Entry Level STEM OPT Jobs
Entry level roles on STEM OPT give you 24 months of E-Verify-backed work authorization without a lottery or cap. Employers file your OPT extension through USCIS, not a sponsorship petition, making early-career hiring faster and lower-risk for them than H-1B visa. Your degree field must align with your job title.
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Get Access To All JobsAs an S&C Electric team member, you’ll work on projects that have real-world impact. You’ll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. S&C has more than a 100-year history of innovation and has been 100% employee-owned since 2012. We continue this legacy as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in the electrical industry. You will advance a safer, more reliable, and more resilient electrical grid. Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We’re big enough to be a respected industry leader but small enough for you to impact our company directly. Our commitment gives you opportunities to impact on and off the job positively.
Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow’s energy challenges and become an employee-owner!
Hours
- 4:00 pm - 12:30 am (Monday - Friday)
Overtime as needed
Compensation
At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, with a commitment to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated pay rate for this position is $49,040 - $64,978 per year. This role is also eligible for S&C’s annual short-term incentive bonus, subject to eligibility criteria.
Join Our Team as a Chemical Technologist!
Are you passionate about Chemical Technology? S&C Electric Company is seeking a dynamic individual to coordinate our chemical technologist function. As a chemical technologist, you’ll be crucial in ensuring smooth operations and supporting our diverse team. S&C’s U.S. Fabrication Organization consists of multiple departments responsible for the manufacturing of most piece parts used to build a vast array of S&C products. This organization is committed to the manufacturing and on-time delivery of these parts and the development of lean manufacturing techniques throughout our operations. This is a fast-paced, lean environment focused on meeting Key Performance Indicator goals while implementing significant process changes. This position requires an individual who has demonstrated high regard for people by treating them with dignity, respect, fairness, and consistency, with a proven track record of providing successful change while focusing on safety, quality, and productivity. This role reports to the Manager - Fabrication.
You must be willing to overtime or hours other than the assigned shift when agreed upon, including scheduled or emergency overtime.
Key Responsibilities:
- Performing routine maintenance tasks on powder coating and pretreatment systems
- Working with process engineers and operations to identify and implement process improvements
- Completing accurate documentation of critical chemical levels and preventative maintenance tasks
- Assisting with training of team members on preventative maintenance tasks
- Scheduling critical preventative maintenance tasks
What you’ll Need To Succeed:
- Two year associates degree in a related field or commensurate experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Desire to work hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Ability to read and understand part dimensional drawings, familiarity with GD&T is a plus
- Experience monitoring and adjusting chemical systems, in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to work effectively in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Physical demands:
- Standing: Occasional, during testing, sample preparation or process observation.
- Lifting: Occasional light lifting, infrequent lifting up to 50 lbs. for mock-up or test sample preparation.
- Walking: Occasional walking of moderate distances (1 mile) within the S&C complex.
- Carrying: Occasional carrying of light objects for short distances.
- Pushing: Infrequent use of manual hand truck to move samples or mock-ups.
- Pulling: Infrequent use of manual hand truck to move samples or mock-ups.
- Bending: Occasional bending during mock-up assembly or test sample preparation.
- Reaching: Occasional reaching during mock-up assembly or test sample preparation.
- Handling: Occasional handling of parts and tools during mock-up assembly or test sample preparation.
- Environment: Frequent use of computer workstation in office environment. Occasional work in laboratory environment.
S&C Electric is committed to equal-opportunity employment. All employees and applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application, please email us at TAsupport@sandc.com.
No fixed Deadline
#SC25
#LI-EC1
In 1909, S&C Electric Company transformed the delivery of safe, reliable electricity with the invention of the Liquid Power Fuse. Today, as the world faces extreme weather events and the demand for electricity grows, S&C continues to innovate and advance the electrical grid, ensuring reliable and resilient power for homes, communities, and critical infrastructure around the world.
With a diverse, global workforce and core values around integrity, safety, and quality, S&C is a trusted industry leader and top workplace that offers meaningful careers to more than 3,500 team members. As a people-first organization, S&C is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace where team members advance their careers through robust talent-development programs and involved leadership.
S&C’s deeply rooted belief diversity fosters greater creativity, innovation, and success guides the company to advance and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.
S&C provides a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):
- Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical & Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Group Life Insurance, optional Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance, Wellbeing Resources including Employee Assistance Program and Family Forming Benefits (i.e., Adoption and Fertility support)
- Leave Benefits: Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays and Company Shutdown days, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves, Paid Parental Time and Military Leave
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP) offering traditional and Roth 401(k) options and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) component; KSOP participants can receive annual ESOP company contributions of over 11% of eligible earnings (3% Core, up to 3.5% Match, Variable Periodic).
As an S&C Electric team member, you’ll work on projects that have real-world impact. You’ll help transform the grid for resilient and reliable power worldwide. S&C has more than a 100-year history of innovation and has been 100% employee-owned since 2012. We continue this legacy as a trusted, forward-thinking leader in the electrical industry. You will advance a safer, more reliable, and more resilient electrical grid. Our products help the grid adapt to severe weather and transition to clean energy. We’re big enough to be a respected industry leader but small enough for you to impact our company directly. Our commitment gives you opportunities to impact on and off the job positively.
Join S&C to make an impact on tomorrow’s energy challenges and become an employee-owner!
Hours
- 4:00 pm - 12:30 am (Monday - Friday)
Overtime as needed
Compensation
At S&C, we are dedicated to providing competitive and equitable compensation for all our team members, with a commitment to transparency in our pay practices. The estimated pay rate for this position is $49,040 - $64,978 per year. This role is also eligible for S&C’s annual short-term incentive bonus, subject to eligibility criteria.
Join Our Team as a Chemical Technologist!
Are you passionate about Chemical Technology? S&C Electric Company is seeking a dynamic individual to coordinate our chemical technologist function. As a chemical technologist, you’ll be crucial in ensuring smooth operations and supporting our diverse team. S&C’s U.S. Fabrication Organization consists of multiple departments responsible for the manufacturing of most piece parts used to build a vast array of S&C products. This organization is committed to the manufacturing and on-time delivery of these parts and the development of lean manufacturing techniques throughout our operations. This is a fast-paced, lean environment focused on meeting Key Performance Indicator goals while implementing significant process changes. This position requires an individual who has demonstrated high regard for people by treating them with dignity, respect, fairness, and consistency, with a proven track record of providing successful change while focusing on safety, quality, and productivity. This role reports to the Manager - Fabrication.
You must be willing to overtime or hours other than the assigned shift when agreed upon, including scheduled or emergency overtime.
Key Responsibilities:
- Performing routine maintenance tasks on powder coating and pretreatment systems
- Working with process engineers and operations to identify and implement process improvements
- Completing accurate documentation of critical chemical levels and preventative maintenance tasks
- Assisting with training of team members on preventative maintenance tasks
- Scheduling critical preventative maintenance tasks
What you’ll Need To Succeed:
- Two year associates degree in a related field or commensurate experience
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Desire to work hands-on in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Ability to read and understand part dimensional drawings, familiarity with GD&T is a plus
- Experience monitoring and adjusting chemical systems, in a manufacturing environment
- Ability to work effectively in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
Physical demands:
- Standing: Occasional, during testing, sample preparation or process observation.
- Lifting: Occasional light lifting, infrequent lifting up to 50 lbs. for mock-up or test sample preparation.
- Walking: Occasional walking of moderate distances (1 mile) within the S&C complex.
- Carrying: Occasional carrying of light objects for short distances.
- Pushing: Infrequent use of manual hand truck to move samples or mock-ups.
- Pulling: Infrequent use of manual hand truck to move samples or mock-ups.
- Bending: Occasional bending during mock-up assembly or test sample preparation.
- Reaching: Occasional reaching during mock-up assembly or test sample preparation.
- Handling: Occasional handling of parts and tools during mock-up assembly or test sample preparation.
- Environment: Frequent use of computer workstation in office environment. Occasional work in laboratory environment.
S&C Electric is committed to equal-opportunity employment. All employees and applicants will be considered without regard to age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local law. If you are an individual with a disability and need an accommodation to complete the application, please email us at TAsupport@sandc.com.
No fixed Deadline
#SC25
#LI-EC1
In 1909, S&C Electric Company transformed the delivery of safe, reliable electricity with the invention of the Liquid Power Fuse. Today, as the world faces extreme weather events and the demand for electricity grows, S&C continues to innovate and advance the electrical grid, ensuring reliable and resilient power for homes, communities, and critical infrastructure around the world.
With a diverse, global workforce and core values around integrity, safety, and quality, S&C is a trusted industry leader and top workplace that offers meaningful careers to more than 3,500 team members. As a people-first organization, S&C is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative workplace where team members advance their careers through robust talent-development programs and involved leadership.
S&C’s deeply rooted belief diversity fosters greater creativity, innovation, and success guides the company to advance and sustain a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace culture.
S&C provides a comprehensive and competitive benefit package that includes the following (eligibility requirements apply):
- Health and Welfare Benefits: Medical & Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Account (HSA), Group Life Insurance, optional Supplemental Life and AD&D Insurance, Wellbeing Resources including Employee Assistance Program and Family Forming Benefits (i.e., Adoption and Fertility support)
- Leave Benefits: Vacation Time, Sick Time, Paid Holidays and Company Shutdown days, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, Other Leaves, Paid Parental Time and Military Leave
- Retirement Benefits: 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (KSOP) offering traditional and Roth 401(k) options and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) component; KSOP participants can receive annual ESOP company contributions of over 11% of eligible earnings (3% Core, up to 3.5% Match, Variable Periodic).
See all 10,055+ Entry Level STEM OPT Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Entry Level STEM OPT Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs
Verify your degree matches your role
USCIS requires a direct relationship between your STEM degree field and your job duties. Before applying, confirm your SOC code on O*NET aligns with your degree's CIP code. Mismatches are the most common reason STEM OPT extension requests are denied.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early
USCIS requires you to apply at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS first. Missing this window doesn't grant extra time and can result in a gap in your work authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find STEM OPT-ready employers
Search Migrate Mate to surface employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and STEM hiring history by occupation. This cuts out the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that can't legally authorize your extension.
Negotiate your training plan before signing
Your employer must complete a Form I-983 training plan documenting how the role relates to your STEM degree. Get clarity on who owns this before accepting an offer. Employers unfamiliar with I-983 requirements can delay your extension even after hiring you.
Check prevailing wage before your offer stage
STEM OPT doesn't require DOL wage certification, but your salary must align with industry standards to avoid RFE risk on future H-1B petitions. Use the OFLC Wage Search to confirm your offer falls within the prevailing wage range for your SOC code and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find entry level jobs that support STEM OPT?
Search Migrate Mate to find entry level roles at employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, which is required for STEM OPT authorization. Applying broadly without checking E-Verify status wastes time. Narrow by your SOC code to ensure the roles you target match your degree field, which USCIS requires for extension approval.
What does an employer actually have to do to hire me on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, sign and co-develop a Form I-983 training plan with you, and report your employment status to your DSO every six months. They don't file a separate visa petition, which makes STEM OPT hires faster to process than H-1B hires. Many mid-size and large tech, engineering, and life sciences employers already have this infrastructure in place.
Is my STEM OPT tied to a specific employer?
Yes, your STEM OPT is employer-specific. If you change jobs, you must update your employment in SEVIS through your DSO and get a new I-983 signed by the new employer. You can change employers on STEM OPT, but the new employer must also be E-Verify enrolled and your role must still align with your STEM degree field.
What if my entry level job title doesn't obviously match my STEM degree?
USCIS evaluates the relationship between your degree's CIP code and your role's SOC code, not just job titles. A computer science graduate in a 'data operations analyst' role can qualify if the SOC code falls within an approved STEM designation. Check your job's SOC code against the DHS STEM OPT designated degree list before filing your extension request.
Can I start working at a new entry level job before my STEM OPT extension is approved?
Yes, if you filed your STEM OPT extension on time, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-gap that lets you keep working while USCIS processes your application. This applies only if you filed before your initial OPT expired. Your new employer must be E-Verify enrolled from day one of your employment, not just after approval.