STEM OPT Data Scientist Jobs
Data Scientist roles in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data engineering qualify for the STEM OPT extension when your degree is in a STEM-designated field. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, but your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can start.
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Get Access To All JobsAre you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
Position Summary
A Data Scientist will focus on developing specialized knowledge in particular domains to effectively address business specific challenges. Will work on solving mid-level complexity business problems by designing and implementing customized data solutions. This involves leveraging statistical analysis, machine learning techniques, and data visualization tools to create models and algorithms that provide actionable insights. By collaborating with other team members and stakeholders, they ensure that the solutions are aligned with business objectives and can be integrated into existing processes. Additionally, they will continuously refine their skills and stay updated with the latest advancements in data science to enhance their problem-solving capabilities and contribute to the organization’s overall data strategy.
Essential Responsibilities
- Collecting and cleaning data from various sources and ensuring data quality.
- Manipulating and transforming data using tools like SQL, Python, and R.
- Use statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to perform exploratory data analysis to understand the nuances, patterns, and anomalies within the data.
- Support development, validation, and deployment of machine learning & statistical models to predict, classify, and optimize various business outcomes.
- Develop an understanding of delivering data science models in a production environment.
- Creating impactful visualizations to communicate findings effectively.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to understand business challenges and develop data-driven solutions to real-world problems.
- Translating technical concepts into actionable insights.
- Balancing learning with practical application.
- Understanding project and team scope as it relates to broader strategic initiatives.
- Effectively communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
** THIS POSITION IS ABLE TO BE HIRED AT EITHER OF THE LEVELS BELOW **
Associate Data Scientist - ($84,900 to $120,566.66)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, statistics, math or a related analytical concentration is required. Other bachelor’s degrees with data science relevant certifications will be considered.
Data Scientist - ($97,600 to $138,600)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, math, statistics, math, or related with an analytical concentration.
- A minimum of 3 years working as a data scientist or application developer (2 years with MS or Ph.D). Relevant certifications can be considered in lieu of a post graduate degree in combination with years of experience. (i.e. MLOps, data platform certs, etc.)
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $84,900.00 to $138,600.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave.
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 08/09/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
Position Summary
A Data Scientist will focus on developing specialized knowledge in particular domains to effectively address business specific challenges. Will work on solving mid-level complexity business problems by designing and implementing customized data solutions. This involves leveraging statistical analysis, machine learning techniques, and data visualization tools to create models and algorithms that provide actionable insights. By collaborating with other team members and stakeholders, they ensure that the solutions are aligned with business objectives and can be integrated into existing processes. Additionally, they will continuously refine their skills and stay updated with the latest advancements in data science to enhance their problem-solving capabilities and contribute to the organization’s overall data strategy.
Essential Responsibilities
- Collecting and cleaning data from various sources and ensuring data quality.
- Manipulating and transforming data using tools like SQL, Python, and R.
- Use statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to perform exploratory data analysis to understand the nuances, patterns, and anomalies within the data.
- Support development, validation, and deployment of machine learning & statistical models to predict, classify, and optimize various business outcomes.
- Develop an understanding of delivering data science models in a production environment.
- Creating impactful visualizations to communicate findings effectively.
- Collaborating with stakeholders to understand business challenges and develop data-driven solutions to real-world problems.
- Translating technical concepts into actionable insights.
- Balancing learning with practical application.
- Understanding project and team scope as it relates to broader strategic initiatives.
- Effectively communicating findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.
** THIS POSITION IS ABLE TO BE HIRED AT EITHER OF THE LEVELS BELOW **
Associate Data Scientist - ($84,900 to $120,566.66)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, statistics, math or a related analytical concentration is required. Other bachelor’s degrees with data science relevant certifications will be considered.
Data Scientist - ($97,600 to $138,600)
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, data science, math, statistics, math, or related with an analytical concentration.
- A minimum of 3 years working as a data scientist or application developer (2 years with MS or Ph.D). Relevant certifications can be considered in lieu of a post graduate degree in combination with years of experience. (i.e. MLOps, data platform certs, etc.)
As a leading combination electricity and natural gas energy company, Xcel Energy offers a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.4 million electricity and 1.9 million natural gas customers across eight Western and Midwestern states. At Xcel Energy, we strive to be the preferred and trusted provider of the energy our customers need. If you’re ready to be a part of something big, we invite you to join our team.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Non-Bargaining
The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $84,900.00 to $138,600.00 per year
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Annual Incentive Program, Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Transportation Reimbursement Account, Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Paid time off (PTO), Holidays, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO), Parental Leave.
Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
In any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information including but not limited to dates of school attendance and graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.
Deadline to Apply: 08/09/26
EEO is the Law | EEO is the Law Supplement | Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination | Equal Opportunity Policy (PDF) | Employee Rights (PDF)
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
See all 355+ STEM OPT Data Scientist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Data Scientist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Data Scientist
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Not every data-related degree qualifies for STEM OPT. Check your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Statistics, computer science, and applied mathematics all qualify; general business analytics often does not.
Verify E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension begins. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name and location before signing. A company that intends to enroll but hasn't yet cannot legally employ you under STEM OPT.
Target employers with active data science LCA filings
Companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for data scientist or machine learning engineer roles have already navigated the DOL process for STEM workers. Use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history in your field.
Build your I-983 training plan before day one
Your I-983 must map specific job duties to the STEM learning objectives USCIS requires. For data scientists, tie modeling and pipeline work to measurable outcomes. DSOs routinely flag vague plans, so draft it with your hiring manager during the offer negotiation stage.
Apply 90 days before your OPT end date
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Late filing forfeits the extension window and breaks your work authorization, so align your job search timeline to that deadline.
Check prevailing wage levels for your target metro
Data scientist prevailing wages vary significantly by geography and experience level. Use the OFLC Wage Search to see DOL wage levels for your SOC code before negotiating an offer. An employer offering below Level I wages may face LCA compliance problems later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension as a data scientist?
Your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by its Classification of Instructional Programs code. Degrees in statistics, computer science, mathematics, and most engineering fields qualify. Applied data analytics or business intelligence degrees may not, depending on how your institution classified the program. Confirm the CIP code on your transcript or with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
Does my data scientist employer need to be enrolled in E-Verify?
Yes. E-Verify enrollment is a hard requirement for STEM OPT, not a preference. Your employer must be enrolled before your extension period starts, not at some point during your employment. You can verify enrollment through the E-Verify employer search. If your employer is a staffing agency placing you at a client site, both entities may need to be enrolled depending on who controls your day-to-day work.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a data scientist role?
The I-983 must describe how your specific job duties produce practical training in your STEM field. For data scientists, that means documenting how work on model development, data pipelines, or statistical analysis connects to learning objectives tied to your degree. Vague descriptions like 'analyze data' get flagged. Your manager signs off, your DSO reviews it, and USCIS can audit it, so specificity matters from the start.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm waiting for H-1B approval?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as a data scientist during this period without a new EAD. USCIS publishes cap-gap guidance each spring confirming the extension rules for that cycle.
Where can I find data scientist jobs at employers that hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters data scientist listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT hiring history, so you're not applying to companies that can't legally bring you on. This matters because many job postings don't disclose E-Verify status upfront, and finding out after an offer wastes weeks of your authorization window.