Energy OPT Jobs in Michigan
Michigan's energy sector spans utilities, automotive electrification, and renewables, with major employers like Consumers Energy, DTE Energy, and Ford's electrification divisions actively hiring international talent. Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Lansing concentrate the most F-1 OPT energy roles, particularly in electrical engineering, grid operations, and energy systems analysis.
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Job Posting End Date
11-06-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
The P&C Technician II performs work associated with the installation, operation, testing and maintenance of all protection and control devices and related equipment under direct, immediate or general supervision. Such devices and equipment include but is not limited to digital relays, electromechanical relays, intelligent electronic devices, Station Disturbance Recorders (SDR), digital fault recorders (DFR), oscillographs and event recorders, RTU's and station SCADA systems, statistical load metering, telemetering and transducers. Additionally, install, maintain and operate all power line carriers (PLC), tone, pilot wire, fiber and associated P&C communications equipment. Respond to emergency callouts and coordinate prompt restoration of service to customers as required. This list is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions. Employee may perform miscellaneous, related, and incidental work in addition to that specifically outlined below. The following reference is provided as a guideline for persons responsible for directing the duties and responsibilities of assigned personnel, to assist in the safety and development of employees, and is not intended to limit assignment of work or the degree of supervision under all operating conditions: DIRECT SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is working with/hands-on with the person performing the designated task. IMMEDIATE SUPERVISION - When a qualified person is near the structure/equipment and is in constant visual and/or verbal contact to the person performing the designated task. GENERAL SUPERVISION - An employee of equal or higher classification, knowledgeable of the task at hand and not necessarily at the job site. QUALIFIED PERSON - P&C Technician or Supervisor who is knowledgeable of the task or work to be performed and is capable of performing the appropriate emergency rescue.
Job Description
What you’ll do:
- Assist in the installation and performance of acceptance tests on protection, control, and measurement devices and associated equipment in stations.
- Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of all power line carriers, station SCADA, and associated communications equipment or cables as assigned.
- Perform switching under direct supervision of qualified personnel following direction of the proper operating authority.
- Assist in the installation, maintenance, and operation of any new and added equipment or systems as assigned.
- Maintain test equipment and automotive equipment in good working order so that work can be performed safely and efficiently anywhere throughout the System.
- Prepare and maintain accurate records, reports and drawings as required.
- Assist employees of equal or higher classification.
- Perform similar or less skilled work as assigned.
- Perform all duties in accordance with the Company's safety rules and operating regulations, NERC and environmental compliance, and practices.
- Test and calibrate protection & control devices and equipment periodically, on a pre-established schedule, and as required.
- Assist with diagnosis of trouble, mis-operation, or damage of equipment and assist with corrective action to repair and prevent recurrence.
- Operate a computer device to test, calibrate, and retrieve data from protection & control and devices.
What We're Looking For:
Technical Proficiency:
- Possesses technical knowledge acquired from an Associate Degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology.
- Gains knowledge of standards, codes, and regulations relevant to area of assignment.
- Gains knowledge with pertinent equipment, material, systems, and business processes.
- Assists employees in handling defined portions of routine problems when beneficial to AEP.
- Possesses basic computer literacy, knowledge, and skills.
Leadership and Guidance:
- Performs work activities as assigned and coached by higher level employees.
- Demonstrates ability to work with others in supplying information and seeking assistance as necessary.
Planning and Organizational Ability:
- Plans work in accordance with AEP standard planning practices.
- Prioritizes routine work to meet the demands of the Company.
- Maintains accurate records.
Problem Solving and Initiative:
- Applies technical knowledge and experience in resolving problems encountered in assigned work.
- Uses initiative in looking for opportunities to improve the process and increase job knowledge/technical skills.
- Seeks out, compiles, analyzes, and interprets information necessary to perform work activities and solve problems.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
- Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
- Assists in the preparation of technical reports and papers.
- Demonstrates the ability to be a team player.
- Relates to people in an open, friendly, and sincere manner.
Decision-making and business awareness characteristics:
- Develops decision-making skills based on sound judgment and job knowledge.
- Develops an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the local organizational unit.
Minimum Requirements
- Associate's degree in electrical engineering technology, electronic technology or related technology field; or equivalent education and/or experience.
- Equivalent education and/or experience will be determined by the hiring manager and will be limited to military training and work experience of technical/technician nature (such as aviation and nuclear instrumentation technician).
- No previous work experience required.
Other Requirements:
- Must satisfactorily complete, in such time frames as may be established by the Company, the qualifications necessary to perform the duties of the next higher classification in the line of progression or vacate the current classification. This structured progression is designed to support employee growth and advancement through the P&C Technician career path, with increasing levels of responsibility, technical expertise, and compensation.
- Must have the ability and desire to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to perform the duties and/or responsibilities of the key job (P & C Technician Sr in this family and be qualified through demonstration, examination and/or performance appraisal as determined by the Company.
- Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license and must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
- Considerable travel and overtime may be required to complete work assignments.
- Must successfully complete Physical Abilities Test (PAT).
- Successful candidate must live within a 45-minute safe-driving distance of the facility.
What You’ll Get:
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do!
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: N012-PC1
Compensation Range: $30.27 - $38.10
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: H – Heavy Work: Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10-20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Medium Work.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
OPT Energy Job Roles in Michigan
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Search Energy Jobs in MichiganEnergy OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Michigan: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in Michigan sponsor F-1 OPT visas?
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy are Michigan's two dominant utilities and have documented histories of hiring international students in engineering and operations roles. Ford Motor Company's electrification and battery research divisions in Dearborn and Ann Arbor also employ F-1 OPT workers in energy-adjacent roles. Smaller renewable energy developers and grid technology firms operating in Michigan may also support OPT authorization, though sponsorship practices vary significantly by employer and position.
Which cities in Michigan have the most energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Detroit and its suburbs, including Dearborn and Southfield, concentrate the largest share of energy-related OPT roles due to DTE Energy's headquarters and the automotive electrification corridor. Ann Arbor draws energy talent through University of Michigan research partnerships and clean energy startups. Lansing hosts Consumers Energy offices and state energy regulatory work. Grand Rapids has a growing renewable energy presence, particularly in solar and energy efficiency contracting.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Michigan?
Roles that align with STEM-designated fields qualify for the standard 12-month OPT period, and many energy positions fall under electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or environmental science, which also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Common qualifying titles include power systems engineer, energy analyst, battery engineer, grid operations analyst, and renewable energy project engineer. Roles requiring only general business or non-technical degrees are less likely to support STEM OPT extension eligibility.
How do I find energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Michigan?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry, so you can search directly for energy roles in Michigan without sorting through positions that don't support work authorization. Beyond Migrate Mate, targeting Michigan-headquartered utilities and EV-related manufacturers directly through their careers pages is practical, as these employers have established OPT hiring pipelines and are familiar with the authorization process.
Are there any Michigan-specific considerations for F-1 OPT students pursuing energy jobs?
Michigan's energy sector is heavily shaped by the state's Clean Energy and Climate Action Plan, which has increased demand for engineers and analysts in grid modernization, EV infrastructure, and renewable integration. F-1 OPT students should note that Michigan's large automotive employers often treat energy engineering roles as part of broader STEM hiring, making STEM OPT extension eligibility common. Confirming your employer has a valid E-Verify enrollment is a prerequisite for any STEM OPT extension, regardless of company size.