Energy OPT Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's energy sector spans wind power, biofuels, and electric utility operations, with employers like MidAmerican Energy, Alliant Energy, and Iowa State University research divisions actively hiring international talent. Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Ames are the primary hubs for energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs, offering roles in engineering, environmental science, and energy systems analysis.
Find Energy JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 13+ Energy OPT Jobs in Iowa
See all Energy OPT Jobs in Iowa
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Energy OPT Jobs in Iowa.
Get Access To All JobsProject Manager (Electricity), Capital Project Delivery
National Grid is hiring a Project Manager for our NE Project Mgmt & Construction team. This position can be based in Northboro, MA.
Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.
To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.
Job Purpose
The successful candidate will lead non-complex telecommunications projects throughout their lifecycle, engaging key stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of scope, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
Key Accountabilities
- Support the planning and scheduling of legacy wireline and wireless migration project activities to help meet weekly and monthly service targets.
- Coordinate project activities related to migrating leased transport circuits to private fiber connectivity for locations in the National Grid service territory.
- Work with various engineering and operations teams to track tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
- Maintain project tracking tools and status reports to monitor progress and performance.
- Attend regular progress meetings with contractors and client representatives and provide status updates.
- Track project trends and support corrective action plans to address schedule or delivery issues.
- Help identify project roadblocks and work with stakeholders to support timely resolution.
- Monitor resource availability and communicate risks or constraints to project leadership.
- Support forecasting, budget tracking, and project reporting activities.
- Prepare variance summaries and contribute to action plans for resolving gaps.
- Assist with coordination of locate requests, right-of-way access, and permit-related activities with internal and external teams.
- Maintain effective communication among internal teams, contractors, customers, and other stakeholders.
- Work closely with contractors and customer technicians to support successful deployments and service delivery.
- Contribute to project management strategies, documentation, and execution plans.
- Help ensure projects and contracts are carried out according to commitments, escalating issues when appropriate.
- Serve as a day-to-day project contact for contractors and customer representatives on assigned workstreams.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in one of the following or related fields: Project Management, Business, Engineering, Construction Management or Utility Operations. Relevant experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
- 3+ years of experience in project coordination, project management, telecommunications, or field service operations.
- Exposure to construction, excavation, locate operations, or utility-related projects is preferred.
- Experience with fiber implementation, wireless solutions, and/or construction projects is a plus.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, preferred.
- Proficiency with project tracking, reporting, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, self-starting and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to learn quickly and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Familiarity with SAP, Power BI, Primavera P6 and Procore is ideal but not required.
Salary: $75,000.00 - $88,000.00 USD annually
National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring.
This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.
National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.
#LI-DL1
Project Manager (Electricity), Capital Project Delivery
National Grid is hiring a Project Manager for our NE Project Mgmt & Construction team. This position can be based in Northboro, MA.
Every day we deliver safe and secure energy to homes, communities, and businesses. We are there when people need us the most. We connect people to the energy they need for the lives they live. The pace of change in society and our industry is accelerating and our expertise and track record puts us in an unparalleled position to shape the sustainable future of our industry.
To be successful we must anticipate the needs of our customers, reducing the cost of energy delivery today and pioneering the flexible energy systems of tomorrow. This requires us to deliver on our promises and always look for new opportunities to grow, both ourselves and our business.
Job Purpose
The successful candidate will lead non-complex telecommunications projects throughout their lifecycle, engaging key stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of scope, cost, schedule, and customer satisfaction.
Key Accountabilities
- Support the planning and scheduling of legacy wireline and wireless migration project activities to help meet weekly and monthly service targets.
- Coordinate project activities related to migrating leased transport circuits to private fiber connectivity for locations in the National Grid service territory.
- Work with various engineering and operations teams to track tasks, timelines, and deliverables.
- Maintain project tracking tools and status reports to monitor progress and performance.
- Attend regular progress meetings with contractors and client representatives and provide status updates.
- Track project trends and support corrective action plans to address schedule or delivery issues.
- Help identify project roadblocks and work with stakeholders to support timely resolution.
- Monitor resource availability and communicate risks or constraints to project leadership.
- Support forecasting, budget tracking, and project reporting activities.
- Prepare variance summaries and contribute to action plans for resolving gaps.
- Assist with coordination of locate requests, right-of-way access, and permit-related activities with internal and external teams.
- Maintain effective communication among internal teams, contractors, customers, and other stakeholders.
- Work closely with contractors and customer technicians to support successful deployments and service delivery.
- Contribute to project management strategies, documentation, and execution plans.
- Help ensure projects and contracts are carried out according to commitments, escalating issues when appropriate.
- Serve as a day-to-day project contact for contractors and customer representatives on assigned workstreams.
Qualifications
- A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college in one of the following or related fields: Project Management, Business, Engineering, Construction Management or Utility Operations. Relevant experience in lieu of a degree will be considered.
- 3+ years of experience in project coordination, project management, telecommunications, or field service operations.
- Exposure to construction, excavation, locate operations, or utility-related projects is preferred.
- Experience with fiber implementation, wireless solutions, and/or construction projects is a plus.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, preferred.
- Proficiency with project tracking, reporting, and Microsoft Office tools.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, self-starting and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to learn quickly and work effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Familiarity with SAP, Power BI, Primavera P6 and Procore is ideal but not required.
Salary: $75,000.00 - $88,000.00 USD annually
National Grid utilizes an assessment that evaluates the job qualifications/characteristics using AI or statistically based scoring.
This position has a career path which provides for advancement opportunities within and across bands as you develop and evolve in the position; gaining experience, expertise and acquiring and applying technical skills. Candidates will be assessed and provided offers against the minimum qualifications of this role and their individual experience.
National Grid is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment regardless of protected class. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. National Grid maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
Our employment practices are designed to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly and with respect throughout the hiring process and during employment. National Grid complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination and harassment, and we encourage a culture of respect for all.
#LI-DL1
OPT Energy Job Roles in Iowa
See all Energy OPT Jobs in Iowa
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Energy Jobs in IowaEnergy OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in Iowa have sponsored F-1 OPT workers?
MidAmerican Energy and Alliant Energy are among Iowa's largest utilities with histories of hiring international graduates in technical roles. Wind energy developers operating across central and northwest Iowa, along with biofuel producers and university-affiliated research centers, also represent active hiring segments. Sponsorship availability varies by role, project cycle, and company policy, so verifying directly with employers is always necessary.
Which cities in Iowa have the most energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Des Moines concentrates the most energy employer headquarters and utility operations, making it the primary city for F-1 OPT candidates. Ames hosts Iowa State University's energy research programs, which generate graduate-level hiring. Cedar Rapids supports both utility and renewable energy project activity. Smaller communities in northwest Iowa near major wind corridors occasionally post engineering and field technician roles as well.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Iowa?
Roles that directly apply a degree in engineering, environmental science, physics, or a related technical field tend to qualify for F-1 OPT. In Iowa's energy sector, this includes electrical engineers, wind turbine engineers, environmental analysts, power systems analysts, and energy policy researchers. Positions requiring a clear connection between the job duties and the graduate's field of study are the strongest fits for OPT authorization.
How do I find energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry. Searching Migrate Mate for energy roles in Iowa surfaces employers who have indicated sponsorship willingness, saving significant research time. Beyond the platform, attending Iowa State University career fairs and connecting with MidAmerican Energy or Alliant Energy recruiting teams directly can supplement your search.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in the energy sector?
Iowa's energy industry is heavily weighted toward wind and biofuels, which means hiring cycles often follow project development timelines rather than standard corporate recruiting calendars. STEM OPT extension eligibility is a key consideration for engineering and science graduates, as it extends work authorization to 36 months total and significantly increases your value to employers weighing longer-term hiring commitments. Confirming that a role qualifies under your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer is essential.