OPT Intern Jobs
Intern roles are one of the most OPT-accessible job types in the U.S. Most internships align naturally with a degree field, satisfying the direct relationship requirement USCIS expects. Your OPT work must be at least 20 hours per week, paid or unpaid, with a start date that matches your authorized period.
Find OPT Intern JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 785+ Intern jobs










See all 785+ Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Intern roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
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.
See all 785+ OPT Intern Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Intern Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Intern
Confirm the role qualifies for OPT before applying
Your internship must be directly related to your degree field. A computer science student working a marketing intern role may not meet USCIS's qualifying employment standard. Check the job description carefully before submitting your application.
Clarify OPT authorization early in the process
Many hiring managers confuse OPT with H-1B visa sponsorship. In your first communication, explain that OPT is your existing work authorization and requires nothing from the employer except a job offer and basic employment verification.
Verify the 20-hour minimum before accepting an offer
USCIS requires OPT employment to be at least 20 hours per week. Part-time internships under that threshold count as unemployment and erode your 90-day unemployment limit. Confirm weekly hours in writing before signing any offer.
Track your employment for your SEVIS record
You must report your internship employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting. Keep the company name, address, supervisor contact, and start date ready. Gaps or late reporting can jeopardize your OPT status and future visa eligibility.
Apply well before your OPT start date
Internship cycles move quickly, especially for summer roles. Start applying two to three months before your OPT authorization begins so you have an offer lined up when your EAD arrives. Late applications risk missing entire hiring windows.
Target employers with a history of hiring international students
Companies that have previously hired OPT students are far less likely to hesitate over authorization questions. Migrate Mate surfaces intern roles from employers already familiar with OPT, reducing friction at the offer stage.
Intern OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an unpaid intern on OPT?
Yes, unpaid internships are allowed under OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree field and meets at least 20 hours per week. However, unpaid roles still count toward your 90-day unemployment limit if they fall below 20 hours, so confirm the schedule before accepting.
Does my internship have to be in a specific industry to qualify for OPT?
The internship must be directly related to your degree field, but there is no restriction on industry. A mechanical engineering student can intern at a startup, a hospital, or a manufacturing firm, as long as the work itself uses the knowledge from their program. The field relationship matters, not the employer's sector.
What happens if my internship ends before my OPT period expires?
You have a 90-day unemployment limit across your entire OPT authorization period. If your internship ends early, that clock resumes immediately. You can accept another qualifying internship or full-time role to pause it. Use Migrate Mate to search for OPT-eligible intern roles if you need to find something quickly after a position ends.
Can I do multiple part-time internships at the same time on OPT?
Yes. You can work multiple part-time intern roles simultaneously, and the hours across all positions count together toward the 20-hour weekly minimum. Each employer must be reported to your DSO separately. Make sure each role is related to your degree field, since USCIS evaluates qualifying employment on a position-by-position basis.
Do internship employers need to file any paperwork for my OPT?
No. Unlike H-1B, OPT requires no petition, no filing fee, and no government paperwork from your employer. Your EAD card is your work authorization. The employer simply needs to verify your eligibility using Form I-9, accept your EAD as a valid work document, and confirm the start date aligns with your authorized period.