OPT Power Systems Engineering Jobs
Power Systems Engineering OPT jobs span utilities, grid operators, and energy companies that routinely sponsor F-1 students. Most roles require a degree in electrical engineering with a power systems focus, and STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of authorized work, a meaningful advantage in this field.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The California ISO is currently taking general applications for university or graduate students majoring in Electrical Engineering or related fields for internship positions in the summer of 2026. There are several groups inside the organization where you could further develop and utilize your skill set in this area! The selection process (with more details on the 2026 summer assignments) will begin shortly. The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7. As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers. The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Your work as an intern can impact millions of people who depend on electricity for their everyday lives.
- You will get "real world" experience to begin or further your career pursuits in the energy industry. This is a paid intern position for 10-12 weeks during summer 2026.
- You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
- Opportunities to interact with the CEO and the Executive team of the ISO.
- Invitations to seminars on the latest energy industry topics such as renewables, electric cars, and micro grids.
- Social activities with other interns.
- You have the opportunity to work at our "green" LEED certified Folsom, California campus with some of the brightest people in the industry if you are local.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Past Assignments have included work such as:
- Participation in project implementation teams to ensure successful implementation of key power systems software applications projects.
- Learn about our new Energy Management System (EMS) software and upgrade.
- Perform outage studies, application testing, tool development, and modeling updates.
- Create new tools and other automations to support outage studies and improve efficiencies of processes.
- Use engineering models to identify market impacts and present reports subject to industry, regulatory, and peer review.
QUALIFICATIONS
Level of Education and Discipline:
- Currently in an Undergraduate, Master’s degree (MS), or PhD program in Electrical Engineering or related field. Degree program with a Power systems focus strongly desired.
- Graduating December of 2026 or later.
Amount of Experience:
- Previous internships, research, or work experience within the electric industry is desired.
- Research and or studies in the energy industry highly desired.
Type of Experience:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Good presentation, oral and written communication skills highly desirable.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills required.
Additional skills and abilities:
- Strong understanding of Power Systems concepts.
- Familiarity running power flow studies within PSLF, PSSE, PowerWorld, or MATLAB desired.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The pay range for power systems engineer interns at the CAISO is $28 - $33 per hour.
INTRODUCTION
The California ISO is currently taking general applications for university or graduate students majoring in Electrical Engineering or related fields for internship positions in the summer of 2026. There are several groups inside the organization where you could further develop and utilize your skill set in this area! The selection process (with more details on the 2026 summer assignments) will begin shortly. The California Independent System Operator (ISO) manages the flow of electricity across the high-voltage, long-distance power lines that make up 80 percent of California's power grid. We safeguard the economy and well-being of 30 million Californians by operating the grid reliably 24/7. As the impartial grid operator, the California ISO opens access to the wholesale power market that is designed to diversify resources and lower prices. It also grants equal access to 25,865 circuit-miles of power lines and reduces barriers to diverse resources competing to bring power to customers. The California ISO's function is often compared to that of air traffic controllers. It would be grossly unfair for air traffic controllers to represent one airline and profit from allowing that company's planes to go through before others. In the same way, the California ISO operates independently—managing the electron traffic on a power grid we do not own—making sure electricity is safely delivered to utilities and consumers on time and reliably.
WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU
Our purpose is to lead the way to tomorrow's energy network. Your work as an intern can impact millions of people who depend on electricity for their everyday lives.
- You will get "real world" experience to begin or further your career pursuits in the energy industry. This is a paid intern position for 10-12 weeks during summer 2026.
- You get to work on interesting and challenging assignments that will help grow your skill set.
- Opportunities to interact with the CEO and the Executive team of the ISO.
- Invitations to seminars on the latest energy industry topics such as renewables, electric cars, and micro grids.
- Social activities with other interns.
- You have the opportunity to work at our "green" LEED certified Folsom, California campus with some of the brightest people in the industry if you are local.
WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING
Past Assignments have included work such as:
- Participation in project implementation teams to ensure successful implementation of key power systems software applications projects.
- Learn about our new Energy Management System (EMS) software and upgrade.
- Perform outage studies, application testing, tool development, and modeling updates.
- Create new tools and other automations to support outage studies and improve efficiencies of processes.
- Use engineering models to identify market impacts and present reports subject to industry, regulatory, and peer review.
QUALIFICATIONS
Level of Education and Discipline:
- Currently in an Undergraduate, Master’s degree (MS), or PhD program in Electrical Engineering or related field. Degree program with a Power systems focus strongly desired.
- Graduating December of 2026 or later.
Amount of Experience:
- Previous internships, research, or work experience within the electric industry is desired.
- Research and or studies in the energy industry highly desired.
Type of Experience:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Good presentation, oral and written communication skills highly desirable.
- Must be able to work effectively in a team environment.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills required.
Additional skills and abilities:
- Strong understanding of Power Systems concepts.
- Familiarity running power flow studies within PSLF, PSSE, PowerWorld, or MATLAB desired.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The pay range for power systems engineer interns at the CAISO is $28 - $33 per hour.
See all 129+ OPT Power Systems Engineering Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Power Systems Engineering
Target STEM-designated employers early
Power systems roles at utilities and grid operators almost always qualify for STEM OPT extension. Confirm your employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer, since that enrollment is required for your three-year STEM extension filing.
Align your degree field with the job description
USCIS requires your degree to relate directly to your OPT role. Power systems positions typically map cleanly to electrical engineering degrees. If your concentration was in power electronics or energy systems, mention that explicitly in your application materials.
Approach smaller utilities and cooperatives
Regional electric cooperatives and municipal utilities hire power systems engineers and are often more flexible on visa timelines than large corporations. Smaller organizations sometimes move faster through hiring decisions, which matters when your OPT start date is approaching.
Get your EAD card before your start date
Apply for OPT authorization at least 90 days before your intended start date. Power systems roles often have firm project onboarding schedules, and delays in your Employment Authorization Document can push back your start date and complicate employer planning.
Document your engineering contributions precisely
For STEM OPT extension, your training plan must describe how the work relates to your degree. Keep records of specific projects, grid modeling tools you use, and technical responsibilities. Vague job descriptions create problems at extension time.
Prioritize roles at ISO and RTO organizations
Independent System Operators and Regional Transmission Organizations, such as PJM, MISO, and CAISO, regularly hire OPT students for analytical and engineering roles. These organizations are experienced with work authorization and often have structured programs for recent graduates.
Power Systems Engineering OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do power systems engineering jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Power systems engineering roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because electrical engineering is a designated STEM field under the DHS STEM list. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must file Form I-765 before your initial OPT period expires. This gives qualifying students up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
What types of employers hire power systems engineers on OPT?
Utilities, Independent System Operators, engineering consultancies, renewable energy developers, and federal agencies like the Department of Energy all hire power systems engineers on OPT. Many of these organizations are experienced with F-1 work authorization and have HR processes in place to support it. You can browse verified OPT-friendly employers in this field on Migrate Mate.
How does changing employers affect my OPT if I work in power systems?
During standard OPT, you can change employers but your new role must still relate to your degree field. For STEM OPT, you must report the employer change to your DSO within 10 days and submit a new Form I-983 training plan with your new employer. Your new employer also needs to be E-Verify enrolled. Gaps in employment exceeding 90 days during OPT can affect your status.
Can I work as a contractor or consultant on OPT in a power systems role?
Yes, but with restrictions. Self-employment is not permitted on OPT. Contract or consulting work is allowed if a qualifying employer directs and evaluates your work and the role relates to your degree. Staffing agency arrangements are permissible as long as the end client provides the day-to-day supervision. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific arrangement meets OPT requirements.
What should I include in my STEM OPT training plan for a power systems role?
Your Form I-983 training plan should describe specific engineering tasks, such as load flow analysis, protection coordination, or grid interconnection studies, and explain how each relates to your electrical engineering coursework. Generic descriptions like 'performs engineering duties' are insufficient. Include measurable learning objectives, the tools and software you will use, and how your supervisor will evaluate your technical progress.