STEM OPT R D Engineering Jobs
R&D Engineering roles in product development, materials science, and systems design qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension when your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Your engineering, computer science, or applied sciences degree ties directly to the research and development work these positions require.
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INTRODUCTION
The R&D Engineer is responsible for the design of new fluid & mechanical accessories systems and equipment of the gas turbine (GT) power plant for R&D programs.
The R&D Engineer works with a broad network of engineers within GE Vernova, including technical experts, Platform, Configuration and Product Management teams, and also with critical suppliers, to develop innovative and sustainable designs solutions in adherence to the R&D process. The Engineer creates and uses tools, sizes, designs and analyses the product to meet its requirements. The Engineer also responds to project-driven R&D programs through the support of the tendering bid packages for early preliminary assessment and up to the development of the solution through the project execution phase. This position offers a broad, cross-functional, and variable work scope for a driven, self-motivated engineer.
What impact you’ll make
As an Engineer, R&D, in Plant Mechanical Engineering organization, you will be an active contributor of the development of new products focused on delivering a more sustainable power and with flawless quality.
What you’ll do
- Design next generation products of the gas turbine power plant and accessories from the engineering launch to the field validation, with focus on highest safety, quality, delivery and cost, in that order
- Comply with R&D process and manage milestones, design with a relative autonomy, get frequent validation from peers, Technical Leaders and Controlled Title Holders. Present design in front of the board of reviewers and close action items
- Develop and implement controlled design/analysis tools and methods as specified by leaders, to improve Standard Work and decrease cost of poor quality (CoPQ)
- Collaborate with internal engineering and program management teams, Chief Engineering Office, manufacturing engineering, and external suppliers to create cohesive design
- Support tendering bid packages for out of standard requests, by doing high level preliminary analysis under the guidance of technical leaders
- Support root cause analysis leader with high sense of urgency, to improve products and execute corrective actions on existing designs
- Work cross-functionally with partner organizations to improve variable cost and drive usage of standard product for enhanced quality and delivery
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor or Master of Science in Mechanical, Process, Chemical, or Aeronautical engineering
- 2+ years of experience in Mechanical & Fluids engineering and/or quality in Power, Aeronautics, Chemical or Automotive industry
- Lean and Quality oriented Culture
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- You have a passion for innovation, and product development in the gas turbine combined cycle space, comfortable to deal with unknowns and different perspectives from technical experts
- You have experience with mechanical, processes, thermal and fluid flow analysis tools; you can handle 3D models and read Schematics/Diagrams
- You are data-driven engineer with analytical skills able to design products with a focus on Safety and Quality, and able to lead Lean process continuous improvement
- You bring a clear-thinker mindset, you are able to break large, complex problems into an achievable timeline with individual deliverables and stakeholders/approvers driving to prompt resolution.
- You have excellent communications skills, good attitude, self-starter, well-balanced, team player able to work in a multi-cultural environment
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
GE Vernova offers a great work environment, professional development, challenging careers, and competitive compensation. GE Vernova is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
GE Vernova will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
Relocation Assistance Provided: No
For candidates applying to a U.S. based position, the pay range for this position is between $80,000.00 and $120,000.00. The Company pays a geographic differential of 110%, 120% or 130% of salary in certain areas. The specific pay offered may be influenced by a variety of factors, including the candidate’s experience, education, and skill set.
Bonus eligibility: discretionary annual bonus.
This posting is expected to remain open for at least seven days after it was posted on November 03, 2026.
Available benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to Health Coach from GE Vernova, a 24/7 nurse-based resource; and access to the Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Vernova Retirement Savings Plan, a tax-advantaged 401(k) savings opportunity with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and financial planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.
GE Vernova Inc. or its affiliates (collectively or individually, “GE Vernova”) sponsor certain employee benefit plans or programs GE Vernova reserves the right to terminate, amend, suspend, replace, or modify its benefit plans and programs at any time and for any reason, in its sole discretion. No individual has a vested right to any benefit under a GE Vernova welfare benefit plan or program. This document does not create a contract of employment with any individual.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization in R D Engineering
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code must appear on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List. Cross-check your transcript against that list so you're not targeting roles with a degree that doesn't qualify for the extension.
Confirm E-Verify status before interviews
Ask your recruiter directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you get deep into the interview process. R&D labs at smaller defense contractors and university spinouts frequently lack enrollment, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT employers regardless of role fit.
Use Migrate Mate to filter R&D employers
Search R&D Engineering roles on Migrate Mate to see which employers have active E-Verify enrollment and OPT hiring history. That filters out companies that can't support your extension before you spend time on applications.
Frame your I-983 training plan around your research scope
Your I-983 must connect your engineering degree to specific R&D tasks at the employer. Draft a plan that maps your coursework in areas like thermodynamics, signal processing, or materials characterization to the lab work you'll actually perform, not generic job duties.
Target employers with existing research agreements
Companies holding active DOD, DOE, or NSF contracts must comply with federal hiring documentation standards, which often means their HR teams already understand OPT timelines. Government-funded R&D environments tend to have smoother authorization workflows than commercial-only labs.
Time your DSO application to your project start date
Your DSO must recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. For R&D roles with delayed project onboarding, confirm your actual start date with the employer first so your authorization window aligns with your real first day on the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do R&D Engineering jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
R&D Engineering roles qualify when your degree appears on USCIS's STEM Designated Degree Program List and the employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials science, computer science, and related applied fields typically satisfy the requirement. Confirm your specific CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to avoid authorization gaps.
What does the I-983 training plan need to cover for an R&D role?
The I-983 must describe how your R&D Engineering work directly applies your STEM degree knowledge. For research roles, this means specifying the technical skills you'll use, the research goals of the position, and how the employer will supervise and evaluate your progress. Generic job descriptions don't satisfy the requirement. Your DSO and employer must both sign the form before your extension is approved.
How do I verify that an R&D Engineering employer is enrolled in E-Verify?
Ask the recruiter or HR contact directly whether the company is an active E-Verify participant. You can also search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name to confirm enrollment status. Some R&D employers, particularly smaller research firms and university-affiliated labs, are not enrolled even when they intend to hire STEM OPT students, so verify before signing any offer.
What happens to my STEM OPT if I'm still in the H-1B cap-gap period working in R&D?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT expires and USCIS receives it by April 1, the cap-gap rule automatically extends your OPT work authorization through September 30 of that year. Your R&D Engineering work can continue uninterrupted during that period. USCIS issues an updated EAD reflecting the cap-gap extension, which you'll need to provide your employer.
Where can I find R&D Engineering jobs that support STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists R&D Engineering positions filtered by employers with E-Verify enrollment and OPT hiring experience, so you can focus your search on companies that can actually support your authorization. R&D roles appear across aerospace, semiconductors, biotech, and defense sectors, and filtering by employer eligibility upfront saves you from pursuing opportunities that won't work out.