OPT Operations Engineer Jobs
Operations Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in industrial engineering, systems engineering, or operations management. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, logistics, and tech actively hire OPT candidates for process improvement and systems optimization work.
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Get Access To All JobsTitle: Cryogenics Operations Electrical Engineer
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, US, 23606
Category: Engineering and Design
Work Arrangement Type: On-Site - No remote work
Classification: Staff Engineer II
Description:
At Jefferson Lab, you’ll champion cutting-edge science and operational excellence while shaping the future of discovery. Join us and make your mark – where excellence meets purpose, and great minds truly matter.
The good-faith pay range for this role is $91,800 - $131,900 per year. Actual compensation may vary and may be above the posted range based on factors such as a candidate's skills, experience, education, certifications, and work location.
What your job will be like:
Develop, implement, document, commission, and operate numerous cryogenic projects within Jefferson Lab and other national or international accelerator laboratories on systems capable of operating at temperatures down to 2.1 Kelvin. Many of the systems are unique and represent the state of the art in cryogenics. Work can include configuring motors and drives, setting up and maintaining control and data acquisition systems, developing engineering drawings, writing software, and operating cryogenic plants.
Supervise and lead a team of EI&C technicians in providing technical support, performing maintenance and repair of cryogenic electrical equipment, instrumentation, and controls in multiple cryogenic plants on site. Operate various types of rotating and reciprocating machines such as helium screw compressors, helium reciprocating expansion engines, vacuum pumps, and all associated components that support ongoing testing and accelerator operations throughout the laboratory.
In this job you will:
Design and implement control systems drawings for Cryogenic equipment using AutoCAD and Programmable Logic Controller layouts. Document and fabricate designs with technicians and Engineers.
Program control systems for the Cryogenic equipment such as compressors and turbines. Utilize PLC and computer programming skills Studio 5000, Connected Components Workbench, and programming languages such as Python and C++.
Participate in Cryogenic operations for the group. This involves reviewing process piping and instrumentation diagrams, manipulating valves, monitoring data trends, and starting/stopping equipment to support re-configurations and restarts.
Support 24/7 operations of the Cryogenics Department as a Cryogenic Coordinator on call for a week's duration for 3 to 4 times per year. Occasional mandatory unplanned work for emergency repairs.
Manage small projects or multiple, complex tasks. Accurately estimate project/task resources including manpower, parts, and schedule of completion for weeks to months in advance.
Communicate clearly with subordinates, management, and other lab staff.
Independently and efficiently lead EI&C technicians in performing installation, maintenance, and repair activities. Potentially supervise a small number of contractors and make sure their safety training is current.
Train EI&C technicians in electrical, instrumentation, and controls troubleshooting and instrumentation calibration and make sure the technicians have current safety and technical training.
Experience
4 or more years relevant experience
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Education above the minimum may be substituted for experience. Relevant experience may not be substituted for education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong fundamentals in electrical engineering.
- Ability to use programming languages such as C, C++, python, JAVA, etc.
- Ability to program PLCs using Studio 5000, Connected Components Workbench, etc.
- Familiar with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, and multimeters.
- Ability to work independently with little direction, proactive self-starter, good communication and verbal skills.
- Familiar with basic thermodynamic concepts.
- Familiar with CAD design tools such as Autocad.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, controls enclosure drawings, equipment manuals, and operational procedures.
- Ability to effectively lead and train a team, previous supervisory experience preferred.
About Jefferson Lab
Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.
A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of “big science” and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by SURATech, LLC, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.
Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab
At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
- 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested • Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
- Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
- Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast
SURATech, LLC manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURATech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SURATech is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am – 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.
Employment with SURATech is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.
Nearest Major Market: Hampton Roads
Title: Cryogenics Operations Electrical Engineer
Location:
Newport News, Virginia, US, 23606
Category: Engineering and Design
Work Arrangement Type: On-Site - No remote work
Classification: Staff Engineer II
Description:
At Jefferson Lab, you’ll champion cutting-edge science and operational excellence while shaping the future of discovery. Join us and make your mark – where excellence meets purpose, and great minds truly matter.
The good-faith pay range for this role is $91,800 - $131,900 per year. Actual compensation may vary and may be above the posted range based on factors such as a candidate's skills, experience, education, certifications, and work location.
What your job will be like:
Develop, implement, document, commission, and operate numerous cryogenic projects within Jefferson Lab and other national or international accelerator laboratories on systems capable of operating at temperatures down to 2.1 Kelvin. Many of the systems are unique and represent the state of the art in cryogenics. Work can include configuring motors and drives, setting up and maintaining control and data acquisition systems, developing engineering drawings, writing software, and operating cryogenic plants.
Supervise and lead a team of EI&C technicians in providing technical support, performing maintenance and repair of cryogenic electrical equipment, instrumentation, and controls in multiple cryogenic plants on site. Operate various types of rotating and reciprocating machines such as helium screw compressors, helium reciprocating expansion engines, vacuum pumps, and all associated components that support ongoing testing and accelerator operations throughout the laboratory.
In this job you will:
Design and implement control systems drawings for Cryogenic equipment using AutoCAD and Programmable Logic Controller layouts. Document and fabricate designs with technicians and Engineers.
Program control systems for the Cryogenic equipment such as compressors and turbines. Utilize PLC and computer programming skills Studio 5000, Connected Components Workbench, and programming languages such as Python and C++.
Participate in Cryogenic operations for the group. This involves reviewing process piping and instrumentation diagrams, manipulating valves, monitoring data trends, and starting/stopping equipment to support re-configurations and restarts.
Support 24/7 operations of the Cryogenics Department as a Cryogenic Coordinator on call for a week's duration for 3 to 4 times per year. Occasional mandatory unplanned work for emergency repairs.
Manage small projects or multiple, complex tasks. Accurately estimate project/task resources including manpower, parts, and schedule of completion for weeks to months in advance.
Communicate clearly with subordinates, management, and other lab staff.
Independently and efficiently lead EI&C technicians in performing installation, maintenance, and repair activities. Potentially supervise a small number of contractors and make sure their safety training is current.
Train EI&C technicians in electrical, instrumentation, and controls troubleshooting and instrumentation calibration and make sure the technicians have current safety and technical training.
Experience
4 or more years relevant experience
Education
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Education above the minimum may be substituted for experience. Relevant experience may not be substituted for education.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong fundamentals in electrical engineering.
- Ability to use programming languages such as C, C++, python, JAVA, etc.
- Ability to program PLCs using Studio 5000, Connected Components Workbench, etc.
- Familiar with test equipment such as oscilloscopes, function generators, and multimeters.
- Ability to work independently with little direction, proactive self-starter, good communication and verbal skills.
- Familiar with basic thermodynamic concepts.
- Familiar with CAD design tools such as Autocad.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, P&IDs, controls enclosure drawings, equipment manuals, and operational procedures.
- Ability to effectively lead and train a team, previous supervisory experience preferred.
About Jefferson Lab
Join a community with a common purpose of solving the most challenging scientific and engineering problems of our time. The Jefferson Lab campus is located in southeastern Virginia amidst a vibrant and growing technology community.
A career at Jefferson Lab is more than a job. You will be part of “big science” and work alongside top scientists and engineers from around the world unlocking the secrets of our visible universe. Managed by SURATech, LLC, Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is entering an exciting period of mission growth and is seeking new team members ready to apply their skills and passion to have an impact. You could call it work, or you could call it a mission. We call it a challenge. We do things that will change the world.
Total Rewards at Jefferson Lab
At Jefferson Lab, we believe that a comprehensive employee benefits program is an important and meaningful part of the compensation employees receive. Our benefits program includes, but is not limited to:
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Plans • Flexible Spending Accounts
- Paid Time-off and Leave Programs (Paid Parental, vacation, holidays, and sick leave)
- 401(k) Plan – 9% Lab Contribution; 100% vested • Flexible Work Arrangements (Remote & Alternate Work Schedules available)
- Tuition Assistance, Training and Professional Development Programs
- Live near the waterways of the Chesapeake Bay region with access to nearby beaches, mountains, and all major metropolitan centers on the East Coast
SURATech, LLC manages and operates the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (Jefferson Lab). SURATech is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
SURATech is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities (unless doing so will result in an undue hardship). If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to recruiting@jlab.org or contact Human Resources by calling (757) 269-7100 and selecting option 1 between 8 am – 5 pm EST to provide the nature of your request.
Employment with SURATech is conditional upon DOE approval if at any time during your employment you are participating in a Foreign Government Talent Recruitment Program or Affiliated activity. Generally, such programs/activities include any foreign-state-sponsored attempt to acquire U.S.-funded scientific research through programs run or funded by the government that target scientists, engineers, students, academics, researchers, and entrepreneurs of all nationalities working or educated in the United States. This includes positions or appointments, both domestic and foreign, titled academic, professional, or institutional appointments whether or not remuneration is received and whether full-time, part-time or voluntary.
Nearest Major Market: Hampton Roads
See all 1,406+ OPT Operations Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Operations Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Operations Engineer
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Operations Engineer positions typically fall under CIP codes for industrial or systems engineering, qualifying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your degree field matches before applying so you can confidently discuss your full authorization timeline with employers.
Lead with your authorization window upfront
Tell recruiters you have 12 months of OPT with a 24-month STEM extension available. Framing your total authorized period as up to 36 months reduces concern about short-term availability and positions you as a longer-term hiring option worth sponsoring.
Target employers with existing E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Prioritize companies that already use it, particularly large manufacturers, logistics firms, and tech companies, so your extension isn't delayed by administrative enrollment requirements on the employer side.
Quantify process improvements in your resume
Operations Engineer roles are output-driven. Hiring managers respond to measurable results like reduced cycle times, cost savings, or throughput gains. Specific numbers from internships or academic projects demonstrate the analytical mindset employers expect and make sponsorship conversations easier to justify internally.
Pursue lean and Six Sigma certifications early
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or similar credentials signal operational competency beyond your degree. These certifications are recognized across manufacturing, supply chain, and tech operations teams, making you a stronger candidate in competitive applicant pools where OPT status may otherwise raise hesitation.
Prepare a clear answer about your long-term visa path
Employers sponsoring OPT workers often think ahead to H-1B visa. Know whether your role qualifies as a specialty occupation and be ready to explain the H-1B timeline. Showing you understand the process reduces perceived risk and signals you are serious about building a career in the U.S.
Operations Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Operations Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Operations Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in industrial engineering, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM field. The key is that your CIP code must appear on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List published by ICE. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Operations Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you are not sorting through listings from employers who won't work with OPT candidates. Operations Engineer roles in manufacturing, logistics, and tech operations tend to appear frequently because those industries rely heavily on engineering talent and often have structured immigration support.
Can I work as an Operations Engineer while on OPT if my degree is in a related but not identical field?
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your major area of study, but it does not require an exact match in job title. A degree in mechanical engineering, supply chain management, or industrial engineering can support an Operations Engineer role if the core responsibilities align with your field. Your DSO makes the final determination, so discuss the role description with them before accepting an offer.
What happens to my OPT status if my Operations Engineer employer goes through layoffs?
If you are laid off while on post-completion OPT, you have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire OPT period. STEM OPT adds up to 60 additional days of unemployment. You need to report the job loss to your DSO immediately and begin your search. Exceeding the unemployment limit without a new job offer ends your authorized stay.
Do Operations Engineer roles at large companies offer H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Many large employers in manufacturing, tech, and logistics do sponsor H-1B visas for Operations Engineers because the role generally qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. However, H-1B approval depends on the lottery, so timing your OPT period around the April filing window matters. Ask about sponsorship policy during the offer stage, not after you start.