Oil And Gas Jobs for OPT Students
Oil and gas roles in engineering, geology, and operations regularly sponsor F-1 OPT students, particularly those with degrees in petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or geosciences. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months with a STEM OPT extension, gives employers a meaningful trial period before pursuing H-1B sponsorship.
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INTRODUCTION
EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities. At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist clients to deliver business transformations into globally integrated operations by connecting strategy and execution across the Oil and Gas industry. Help clients in the Oil and Gas sector design and establish governance models including Transformation Management Offices (TMOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), and/or Project or Product Portfolio Management Offices (PPMOs). Work with senior leadership teams in key accounts to structure and implement change and create capability within Oil and Gas clients to drive change. Identify and implement opportunities to drive digital innovation, such as Artificial Intelligence, within the energy sector. Assist clients with Transformation Program Design, Capital Project Digital Innovation, Capability Roadmap Development and Execution, Assessments and Process Design, Automation & Digital Enablement, PMO Setup & Operations, and Product Delivery Strategy & Roadmap. Apply program management knowledge and domain experience to implement and embed improvements and deliver sustainable value. Provide counseling and mentorship to junior consultants within the organization.
Manage and motivate teams of professionals with diverse skills and backgrounds. Consistently deliver quality client services by monitoring progress. Demonstrate in-depth technical capabilities and professional knowledge. Maintain long-term client relationships and networks. Cultivate business development opportunities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 5 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate Oil and Gas industry work experience. Alternatively, will accept a Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science or related field and 4 years of Oil and Gas industry work experience.
Must have 4 years of experience leading Oil and Gas business functions in transformation Program/PMO/EPMO/Portfolio design and at least one of the following areas:
- process design and re-engineering;
- maturity assessment;
- capability roadmap development;
- end-to-end technology;
- business change implementation; and/or
- PPM Technology design and implementation.
Must have 3 years of external client-facing consulting experience in Business or technology consulting, including managing client relationships.
Must have 3 years of professional services experience, of which at least 1 year must be with a large, multinational consulting firm.
Must have 3 years of external client-facing consulting experience in the Oil and Gas commercial sector.
Must have 3 years of experience utilizing modern project management methodologies, including at least one of the following - Agile, Waterfall, or similar.
Must have 2 years of experience with all of the following:
- utilizing at least one of the following project scheduling tools – Microsoft Project, or Oracle Primavera;
- utilizing at least one of the following Agile work management tools – Microsoft Azure DevOps, or Atlassian Jira;
- utilizing at least one of the following data analytics and visualization tools - PowerBI or Tableau; and
- utilizing at least one of the following automation tools – PowerAutomate, UiPath, or similar.
Must have 1 year of experience in engagement financial planning and/or engagement financial management.
Must have 1 year of experience supporting Oil and Gas business development efforts, in the new opportunity and RFP process including all of the following – developing Proof of Concept(s), Response, Research, Proposal, Client Presentation, Pricing, and SOW drafting.
Must have 1 year of experience managing, leading and developing a project team of staff/senior consulting professionals on engagements, including all of the following - setting priorities, monitoring and providing performance feedback, review and delegation of engagement activities and deliverables, counselling and mentoring junior level consultants.
Must have 1 year of experience supporting internal business strategies in at least one of the following:
- learning and development;
- recruitment and onboarding;
- knowledge management;
- alliances and integration;
- Branding;
- products and capabilities; and/or
- go-to-market strategy.
Requires travel up to 80%, of which 20% may be international, to serve client needs.
Employer will accept any suitable combination of education, training or experience.
COMPENSATION
- Salary: $144,555.00 per year.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year. Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.
- Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
- Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
- Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
- Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.
LOCATION
Location: Houston, TX
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please apply on-line at ey.com/en_us/careers and click on "Careers - Job Search”, “See All", then “Experienced Professionals” (Job Number - 1680377).
EEO STATEMENT
EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.
EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, type Option 2 (HR-related inquiries) and then type Option 1 (HR Shared Services Center), which will route you to EY’s Talent Shared Services Team or email SSC Customer Support at ssc.customersupport@ey.com.
This particular position at Ernst & Young in the United States requires the qualified candidate to be a "United States worker" as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor regulations at 20 CFR 656.3. You can review this definition at the bottom of page 750. Please feel free to apply to other positions that do not require you to be a "U.S. worker".

INTRODUCTION
EY focuses on high-ethical standards and integrity among its employees and expects all candidates to demonstrate these qualities. At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist clients to deliver business transformations into globally integrated operations by connecting strategy and execution across the Oil and Gas industry. Help clients in the Oil and Gas sector design and establish governance models including Transformation Management Offices (TMOs), Program Management Offices (PMOs), and/or Project or Product Portfolio Management Offices (PPMOs). Work with senior leadership teams in key accounts to structure and implement change and create capability within Oil and Gas clients to drive change. Identify and implement opportunities to drive digital innovation, such as Artificial Intelligence, within the energy sector. Assist clients with Transformation Program Design, Capital Project Digital Innovation, Capability Roadmap Development and Execution, Assessments and Process Design, Automation & Digital Enablement, PMO Setup & Operations, and Product Delivery Strategy & Roadmap. Apply program management knowledge and domain experience to implement and embed improvements and deliver sustainable value. Provide counseling and mentorship to junior consultants within the organization.
Manage and motivate teams of professionals with diverse skills and backgrounds. Consistently deliver quality client services by monitoring progress. Demonstrate in-depth technical capabilities and professional knowledge. Maintain long-term client relationships and networks. Cultivate business development opportunities.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and 5 years of progressive, post-baccalaureate Oil and Gas industry work experience. Alternatively, will accept a Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science or related field and 4 years of Oil and Gas industry work experience.
Must have 4 years of experience leading Oil and Gas business functions in transformation Program/PMO/EPMO/Portfolio design and at least one of the following areas:
- process design and re-engineering;
- maturity assessment;
- capability roadmap development;
- end-to-end technology;
- business change implementation; and/or
- PPM Technology design and implementation.
Must have 3 years of external client-facing consulting experience in Business or technology consulting, including managing client relationships.
Must have 3 years of professional services experience, of which at least 1 year must be with a large, multinational consulting firm.
Must have 3 years of external client-facing consulting experience in the Oil and Gas commercial sector.
Must have 3 years of experience utilizing modern project management methodologies, including at least one of the following - Agile, Waterfall, or similar.
Must have 2 years of experience with all of the following:
- utilizing at least one of the following project scheduling tools – Microsoft Project, or Oracle Primavera;
- utilizing at least one of the following Agile work management tools – Microsoft Azure DevOps, or Atlassian Jira;
- utilizing at least one of the following data analytics and visualization tools - PowerBI or Tableau; and
- utilizing at least one of the following automation tools – PowerAutomate, UiPath, or similar.
Must have 1 year of experience in engagement financial planning and/or engagement financial management.
Must have 1 year of experience supporting Oil and Gas business development efforts, in the new opportunity and RFP process including all of the following – developing Proof of Concept(s), Response, Research, Proposal, Client Presentation, Pricing, and SOW drafting.
Must have 1 year of experience managing, leading and developing a project team of staff/senior consulting professionals on engagements, including all of the following - setting priorities, monitoring and providing performance feedback, review and delegation of engagement activities and deliverables, counselling and mentoring junior level consultants.
Must have 1 year of experience supporting internal business strategies in at least one of the following:
- learning and development;
- recruitment and onboarding;
- knowledge management;
- alliances and integration;
- Branding;
- products and capabilities; and/or
- go-to-market strategy.
Requires travel up to 80%, of which 20% may be international, to serve client needs.
Employer will accept any suitable combination of education, training or experience.
COMPENSATION
- Salary: $144,555.00 per year.
We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to the business. In addition, our Total Rewards package includes medical and dental coverage, pension and 401(k) plans, and a wide range of paid time off options. Join us in our team-led and leader-enabled hybrid model. Our expectation is for most people in external, client serving roles to work together in person 40-60% of the time over the course of an engagement, project or year. Under our flexible vacation policy, you’ll decide how much vacation time you need based on your own personal circumstances. You’ll also be granted time off for designated EY Paid Holidays, Winter/Summer breaks, Personal/Family Care, and other leaves of absence when needed to support your physical, financial, and emotional well-being.
- Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
- Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
- Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
- Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.
LOCATION
Location: Houston, TX
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
Please apply on-line at ey.com/en_us/careers and click on "Careers - Job Search”, “See All", then “Experienced Professionals” (Job Number - 1680377).
EEO STATEMENT
EY provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected basis, including arrest and conviction records, in accordance with applicable law.
EY is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, including veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and either need assistance applying online or need to request an accommodation during any part of the application process, please call 1-800-EY-HELP3, type Option 2 (HR-related inquiries) and then type Option 1 (HR Shared Services Center), which will route you to EY’s Talent Shared Services Team or email SSC Customer Support at ssc.customersupport@ey.com.
This particular position at Ernst & Young in the United States requires the qualified candidate to be a "United States worker" as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor regulations at 20 CFR 656.3. You can review this definition at the bottom of page 750. Please feel free to apply to other positions that do not require you to be a "U.S. worker".
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Oil And Gas
Target STEM-designated programs
Petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, and geoscience degrees qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you 36 months total. Employers in oil and gas know this timeline and factor it into sponsorship decisions.
Align your degree to the job description
OPT authorization ties your work to your field of study. A petroleum engineering role requires a directly related degree. Misalignment creates compliance risk for you and the employer, so be explicit about your degree when applying.
Highlight field and technical certifications
OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER, well control certifications, and industry-specific software proficiency signal readiness for operations roles. These credentials reduce employer hesitation around the added complexity of sponsoring an OPT worker.
Track your OPT end date against hiring timelines
Oil and gas hiring can take three to six months from application to start date. Apply early enough that your remaining OPT window covers onboarding, and give employers clear visibility into your authorization timeline upfront.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work in oil and gas roles?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work in oil and gas as long as the role is directly related to their field of study. Petroleum engineers must hold a petroleum engineering degree, geoscientists a geoscience or geology degree, and so on. USCIS requires that OPT employment be in a position that is directly tied to the student's major area of study.
Do oil and gas companies sponsor OPT students for H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly large operators like ExxonMobil, Chevron, and Halliburton, as well as major oilfield services firms. These companies have immigration teams experienced with OPT-to-H-1B transitions. Smaller independents and regional producers are less consistent. The best way to find OPT-friendly employers actively hiring is through Migrate Mate, which filters for companies open to sponsorship.
Does a petroleum engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Petroleum engineering is on the Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List, which means graduates are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Combined with the initial 12 months, this gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, a timeline that makes you significantly more attractive to employers weighing H-1B sponsorship.
Can I work on oil rigs or in field operations on OPT?
Yes, field operations and rig-based roles are permissible under OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree. Remote or rotational field positions count as valid OPT employment. You should ensure your employer reports your employment through the SEVP portal and that your job description accurately reflects your field of study to maintain compliance.
What happens to my OPT status if I get laid off in the oil and gas sector?
Oil and gas employment is cyclical, and layoffs do happen. On post-completion OPT, you have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance for the standard 12-month period. On STEM OPT extension, you get an additional 60 days, for 150 total. If you lose your job, start your search immediately. Document your job search activities, as USCIS can request evidence that you were actively seeking employment during any unemployment period.
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