Statement: The Entergy System of Companies provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a protected veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. The Entergy System of Companies complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
The Entergy System of Companies expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the Entergy System of Company employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.
Accessibility: Entergy provides reasonable accommodations for online applicants. Requests for a reasonable accommodation may be made orally or in writing by an applicant, employee, or third party on his or her behalf. If you are an individual with a disability and you are in need of an accommodation for the recruiting process please click here and provide your name, contact number, the accommodation requested and the requisition number that you are requesting the accommodation for. Employee Services will contact you regarding your request.
Additional Responsibilities: As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.
Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal
The non-confidential portions of the affirmative action program for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans shall be available for inspection upon request by any employee or applicant for employment. Please contact HRCompliance@entergy.com to schedule a time to review the affirmative action plan during regular office hours.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
As a provider of essential services, Entergy expects its employees to be available to work additional hours, to work in alternate locations, and/or to perform additional duties in connection with storms, outages, emergencies, or other situations as deemed necessary by the company. Exempt employees may not be paid overtime associated with such duties.
Primary Location: Mississippi - Jackson Mississippi : Jackson
Job Function: Field & Skilled Trade
FLSA Status: Professional
Relocation Option:
Union description/code: NON BARGAINING UNIT
Number of Openings: 1
Req ID: 125613
PS Job Title: System Operator, Sr
Travel Percentage: Up to 25%
See all System Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new System Operator roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding System Operator Jobs
Match your credentials to U.S. licensing requirements
Many System Operator positions, especially in electric utilities, require NERC certifications. Document your foreign equivalents and get a credential evaluation early. Gaps here can trigger an RFE on your H-1B petition before the employer even files.
Target FERC-regulated utilities over general manufacturers
Utilities regulated by federal or state commissions file LCAs consistently and have established HR processes for work authorization. Industrial facilities outside regulated sectors often lack the infrastructure to sponsor a visa at all.
Verify prevailing wage tier before accepting an offer
Use the OFLC Wage Search to check the wage level for your specific metro area. System Operator roles span Level I through Level III depending on shift responsibility. An offer at the wrong tier can stall your LCA certification.
Search Migrate Mate for verified sponsoring employers
Use Migrate Mate to find employers with confirmed LCA filing history for System Operator roles. This saves you from applying to facilities that list the job but have never actually sponsored a work visa for the position.
Clarify shift structure before the H-1B petition is filed
Third-shift and rotating-shift arrangements can complicate the worksite attestation on the LCA. Your employer needs to list the correct physical location for each shift. Mismatches between the LCA and your actual schedule are a common audit trigger.
Get your PERM labor certification timeline confirmed in writing
If you're on a path toward a green card through EB-2 or EB-3, ask the employer to confirm whether PERM will be filed during your first H-1B period. DOL processing times affect when your priority date is established, which matters most for India-born applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a System Operator role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, in most cases. USCIS looks for roles where a bachelor's degree in a directly related field is a normal minimum requirement. System Operator positions tied to electrical engineering, industrial technology, or process control engineering typically meet this standard. Roles in smaller facilities where the job is primarily manual or procedural may face more scrutiny and an RFE.
What degree does an employer typically require to sponsor a System Operator on an H-1B?
Most sponsoring employers require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial technology, or a closely related field. NERC certifications and control room experience can support the petition but don't substitute for the degree requirement in a specialty occupation context. USCIS expects the employer to show the degree is a standard hiring requirement for the role, not just preferred.
Can Canadian System Operators get a TN visa for this role?
It depends on how the role is classified. TN visas are limited to professions on the USMCA list, and System Operator as a job title doesn't appear on it directly. If the role is substantively an engineering position and the employer describes it as such, a TN under Engineer may be viable. If the role is primarily operations or technician work, TN is unlikely to apply.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor visas for System Operator positions?
Migrate Mate shows employers with verified LCA filing history for System Operator and related control room roles. This lets you focus your applications on facilities that have already navigated the sponsorship process, rather than approaching employers who may be unfamiliar with it or unwilling to start.
Does the rotating shift schedule on a System Operator role affect my visa petition?
It can. The LCA requires the employer to attest to the worksite location and prevailing wage for each site where you'll work. If you rotate between control rooms at different facilities, each location may need to be listed or covered under a separate LCA. Failing to account for multi-site assignments is one of the more common compliance issues USCIS flags during H-1B audits.
What is the prevailing wage requirement for sponsored System Operator 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.