STEM OPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs
Mechanical Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in mechanical, aerospace, or materials engineering. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a Form I-983 training plan before your extension begins. You get up to 36 months total to build U.S. work experience and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Substation Mechanical Engineer for our Billings, MT office. Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Billings Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.
This Opportunity
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the design, development, building, testing, and inspecting of mechanical systems on infrastructure, building, and construction projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, installation, operation, maintenance, and optimal integration of automatic temperature control, air distribution, hydronic, and plumbing systems, equipment and processes. Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, schematics, data, technical drawings, computer-generated reports, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
- Assist with performing basic professional mechanical engineering work relating to conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, equipment, resources, building, infrastructure, usage, and mechanical systems to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, load calculations, and operating strategies to account for the proper installation and functioning of equipment and systems according to specifications.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on various engineering, design, and construction issues.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation and specifications using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.
- Familiarity with relevant mechanical system and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., AutoCAD, CAM).
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
Disclaimer
- Relocation Assistance is not available for this role.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
INTRODUCTION
WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Substation Mechanical Engineer for our Billings, MT office. Be involved in projects with our Power Delivery Billings Substation Team and be a part of a growing organization that meets our clients’ objectives and solves their challenges.
This Opportunity
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the design, development, building, testing, and inspecting of mechanical systems on infrastructure, building, and construction projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, installation, operation, maintenance, and optimal integration of automatic temperature control, air distribution, hydronic, and plumbing systems, equipment and processes. Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
WSP brings global expertise in power delivery, power generation, and program management—anchored by the acquisition of POWER Engineers, Inc. TRC Companies have now joined WSP, deepening our power practice and expanding our energy advisory and intelligent grid services. We're partnering with clients to shape how energy systems evolve around the world—and we need your help.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data from the physical work site, surveys, blueprints, schematics, data, technical drawings, computer-generated reports, and other matrices for project development, design, and construction.
- Assist with performing basic professional mechanical engineering work relating to conducting research and inspections of proposed and existing site conditions, equipment, resources, building, infrastructure, usage, and mechanical systems to determine conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, load calculations, and operating strategies to account for the proper installation and functioning of equipment and systems according to specifications.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on various engineering, design, and construction issues.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation and specifications using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, or closely related discipline.
- 0 to 1 years of relevant post education experience.
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- Familiarity with process and concepts for design/build.
- Familiarity with relevant mechanical system and construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., AutoCAD, CAM).
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
Disclaimer
- Relocation Assistance is not available for this role.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
See all 2,665+ STEM OPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Mechanical Engineer
Confirm your CIP code before applying
Pull your official transcript and cross-reference your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Mechanical Engineering (14.1901) qualifies, but closely related concentrations like engineering mechanics or manufacturing systems may use different codes that require DSO confirmation.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
Search the E-Verify employer database to confirm enrollment before you apply. Mechanical engineering roles at defense contractors, automotive OEMs, and aerospace suppliers are common, but not every division of a large company enrolls separately, so verify the specific hiring entity.
Use Migrate Mate to target STEM OPT employers
Search Migrate Mate to find mechanical engineering employers with verified STEM OPT hiring history. Filtering by E-Verify enrollment and engineering SOC codes cuts the time spent screening roles that can't legally employ you under the 24-month extension.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before signing
The Form I-983 must detail learning objectives tied to your mechanical engineering degree, not just your job duties. Ask your offer-stage contact whether the training plan is customized per role or generic, since a generic plan can trigger a DSO rejection that delays your start date.
Time your application around cap-gap protection
If you're in your initial OPT year, file an H-1B registration during the March window. A timely-filed H-1B petition automatically extends your STEM OPT authorization through September 30 under cap-gap, protecting you from a gap if your extension approval is still pending.
Match your resume credentials to prevailing-wage tiers
Look up the prevailing wage for your target mechanical engineering SOC code and metro area using the OFLC Wage Search before negotiating. Employers file an LCA at a specific wage level, and your offer must meet or exceed that figure or the DOL certification will fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mechanical engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, Mechanical Engineering (CIP code 14.1901) appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List and qualifies for the 24-month extension. Related degrees like aerospace engineering, materials science, and manufacturing engineering also qualify under their own CIP codes. Confirm your specific code with your DSO before submitting the I-765 extension application to USCIS.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my mechanical engineering employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify as an entity before your STEM OPT extension can begin. Enrollment at the parent company level is not enough if you're hired by a subsidiary or a specific plant location that operates as a separate legal entity. Verify enrollment for the exact hiring entity through the E-Verify employer search before accepting an offer.
What goes into the Form I-983 training plan for a mechanical engineer?
The I-983 must identify how your mechanical engineering role provides practical training in the engineering field covered by your degree. It should map specific job duties, such as finite element analysis, CAD design, or thermal systems testing, to learning objectives tied to your coursework. Both you and your supervisor sign it, and your DSO must review and approve it before your STEM OPT extension is filed.
How does cap-gap work if my mechanical engineering employer files an H-1B petition?
If you're on a timely-filed H-1B petition and your STEM OPT expires before October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. You can continue working in your mechanical engineering role during this period without a separate filing. USCIS issues a cap-gap receipt notice you can show your employer to confirm continued employment eligibility.
Where can I find mechanical engineering jobs that accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lets you search mechanical engineering roles filtered by employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the baseline requirement for STEM OPT hiring. You can browse by engineering discipline, location, and employer hiring history to focus your applications on companies that have a track record of hiring F-1 students on STEM OPT rather than those encountering the authorization type for the first time.