OPT Engineering Intern Jobs
Engineering Intern roles are among the most OPT-friendly positions available, with the majority of sponsoring employers already familiar with STEM OPT extensions. Most engineering internships qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience while you build toward a full-time H-1B visa sponsorship offer.
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What You Can Expect
As our Engineering Intern, in Columbus, OH, at The Ohio State University. You will be responsible for contributing to the design and construction of the "Electric City"—a visually immersive 3D model that illustrates how energy is produced and distributed. The model highlights renewable resources and alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and nuclear power, alongside traditional sources like natural gas and coal. This model will serve as an interactive teaching tool at academic collaboration events. In addition, you will work with and support members of the Capital Projects team, such as Project Managers and Program managers, on various ad hoc tasks.
You will:
- Develop a 3D model of a smart city using 3D and 2D CAD software
- Design, print and fabricate prototype models to represent a Smart city to be used as a “Display” item at conferences, incorporating mechanical and electrical components
- Create a bill of material and spare parts list
- Create, update, and maintain technical drawings and design documentation
- Assist the project team with drawing creation, design reviews, and other project related tasks
What You’ll Bring
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or a related field, sophomore or higher status at The Ohio State University
- Experience with 3D modeling and CAD tools such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar
- Experience with rapid prototyping using 3D printing techniques and various 3D printed material
- Experience with fabricating and building 3D printed models
- Some experience with basic electrical wiring, troubleshooting and testing
- Attention to detail and analytical problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
- Ability to utilize written and verbal communication skills
Additional Details
The internship work term will be September 8, 2026 – December 31, 2026, part-time 15-20 hours per week minimum. Additional hours/weeks may be available based on business needs and will be discussed in advance with your supervisor.
Interns must be enrolled students in good standing at the commencement of the intern semester.
This role requires attendance at a worksite.
Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.
Must be willing and able to comply with all ENGIE ethics and safety policies.
Compensation
Hourly Range: $24.50 to $33.50 USD hourly
This represents the average expected pay range for a qualified candidate.
Actual offered salary may depend on geography, experience, industry knowledge, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors.
ENGIE complies with all federal, state, and local minimum wage laws. Actual salary offered may vary depending on geography, experience, education, internal pay alignment, or other bona fide factors.
Your Talent Acquisition Partner can share more specific information regarding the benefits or the salary for the position based on the work location.
Why ENGIE?
ENGIE North America isn’t just participating in the Zero-Carbon Transition, we’re leading it! Join us as we develop energy that is renewable, efficient, and accessible to everyone.
ENGIE is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, and we are firmly committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all employees.
We are committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you need assistance with this application or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at ENGIENA-ENGIEHR@engie.com. This email address is reserved for individuals with disabilities in need of assistance and is not a means of inquiry regarding positions or application status.
The safety of our employees is our number one priority. All employees at ENGIE have both a duty and the authority to STOP WORK if unsafe acts are observed.
Business Unit: LEI RoW
Division: LEI RoW - Northam
Legal Entity: ENGIE North America Inc.
Company Name: ENGIE North America
Minimum Base Salary: 24.50 USD
Maximum Base Salary: 33.50 USD
Pay Basis: Hourly
Why this matters to us
Our organisation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We offer reasonable accommodations upon request for individuals with disabilities.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Engineering Intern
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT before applying
Engineering degrees on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an internship, since not all engineering-adjacent programs automatically qualify.
Apply well before your OPT start date
USCIS processing for OPT EAD cards takes two to three months. Submit your OPT application at least 90 days before your program end date so your work authorization is in hand before your internship start date.
Target companies with established internship pipelines
Large engineering employers like defense contractors, semiconductor firms, and infrastructure companies hire interns in cohorts and already have HR processes for OPT and STEM OPT. They're far more comfortable with work authorization than first-time sponsors.
Get the training plan right from day one
STEM OPT requires a signed Form I-983 training plan before your extension begins. Raise this with your employer during the offer stage, not after. A vague training plan is one of the most common reasons STEM OPT applications get flagged.
Keep your employment gap window in mind
OPT permits a maximum 90-day unemployment gap during standard OPT, reduced to 150 days combined with STEM OPT. If an internship ends early or is rescinded, notify your DSO immediately to protect your status timeline.
Ask explicitly about H-1B sponsorship before accepting
An engineering internship is valuable, but if your goal is long-term U.S. employment, ask during the offer stage whether the company sponsors H-1B visas for converting interns. Many do; confirming this early shapes your entire post-graduation strategy.
Engineering Intern OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an engineering intern on OPT without any additional authorization?
Yes, your OPT EAD card is all you need to work as an engineering intern, provided the role is directly related to your degree field. Engineering internships generally satisfy this requirement easily, since the work is discipline-specific. Keep a copy of your EAD and I-20 with your OPT recommendation on hand throughout the internship.
Do engineering internships qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most do, provided your degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and your employer is E-Verify enrolled. Engineering disciplines including electrical, mechanical, civil, chemical, and computer engineering are nearly all covered. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension, and ensure your employer can sign the required Form I-983 training plan.
What should I look for in an engineering internship offer to protect my OPT status?
Confirm the start date gives you enough runway after your EAD arrives, that the role is clearly related to your degree program, and that your employer is E-Verify enrolled if you plan to apply for STEM OPT. Also verify the internship is paid, since unpaid positions raise complications for demonstrating lawful employment under OPT.
Where can I find engineering internships that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and STEM OPT students, so every engineering internship listed has been screened for sponsorship openness. Searching there saves you the time of filtering out employers who won't work with international students, which can otherwise consume most of a job search.
Can an engineering internship count toward my OPT employment requirement even if it ends early?
Yes, any period you worked counts toward your authorized employment record. However, if the internship ends before your OPT period does, the 90-day unemployment clock resumes immediately. Report any employment changes to your DSO right away. If you're on STEM OPT, the combined unemployment limit across both periods is 150 days total.