OPT R D Engineer Jobs
R&D Engineer jobs are strong candidates for OPT work authorization. Most roles require a degree in engineering, materials science, or a related STEM field, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in this space are generally familiar with sponsoring international talent through H-1B visa.
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Get Access To All JobsLocation:
Alamo, Tennessee, United States of America
Job ID:
R0137482
Date Posted:
2026-11-06
Company Name:
HITACHI ENERGY USA INC
Profession (Job Category):
Engineering & Science
Job Schedule:
Full time
Remote:
No
The opportunity
Are you ready to shape the future of high-voltage technology? Join Hitachi Energy as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer and play a key role in developing innovative bushings and transformer components that power the world's energy transition.
In this role, you will transform ideas into industrialized products, working across the full product development lifecycle from concept design and engineering validation to qualification and market introduction. You'll collaborate with talented colleagues in a global environment, contribute to cutting-edge R&D initiatives, and help deliver reliable, sustainable solutions for customers worldwide. Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures and guidelines.
This is an exciting opportunity for a technically curious and collaborative engineering professional who thrives on innovation, enjoys solving complex challenges, and wants to make a meaningful impact on the future of power infrastructure. You'll work with advanced engineering tools, engage with international teams, and influence the development of next-generation high-voltage products while continuing to grow your expertise and career.
How you'll make an impact
- Design new high-voltage bushings and transformer components from concept through industrialization.
- Develop and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation.
- Define mechanical layouts, component interfaces, insulation structures, and technical specifications.
- Support feasibility studies, concept evaluations, and technology development activities.
- Manage product structures, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and engineering data within PLM systems.
- Support prototype manufacturing, product testing, qualification programs, and design validation activities.
- Analyze test results and implement product improvements to enhance performance and reliability.
- Collaborate with global R&D teams to deliver project objectives related to scope, schedule, quality, and cost.
Your background
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Proven experience designing and developing high-voltage insulation components, preferably bushings.
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD design tools, with Creo experience highly valued.
- Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with simulation tools such as Ansys is preferred.
- Knowledge of IEC, IEEE, and product qualification standards, along with strong teamwork, problem-solving, and project execution skills.
More about us
- At Hitachi Energy, you'll be part of a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all.
- We foster an inclusive and collaborative culture where diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.
- We invest in your growth through international collaboration, continuous learning opportunities, and career development pathways across our global organization.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity
Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility and reasonable accommodation
Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.
This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.
Use of AI and automated tools in recruitment
As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including AI-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.
Location:
Alamo, Tennessee, United States of America
Job ID:
R0137482
Date Posted:
2026-11-06
Company Name:
HITACHI ENERGY USA INC
Profession (Job Category):
Engineering & Science
Job Schedule:
Full time
Remote:
No
The opportunity
Are you ready to shape the future of high-voltage technology? Join Hitachi Energy as a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer and play a key role in developing innovative bushings and transformer components that power the world's energy transition.
In this role, you will transform ideas into industrialized products, working across the full product development lifecycle from concept design and engineering validation to qualification and market introduction. You'll collaborate with talented colleagues in a global environment, contribute to cutting-edge R&D initiatives, and help deliver reliable, sustainable solutions for customers worldwide. Responsible to ensure compliance with applicable external and internal regulations, procedures and guidelines.
This is an exciting opportunity for a technically curious and collaborative engineering professional who thrives on innovation, enjoys solving complex challenges, and wants to make a meaningful impact on the future of power infrastructure. You'll work with advanced engineering tools, engage with international teams, and influence the development of next-generation high-voltage products while continuing to grow your expertise and career.
How you'll make an impact
- Design new high-voltage bushings and transformer components from concept through industrialization.
- Develop and maintain 3D CAD models, assemblies, detailed drawings, and engineering documentation.
- Define mechanical layouts, component interfaces, insulation structures, and technical specifications.
- Support feasibility studies, concept evaluations, and technology development activities.
- Manage product structures, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and engineering data within PLM systems.
- Support prototype manufacturing, product testing, qualification programs, and design validation activities.
- Analyze test results and implement product improvements to enhance performance and reliability.
- Collaborate with global R&D teams to deliver project objectives related to scope, schedule, quality, and cost.
Your background
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
- Proven experience designing and developing high-voltage insulation components, preferably bushings.
- Strong proficiency in 3D CAD design tools, with Creo experience highly valued.
- Solid understanding of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Experience with simulation tools such as Ansys is preferred.
- Knowledge of IEC, IEEE, and product qualification standards, along with strong teamwork, problem-solving, and project execution skills.
More about us
- At Hitachi Energy, you'll be part of a global technology leader advancing a sustainable energy future for all.
- We foster an inclusive and collaborative culture where diverse perspectives drive innovation and success.
- We invest in your growth through international collaboration, continuous learning opportunities, and career development pathways across our global organization.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)-Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
Equal Employment Opportunity
Hitachi is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals, including females, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
Accessibility and reasonable accommodation
Protected veterans and qualified individuals with a disability may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Hitachi Energy career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by completing a general inquiry form on our website. Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process.
This accommodation channel is solely for job seekers with disabilities requiring accessibility assistance or an accommodation in the job application process. Messages left for other purposes will not receive a response.
Use of AI and automated tools in recruitment
As part of our recruitment process, Hitachi Energy uses digital and automated tools, including AI-supported solutions, to assist with activities such as application screening, job matching, and interview scheduling. These tools are designed to support our recruiters and do not replace human decision-making. Candidate data is processed in accordance with applicable data protection and employment laws as well as Hitachi's Global Data Privacy Notice.
See all 776+ OPT R D Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT R D Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a R D Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program appears on the STEM OPT designated degree list before applying. R&D roles at companies requiring engineering or science backgrounds qualify for the 24-month extension, giving you significantly more runway than standard OPT.
Focus on employers with R&D departments
Large manufacturers, biotech firms, semiconductor companies, and defense contractors maintain dedicated R&D teams and typically have established processes for sponsoring international engineers. These employers are far more likely to be comfortable with OPT work authorization.
Highlight research output concretely
List publications, patents, conference presentations, and lab projects on your resume. R&D hiring managers evaluate candidates on research contributions, and a concrete track record signals you can contribute independently from day one.
Apply before your OPT start date
Start applying three to four months before your OPT authorization begins. R&D hiring cycles are longer than general engineering roles because technical evaluations and security clearance checks add time to the process.
Address the H-1B timeline proactively
Mention your STEM OPT timeline early in conversations with recruiters. Employers appreciate knowing they have 36 months total before needing to file an H-1B visa petition, reducing the urgency that often causes sponsorship hesitation.
Match your specialization to the role precisely
R&D positions are highly specialized. Tailor each application to match your specific research background to the role's technical requirements. A materials scientist applying to a photonics role without connecting the dots will lose to a closer match.
R D Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as R&D Engineers without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, you can work as an R&D Engineer using your EAD card without your employer filing any additional petitions. If your degree is STEM-designated, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work experience before needing H-1B or another visa.
Do R&D Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do. R&D Engineer positions typically require degrees in engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, or materials science, all of which appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list. You should verify that your specific CIP code qualifies and confirm the role is directly related to your field of study, as USCIS requires both conditions to be met.
Where can I find R&D Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa-authorized candidates, so you can browse R&D Engineer roles from employers who are already open to OPT work authorization. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the hiring process.
Are R&D Engineer positions commonly sponsored for H-1B after OPT?
Yes, more so than many other engineering roles. R&D functions are often tied to proprietary research, making it expensive for employers to replace specialized engineers after investing in their onboarding and training. Companies in biotech, semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing have long track records of sponsoring international R&D staff for H-1B petitions.
What should I do if an R&D Engineer role requires a security clearance?
Security clearances are generally unavailable to non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents, which means most cleared R&D positions are off limits during OPT. Focus your search on unclassified R&D roles in commercial industries. Many high-value R&D positions in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and consumer electronics do not require clearances and actively recruit international candidates.