STEM OPT Design Engineer Jobs
Design Engineer roles in product development, mechanical systems, and CAD-driven manufacturing qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension when your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Eligible degrees span mechanical, electrical, industrial, and materials engineering CIP codes. You can work up to 36 months total before needing H-1B visa or another long-term visa.
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The System Design engineer is responsible for capacity management, operational support, and developing expansion designs for natural gas transmission systems utilizing pipeline hydraulic simulation models.
Responsibilities
In this position, either directly or through others, the incumbent would have the following duties and responsibilities:
Pipeline Modeling:
- Develop and maintain pipeline hydraulic simulation models to accurately represent the operations of natural gas transmission systems.
Capacity Management and Commercial Support:
- Utilize pipeline hydraulic simulation models to determine steady state and transient seasonal pipeline system capacity, including available capacity based on existing contracted capacity.
- Supports the Commercial team in tracking and marketing system capacity.
- Work closely with Commercial and Contract Administration to review and approve new transportation service agreements.
- Supports Business Development with expansion opportunities by developing new pipeline and compression system designs that meet or exceed all commercial expectations.
- Update company Informational Postings with pipeline segment and receipt/delivery meter design capacities.
Operations Support:
- Perform simulations of pipeline operations to identify and evaluate system configurations, compression selection, and facility modifications that result in improved system efficiency.
- Conduct operational studies at the request of Gas Control which can be used for decision support for daily natural gas transmission system operations.
- Perform simulations of pipeline operations to determine the capacity impact associated with maintenance activities on the pipeline system.
- Perform transient simulations in support of the implementation of Rupture Mitigation Valves (RMV) as required by the new PHMSA Valve Rule.
Regulatory Support:
- Support Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filings.
- Contribute to annual corporate reporting.
- Work with internal teams to optimize facility modifications and enhancements required to comply with new regulations.
- Develop horsepower utilization studies for Operations budget preparation.
General:
- Maintain collaborative inter-departmental and cross-functional working relationships with all members of the department and with both office and field employees.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering with emphasis on fluid flow dynamics and/or thermodynamics. (may consider civil or electrical engineering degree based upon prior experience)
Experience:
We encourage both entry-level and experienced candidates to apply. Relevant work experience in the oil and gas industry would include:
- Experience with and knowledge of characteristics of compressible fluids and simulations of flow dynamics.
- Experience with and knowledge of computer modeling of compression and fluid flow in pipelines.
- Experience with the design, operation, maintenance and/or capital project support of natural gas compression facilities such as centrifugal and reciprocating compression, metering/regulation, and pipeline facilities.
- Familiarity with relevant design codes such as 49 CFR Part 192.
- Experience using DNV Synergi Gas, Gregg NextGen or other hydraulic modeling software.
Skill Requirements:
- Soft Skills: Strong teamwork, interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
- Work Ethic: Proven ability to work independently with limited direct supervision and apply creative thinking to problem-solving.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office proficiency, VBA, SQL, Google Earth, GIS, SCADA and the ability to learn other programs quickly.
The job level will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and skill set. The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.
PAY RANGE
- Pay Range: USD $89,100.00 - USD $160,700.00 /Yr.
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE
- Application Closing Date: 11/17/2026
WHY JOIN KINDER MORGAN
Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.
Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.
Kinder Morgan offers employees a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits offered for this position may include the following: health care benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage; Flexible and Health Spending Accounts; Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance; Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance for employee and dependents; retirement benefits including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan; paid time off; paid holidays; a flexible work schedule and many voluntary benefit plans.
Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.
Overview
The System Design engineer is responsible for capacity management, operational support, and developing expansion designs for natural gas transmission systems utilizing pipeline hydraulic simulation models.
Responsibilities
In this position, either directly or through others, the incumbent would have the following duties and responsibilities:
Pipeline Modeling:
- Develop and maintain pipeline hydraulic simulation models to accurately represent the operations of natural gas transmission systems.
Capacity Management and Commercial Support:
- Utilize pipeline hydraulic simulation models to determine steady state and transient seasonal pipeline system capacity, including available capacity based on existing contracted capacity.
- Supports the Commercial team in tracking and marketing system capacity.
- Work closely with Commercial and Contract Administration to review and approve new transportation service agreements.
- Supports Business Development with expansion opportunities by developing new pipeline and compression system designs that meet or exceed all commercial expectations.
- Update company Informational Postings with pipeline segment and receipt/delivery meter design capacities.
Operations Support:
- Perform simulations of pipeline operations to identify and evaluate system configurations, compression selection, and facility modifications that result in improved system efficiency.
- Conduct operational studies at the request of Gas Control which can be used for decision support for daily natural gas transmission system operations.
- Perform simulations of pipeline operations to determine the capacity impact associated with maintenance activities on the pipeline system.
- Perform transient simulations in support of the implementation of Rupture Mitigation Valves (RMV) as required by the new PHMSA Valve Rule.
Regulatory Support:
- Support Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) filings.
- Contribute to annual corporate reporting.
- Work with internal teams to optimize facility modifications and enhancements required to comply with new regulations.
- Develop horsepower utilization studies for Operations budget preparation.
General:
- Maintain collaborative inter-departmental and cross-functional working relationships with all members of the department and with both office and field employees.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in mechanical or chemical engineering with emphasis on fluid flow dynamics and/or thermodynamics. (may consider civil or electrical engineering degree based upon prior experience)
Experience:
We encourage both entry-level and experienced candidates to apply. Relevant work experience in the oil and gas industry would include:
- Experience with and knowledge of characteristics of compressible fluids and simulations of flow dynamics.
- Experience with and knowledge of computer modeling of compression and fluid flow in pipelines.
- Experience with the design, operation, maintenance and/or capital project support of natural gas compression facilities such as centrifugal and reciprocating compression, metering/regulation, and pipeline facilities.
- Familiarity with relevant design codes such as 49 CFR Part 192.
- Experience using DNV Synergi Gas, Gregg NextGen or other hydraulic modeling software.
Skill Requirements:
- Soft Skills: Strong teamwork, interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills.
- Work Ethic: Proven ability to work independently with limited direct supervision and apply creative thinking to problem-solving.
- Technical Proficiency: Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office proficiency, VBA, SQL, Google Earth, GIS, SCADA and the ability to learn other programs quickly.
The job level will be commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience and skill set. The successful candidate will be required to clear a drug screen and a complete background check, after an offer has been extended and prior to being employed.
PAY RANGE
- Pay Range: USD $89,100.00 - USD $160,700.00 /Yr.
APPLICATION CLOSING DATE
- Application Closing Date: 11/17/2026
WHY JOIN KINDER MORGAN
Kinder Morgan is a large energy infrastructure company operating in North America. Access to reliable, affordable energy is a critical component for improving lives around the world. We are committed to providing energy transportation and storage services in a safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible manner for the benefit of the people, communities, and businesses we serve.
Kinder Morgan provides equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, gender (including gender identity and expression), sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, family status, status as an individual authorized to work in the U.S., or any other status protected by law.
Kinder Morgan offers employees a comprehensive benefits package. Benefits offered for this position may include the following: health care benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage; Flexible and Health Spending Accounts; Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance; Supplemental Life and Accidental Death and Disability Insurance for employee and dependents; retirement benefits including a 401(k) with employer and employee contributions and a company-funded pension plan; paid time off; paid holidays; a flexible work schedule and many voluntary benefit plans.
Job level and pay commensurate with experience and skill set.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Design Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by USCIS. Mechanical, electrical, industrial, and materials engineering codes all qualify, but your exact program title and code must match what's listed.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension starts. Search the E-Verify employer database by company name to confirm enrollment status before you sign anything, not after.
Negotiate I-983 training plan details upfront
Design Engineer roles require a signed I-983 Training Plan that maps your day-to-day duties to your engineering degree. Get hiring managers to specify project scope, tools, and supervision structure before your start date so the plan doesn't stall onboarding.
Target companies with active LCA filings in engineering
Use Migrate Mate to filter Design Engineer roles by employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for engineering occupations. This confirms the company has already navigated DOL wage compliance, which signals readiness to support STEM OPT documentation.
Apply 90 days before your OPT expiration date
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed while your initial OPT EAD is still valid. Missing the 90-day filing window before expiration means a gap in work authorization that Design Engineer offers won't wait out.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your offer
STEM OPT regulations require that your compensation not be less than that paid to a similarly situated U.S. worker. Run your job title and location through OFLC Wage Search to check whether your offer meets the prevailing wage before the I-983 is signed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Design Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical, electrical, industrial, or materials engineering and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. The role itself must relate directly to your degree, which is documented through the I-983 Training Plan. USCIS reviews the degree-to-job connection, not just the job title, so the I-983 needs to map your specific design engineering duties to your coursework.
What does the I-983 Training Plan require for a Design Engineer position?
The I-983 must describe how your Design Engineer duties, such as CAD modeling, prototype development, tolerancing, or systems integration, connect to your STEM degree. It requires a supervision structure, a list of learning objectives, and a salary or compensation entry confirming you're paid comparably to U.S. workers in the same role. Both you and your employer sign it before your extension begins, and it's updated every 12 months or when your role changes materially.
How do I confirm my employer is enrolled in E-Verify before my start date?
Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name or employer identification number to confirm active enrollment. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT employers, and your DSO cannot approve the I-983 for a company that isn't enrolled. If the company you're joining is a subsidiary or new entity, verify that the specific legal entity hiring you, not just the parent company, is listed in E-Verify.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery?
If your H-1B petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and USCIS receives it by June 30, cap-gap protection automatically extends your OPT work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working as a Design Engineer during cap-gap without a new EAD. If your H-1B is not selected or not filed in time, your authorization ends when your STEM OPT EAD expires.
Where can I find Design Engineer jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Design Engineer roles filtered by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and active engineering LCA filing history, so you can focus on companies that have already handled DOL wage compliance for engineering roles. This matters because STEM OPT students have a fixed authorization window, and targeting employers already familiar with the process reduces the risk of onboarding delays caused by E-Verify setup or I-983 confusion.