Energy STEM OPT Jobs in Arizona

Date: Sep 8, 2026

Location: PHOENIX, AZ, US, 85021-1807

Company: APS

Arizona Public Service generates reliable, affordable and clean energy for 2.7 million Arizonans. Our service territory stretches across the state, from the border town of Douglas to the vistas of the Grand Canyon, from the solar fields of Gila Bend to the ponderosa pines of Payson. 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.

Since our founding in 1886, APS has demonstrated a strong commitment to our customers in one of the country’s fastest growing states, earning a reputation for customer satisfaction, shareholder value, operational excellence and business integrity.

Our present and future success depends on the creative and dedicated people of our company who demonstrate the principles outlined in the APS Promise: Design for Tomorrow, Empower Each Other and Succeed Together.

Summary

As an Engineer I in the Transmission and Distribution Rotational Program, you’ll help support the systems that deliver safe, reliable energy to communities across Arizona. Through four six-month rotational assignments, you’ll gain hands-on experience in multiple engineering focus areas while contributing to projects that strengthen the electric grid, and support growing energy needs. This role offers a unique opportunity to build a broad foundation of technical expertise while making a meaningful impact on the communities APS serves.

Potential Assignments and Experiences

• Collaborate with experienced engineers on projects that support the design, planning, operation, and improvement of transmission, distribution, and substation systems.
• Analyze technical data and system performance to help identify solutions that improve reliability, safety, and efficiency.
• Contribute to engineering designs, studies, and project plans that support Arizona’s evolving energy infrastructure.
• Partner with internal teams, customers, and stakeholders to understand project needs and ensure successful outcomes.
• Provide field and technical support, helping troubleshoot issues and support the performance of critical electrical systems.
• Explore emerging technologies such as smart grid solutions and distributed energy resources that support the future of energy delivery.
• Areas where assignments are possible include:
• Distribution, 69kV or transmission planning
• Overhead and underground line design
• Substation design
• System Protection and Controls engineering
• Distributed Energy Resources
• Interconnecting non-APS generation to APS’s system
• Distribution standards
• Distribution or transmission operations engineering
• Advanced Grid Technologies / Smart Grid

Who We’re Looking For

• Recent graduates or early-career professionals with a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related applied science discipline from an accredited institution.
• Individuals who can apply engineering fundamentals, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges.
• Strong communicators who can collaborate effectively with a variety of teams, customers, and stakeholders.
• Professionals who are eager to learn, adapt to different assignments, and develop expertise across multiple engineering focus areas.
• Candidates who demonstrate a commitment to safety, quality, continuous improvement, and technical excellence.

Given the logistics of APS’s operations within Arizona, candidates should be flexible regarding geographic work location within Arizona per the rotation requirements of the program. Further, assignments are located within the Phoenix Metropolitan area, but may require travel throughout the State of Arizona.

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).
• 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.)

Preferred Special Skills, Knowledge or Qualifications:

• Degree in Electrical Engineering (Power Engineering emphasis preferred)
• Ideal graduation dates include: December 2026 and May 2027 or within the previous 24 months
• Knowledge and ability to apply basic discipline engineering principles, practices and theories and use commonly applied engineering approaches and calculations.
• Demonstrated ability in problem analysis/resolution techniques and knowledge of electrical systems design.
• Knowledge of applicable codes, standards, practices, methods and safety standards in the area of applicable engineering discipline.
• Must possess general business perspective; problem solving skills, strong interpersonal and communication skills.

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).

Arizona Public Service is a smoke free workplace.

Hybrid: Employees in hybrid roles work both in their home offices (virtually) and alongside their colleagues (in person).

In order for employees to build strong relationships and to promote meaningful in-person interactions, hybrid employees are expected to work about 40% of their time in-person at an APS or other (non-home office) location.

• Employees are expected to reside in Arizona (or New Mexico for Four Corners-based employees).
• Working from a home office requires adequate technology and an appropriate ergonomic set up.
• Role types are subject to change based on business need.

Job Segment: Sustainability, Nuclear, Energy