STEM OPT Plant Engineer Jobs
Plant Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT because they draw on engineering degrees in fields like mechanical, industrial, or chemical engineering. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree unlocks a 24-month OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months to build experience in manufacturing operations, process optimization, and facilities management.
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Get Access To All JobsDate: May 1, 2026
Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US, 85004-3903
Company: APS
Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.
Summary
We are seeking several Generation Plant Engineers to support the design, development, modification, and implementation of systems within our power generation facilities. These roles apply core engineering principles across plant operations, infrastructure, and new products or services.
Engineers will engage in the Generation Engineer Development Program through structured rotations in Plant Engineering, Fleet Support Engineering, Renewable Generation Engineering, and Generation Capital Projects, fostering comprehensive engineering proficiency and expanding their professional network. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will transition into permanent positions.
Engineers will assist in performing technical, engineering, and economic analyses to evaluate the feasibility of proposed projects. Responsibilities include contributing to the preparation of business cases and operating plans, as well as providing ongoing technical support for systems within assigned areas. Projects are typically limited in scope and budget, requiring practical problem-solving and efficient execution.
Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment, including potential shift work, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
We are hiring for multiple disciplines, including:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Controls/Instrumentation
- Civil
- Environmental
- Chemical
Experience in power generation or industrial plant environments is preferred, with an ability to apply engineering fundamentals to real-world operational challenges.
Minimum Requirements
- A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:
- Knowledge and ability to apply basic discipline engineering principles, practices and theories and use commonly applied engineering approaches and calculations.
- Problem analysis/resolution techniques.
- Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.
Approved Engineer degrees: Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Structural. (A four-year bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered an automatic equivalent for a B.S. degree in Engineering. A review of the degree program curriculum must be completed by Engineering department management.)
Major Accountabilities
1) Assists in the analysis and preparation of a variety of data, technical reviews and evaluations, trend analyses, short to long-range technology assessments, products and services, investigations, product/specification verifications to aid decision making. May present findings to a diverse group of management, internal staff, customers, vendors, etc.
2) Assists in preparing engineering plans, designs, specifications, cost estimates, scheduling, evaluations and studies. Prepares engineering documentation including drawings, sketches, construction notes, purchase orders, specifications, work orders, bid evaluations, etc. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations.
3) Interfaces with customer and other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets customer requirements, budget and schedule.
4) Provides technical and field support within areas of specialty to assigned internal staff and customers. Assists with identifying deficiencies, potential schedule or quality problems and troubleshoots, formulates and initiates corrective action plans. Performs periodic testing and analysis of system data to minimize system/equipment failures. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements.
5) Participates in the preparation of business cases and operational plans to successfully implement proposed projects.
6) Contacts customers and various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Presents the results of designs, studies, projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, management and customers.
7) Remains cognizant of current technology and engineering developments as well as industry and competitive developments. Maintains high individual level of engineering technical capabilities and expertise by formal education, self-study, and awareness of technology advances.
Export Compliance / EEO Statement
This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.
For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.
CIP Requirement:
This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.
Onsite: Requires work to be performed in the field and/or at an APS facility. Depending on the responsibilities of the role, this may include, but is not limited to, working at a power plant, job site, or in the community.
- Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
- Role types are subject to change based on business need.
Job Segment: Power Plant Operator, Sustainability, Power Plant, Nuclear, Energy
Date: May 1, 2026
Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US, 85004-3903
Company: APS
Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. As the state’s largest and longest-serving energy provider, our more than 6,000 dedicated employees power our vision of creating a sustainable energy future for Arizona.
Summary
We are seeking several Generation Plant Engineers to support the design, development, modification, and implementation of systems within our power generation facilities. These roles apply core engineering principles across plant operations, infrastructure, and new products or services.
Engineers will engage in the Generation Engineer Development Program through structured rotations in Plant Engineering, Fleet Support Engineering, Renewable Generation Engineering, and Generation Capital Projects, fostering comprehensive engineering proficiency and expanding their professional network. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will transition into permanent positions.
Engineers will assist in performing technical, engineering, and economic analyses to evaluate the feasibility of proposed projects. Responsibilities include contributing to the preparation of business cases and operating plans, as well as providing ongoing technical support for systems within assigned areas. Projects are typically limited in scope and budget, requiring practical problem-solving and efficient execution.
Candidates should be comfortable working in a dynamic environment, including potential shift work, and collaborating across multidisciplinary teams.
We are hiring for multiple disciplines, including:
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Controls/Instrumentation
- Civil
- Environmental
- Chemical
Experience in power generation or industrial plant environments is preferred, with an ability to apply engineering fundamentals to real-world operational challenges.
Minimum Requirements
- A four-year Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline or related applied science discipline (see approved list) from an ABET accredited institution, an International Engineering Alliance (IEA) recognized institution or an ABET Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA).
Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:
- Knowledge and ability to apply basic discipline engineering principles, practices and theories and use commonly applied engineering approaches and calculations.
- Problem analysis/resolution techniques.
- Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.
Approved Engineer degrees: Materials Science/Metallurgy, Physics, Chemistry, Nuclear, Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Electronics, Computer Science, Environmental, Chemical, Structural. (A four-year bachelor of Engineering Technology degree is not considered an automatic equivalent for a B.S. degree in Engineering. A review of the degree program curriculum must be completed by Engineering department management.)
Major Accountabilities
1) Assists in the analysis and preparation of a variety of data, technical reviews and evaluations, trend analyses, short to long-range technology assessments, products and services, investigations, product/specification verifications to aid decision making. May present findings to a diverse group of management, internal staff, customers, vendors, etc.
2) Assists in preparing engineering plans, designs, specifications, cost estimates, scheduling, evaluations and studies. Prepares engineering documentation including drawings, sketches, construction notes, purchase orders, specifications, work orders, bid evaluations, etc. Ensures engineering analyses, design, project control, or oversight work is technically sound, cost effective, and in compliance with established standards, codes, and regulations.
3) Interfaces with customer and other departments to ensure project objectives are understood and that work scope meets customer requirements, budget and schedule.
4) Provides technical and field support within areas of specialty to assigned internal staff and customers. Assists with identifying deficiencies, potential schedule or quality problems and troubleshoots, formulates and initiates corrective action plans. Performs periodic testing and analysis of system data to minimize system/equipment failures. Complies with design, regulatory, operating and maintenance requirements.
5) Participates in the preparation of business cases and operational plans to successfully implement proposed projects.
6) Contacts customers and various levels of management to obtain or present technical data. Presents the results of designs, studies, projects (in terms of new techniques) or approaches to subordinates, colleagues, management and customers.
7) Remains cognizant of current technology and engineering developments as well as industry and competitive developments. Maintains high individual level of engineering technical capabilities and expertise by formal education, self-study, and awareness of technology advances.
Export Compliance / EEO Statement
This position may require access to and/or use of information subject to control under the Department of Energy's Part 810 Regulations (10 CFR Part 810), the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) (15 CFR Parts 730 through 774), or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) (22 CFR Chapter I, Subchapter M Part 120) (collectively, 'U.S. Export Control Laws'). Therefore, some positions may require applicants to be a U.S. person, which is defined as a U.S. Citizen, a U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), a Political Asylee, or a Refugee under the U.S. Export Control Laws. All applicants will be required to confirm their U.S. person or non-US person status. All information collected in this regard will only be used to ensure compliance with U.S. Export Control Laws, and will be used in full compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of national origin and other factors. For positions at Palo Verde Nuclear Generating Stations (PVNGS) all openings will require applicants to be a U.S. person.
Pinnacle West Capital Corporation and its subsidiaries and affiliates ('Pinnacle West') maintain a continuing policy of nondiscrimination in employment. It is our policy to provide equal opportunity in all phases of the employment process and in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. This policy of nondiscrimination shall include, but not be limited to, recruiting, hiring, promoting, compensating, reassigning, demoting, transferring, laying off, recalling, terminating employment, and training for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, disability, age, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, protected veteran status, or any other classification or characteristic protected by law.
For more information on applicable equal employment regulations, please refer to EEO is the Law poster. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of every person hired to work in the United States, refer to E-Verify poster. View the employee rights and responsibilities under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).
In compliance with the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, the Company is committed to a work environment that is free from the effects of alcohol and controlled substances, and free from the abuse or inappropriate use of prescribed and over-the-counter medications. The Company requires employees to be subject to drug and alcohol testing that is job-related and consistent with business necessity, regulatory requirements and applicable laws.
CIP Requirement:
This position requires Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) access consistent with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The applicant considered for this role will be required to obtain and maintain CIP access for the duration of employment in this position. A full seven (7) year criminal history will be obtained through the pre-employment background check process (or, for current employees, through supplemental background check process) to fulfill the CIP access requirements. In addition, this position requires an additional background check every seven years to maintain access.
Onsite: Requires work to be performed in the field and/or at an APS facility. Depending on the responsibilities of the role, this may include, but is not limited to, working at a power plant, job site, or in the community.
- Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
- Role types are subject to change based on business need.
Job Segment: Power Plant Operator, Sustainability, Power Plant, Nuclear, Energy
See all 109+ Plant Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Plant Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Plant Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Plant Engineer roles typically map to CIP codes in mechanical, industrial, or chemical engineering. Check your diploma and transcripts to confirm your degree's CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT extension before submitting applications, so you don't lose time pursuing roles at non-qualifying employers.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor your STEM OPT extension. Ask HR directly during the offer stage or search the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment status before signing, since unenrolled employers cannot legally extend your work authorization.
Target manufacturers with engineering headcount and filing history
Large-scale manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, food processing, and chemicals hire plant engineers regularly and tend to have established processes for OPT students. Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by STEM OPT hiring history and E-Verify status so you're targeting the right facilities.
Align your I-983 training plan to plant operations goals
Your I-983 must show a direct connection between your STEM degree and your on-the-job training objectives. For plant engineering roles, frame learning goals around process improvement methodologies, equipment reliability, or safety compliance, and get your supervisor to co-sign specific performance benchmarks before your OPT extension is filed.
Time your STEM OPT extension filing around plant hiring cycles
Manufacturing facilities often ramp hiring in Q1 and Q3 ahead of production cycles. USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT expires. Coordinating your application timeline with peak hiring periods reduces the risk of a work authorization gap between roles.
Use O*NET to document specialty occupation eligibility
Plant Engineer maps to SOC 17-2112 in O*NET with a Job Zone 4 classification, indicating a bachelor's degree requirement. Print the O*NET occupation profile and include it in your employer's documentation to support STEM OPT training plan approval and any future H-1B petition for specialty occupation.
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Find Plant Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Plant Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as mechanical, industrial, chemical, or manufacturing engineering. The role must also directly relate to your degree program, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. USCIS evaluates both the degree field and the job's connection to that field when approving a STEM OPT extension.
How do I find Plant Engineer employers who are enrolled in E-Verify?
You can search Migrate Mate to browse Plant Engineer openings filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers, which is required for your STEM OPT extension. You can also verify any employer independently through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting an offer, since enrollment status can change and your DSO will need confirmation before filing your I-983.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Plant Engineer?
Your I-983 must describe how your on-the-job training directly relates to your STEM degree. For plant engineering, this means documenting learning objectives tied to areas like process control, facility operations, or engineering analysis. Both you and your employer's supervisor must sign the plan, and it needs to be updated if your role or responsibilities change materially.
What happens to my work authorization if my Plant Engineer offer comes after my OPT expires?
If you're in a cap-gap period because your employer has filed an H-1B petition on your behalf, USCIS automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. Outside of cap-gap, there's no grace period for expired OPT. Filing your STEM OPT extension before your current OPT end date is the only way to maintain continuous authorization.
Can I switch Plant Engineer employers during my STEM OPT extension?
Yes, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and submit a new or updated I-983 training plan with your new employer. The new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. USCIS does not require a new EAD for an employer change during STEM OPT, but your DSO must update your SEVIS record to reflect the transition.
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