OPT Commissioning Engineer Jobs
Commissioning Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, electrical, or systems engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in energy, construction, and industrial automation regularly hire and sponsor engineers at this level.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As an Automation Engineer - Commissioning in Engineering Services, you’ll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Project Engineer - Commissioning a typical day might include the following:
- Commissioning, functionally testing, troubleshooting and diagnosing issues relating to control system logic, communications, input/outputs, and field wiring while at customer locations.
- Contributing to Power System Automation designs and logic/HMI development, functional testing, and documentation while in office.
- Completing and implementing assigned work within agreed upon scope, schedule and budget to a high level of quality and safety.
- Participating in the preparation of functional design specifications.
- Preparing and maintaining detailed design documents, reports, checklists, test reports, and deliverables.
- Following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
- Understand. Create. Simplify.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This job might be for you if you have:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline or significant experience in automation and commissioning of power control systems.
- 2+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and automation/power systems.
- Good knowledge of electric power system protection and control, integration and/or automation and communications applications.
- Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 60% based on focus area.
- Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Background check results satisfactory to SEL.
- Negative drug test result(s).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
PAY RANGE DATA
We anticipate filling this position as a Project Engineer II $90,000 - $150,000. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
INTRODUCTION
The devices we make at SEL are embedded in the power grid. They prevent blackouts. They make outages safer and shorter in duration; they add cybersecurity, automation, and communication. They use cutting-edge technologies and operate at speeds that push other pieces of the grid to go faster. As an Automation Engineer - Commissioning in Engineering Services, you’ll provide solutions and services that help our customers protect and control critical electrical infrastructure and power systems worldwide.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Project Engineer - Commissioning a typical day might include the following:
- Commissioning, functionally testing, troubleshooting and diagnosing issues relating to control system logic, communications, input/outputs, and field wiring while at customer locations.
- Contributing to Power System Automation designs and logic/HMI development, functional testing, and documentation while in office.
- Completing and implementing assigned work within agreed upon scope, schedule and budget to a high level of quality and safety.
- Participating in the preparation of functional design specifications.
- Preparing and maintaining detailed design documents, reports, checklists, test reports, and deliverables.
- Following and applying SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
- Understand. Create. Simplify.
- Other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
This job might be for you if you have:
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering or relevant discipline or significant experience in automation and commissioning of power control systems.
- 2+ years relevant application experience with electric power systems, industry practices, and automation/power systems.
- Good knowledge of electric power system protection and control, integration and/or automation and communications applications.
- Willing to travel both domestically and internationally a minimum of 60% based on focus area.
- Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment.
- Background check results satisfactory to SEL.
- Negative drug test result(s).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
PAY RANGE DATA
We anticipate filling this position as a Project Engineer II $90,000 - $150,000. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the salary range may differ if filled at a different level. Our salary ranges are determined by job, responsibility, and location. We base our starting pay offer and title on location and job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
COMMUNICATION WITH APPLICANTS
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
See all 171+ OPT Commissioning Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Commissioning Engineer
Target STEM-designated roles from day one
Commissioning Engineer positions typically fall under STEM OPT when your degree is in engineering or a related technical field. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can present your 36-month eligibility confidently to employers.
Focus on industries with established sponsorship pipelines
Energy, oil and gas, industrial automation, and building systems integration regularly hire commissioning engineers and have experience sponsoring H-1B visas. Targeting these sectors improves your chances of finding employers familiar with the OPT-to-H-1B transition process.
Highlight field-specific technical certifications
Certifications like NICET, PMP, or vendor-specific controls training signal readiness to contribute immediately on job sites. Employers are more willing to navigate OPT paperwork when a candidate reduces their onboarding burden with verifiable technical credentials.
Address travel requirements and OPT proactively
Commissioning roles often involve extended site travel. Clarify early that your OPT authorization travels with you across U.S. project sites. Employers unfamiliar with OPT sometimes assume multi-site work creates compliance issues, and correcting that assumption removes a common objection.
File your OPT extension application well before your current authorization expires
USCIS processing for a STEM OPT extension can take several months. Submit your application at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date to protect your ability to keep working without a gap during active project assignments.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly commissioning roles
Most general job boards don't filter for OPT sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students, so you can browse Commissioning Engineer roles where employers are already open to candidates on work authorization.
Commissioning Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Commissioning Engineer jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Commissioning Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical, electrical, systems, or a related engineering field. The key is that both your degree's CIP code and the job itself must align with a STEM-designated field. Confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer, since the employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor a STEM OPT extension.
How does site-based travel affect my OPT status?
Your OPT work authorization covers employment anywhere in the United States, so traveling between project sites or working at client facilities doesn't affect your status. What matters is that your employer remains the same and your job duties stay consistent with what's listed on your EAD and OPT application. If you're changing employers or taking on a substantially different role mid-project, notify your DSO and update your SEVIS record promptly.
Are Commissioning Engineer employers familiar with OPT sponsorship?
Familiarity varies by employer size and industry. Large engineering firms in energy, utilities, and industrial automation regularly hire OPT candidates and understand the H-1B transition process. Smaller contractors or regional firms may have less experience. When you find a promising employer, ask directly during the interview whether they've sponsored OPT workers before and whether they have an immigration counsel on retainer. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers already open to candidates on work authorization.
What documentation do I need to start work as a Commissioning Engineer on OPT?
You'll need your valid EAD card, a copy of your I-20 with the OPT authorization page signed by your DSO, and your unexpired passport. Your employer will complete Form I-9 on or before your first day using these documents. For STEM OPT extensions, you'll also need a signed Form I-983 training plan in place before the extension period begins. Keep copies of all documents in case of an E-Verify query or worksite audit.
Can I work as a contractor or on project-based contracts during OPT?
Yes, but the structure matters. OPT allows contract and project-based work as long as you have a bona fide employer-employee relationship with the company sponsoring your OPT. Third-party staffing arrangements are permitted, but for STEM OPT, the employer of record must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan. Independent self-employment, where you are your own employer, is not permitted under OPT regulations.