STEM OPT Jobs in North Dakota
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in North Dakota are concentrated in energy, agriculture technology, and engineering sectors, with Fargo and Bismarck anchoring employer density. E-Verify enrollment is required, and North Dakota's growing tech corridor means STEM-designated roles are expanding beyond the oil patch.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: MECHANICAL ENGINEER (LEVEL DOE) - LOS
Posting Start Date: 7/28/26
Job Description:
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is located at Leland Olds Station in Stanton, ND.
As an entry-level position, the incumbent will evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications on power plant system components to improve plant reliability, safety, and performance. Work assignments are varied and tend to be completing smaller projects and assisting experienced mechanical engineers with engineering work on projects of varying scope. These assignments are designed to develop professional work knowledge and ability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Under supervision, develop technical portions of a contract for use on new or retrofit facilities. This includes technical review of equipment, establishment of specifications, preparation of drawings, and assistance in evaluation of bids for each contract.
Assist maintenance engineering staff in completing engineering studies to improve plant performance, safety, and reliability, as required. Activities may include utilizing and developing computer programs, collecting and evaluating test data, and preparing and reviewing technical information.
Assist with collecting vibration data on assigned plant equipment using vibration data equipment and computer software. Assist with evaluating collected data to diagnose problems and recommend repairs. During unit outages, assist with inspections of plant equipment and systems and coordination of minor repairs. Will also oversee contractors on smaller projects to ensure work is completed correctly and on schedule.
To solve engineering problems, apply standard practices and principles in specific situations; gather, adjust, and correlate data; recognize discrepancies in results; and follow operations through a series of related, detailed steps and processes. Some economic analysis of possible solutions is required.
Develop and provide engineering skills and design effort required on existing power plant projects that may include system design, equipment selection, contract development, and construction oversight as required.
Develop effective working relationships with all major departments within Basin Electric Power Cooperative headquarters and staff at operating power plants, as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited mechanical engineering program.
A valid driver’s license.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
This position requires frequent sitting and lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds; and occasional standing/walking, bending/reaching, kneeling, climbing, crawling, pushing/pulling up to 15 pounds and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. This position requires use of keyboard/computer and occasionally working at heights up to 600 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. This position requires good finger dexterity, hand coordination, good hearing and good vision. The incumbent may occasionally work in confined spaces, and be exposed to extreme heat/cold, dirt, fumes, chemicals, vibration, and noise. Tools/equipment used include floating pick scaffolding, vibration testing equipment, velocity measuring probes, electronic thickness testers, slag hammer, computer equipment, ultrasonic testing equipment, and surveying equipment. This position must be respirator qualified.
KEY SKILLS
- Technical knowledge of mechanical engineering and a basic knowledge of computers.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- Ability to analyze data/reports, conduct research, implement recommendations, coordinate projects, develop plans, present information to others, and work under pressure to complete assignments.
Job Title: MECHANICAL ENGINEER (LEVEL DOE) - LOS
Posting Start Date: 7/28/26
Job Description:
POSITION PURPOSE
This position is located at Leland Olds Station in Stanton, ND.
As an entry-level position, the incumbent will evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures, and criteria using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications on power plant system components to improve plant reliability, safety, and performance. Work assignments are varied and tend to be completing smaller projects and assisting experienced mechanical engineers with engineering work on projects of varying scope. These assignments are designed to develop professional work knowledge and ability.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES
Under supervision, develop technical portions of a contract for use on new or retrofit facilities. This includes technical review of equipment, establishment of specifications, preparation of drawings, and assistance in evaluation of bids for each contract.
Assist maintenance engineering staff in completing engineering studies to improve plant performance, safety, and reliability, as required. Activities may include utilizing and developing computer programs, collecting and evaluating test data, and preparing and reviewing technical information.
Assist with collecting vibration data on assigned plant equipment using vibration data equipment and computer software. Assist with evaluating collected data to diagnose problems and recommend repairs. During unit outages, assist with inspections of plant equipment and systems and coordination of minor repairs. Will also oversee contractors on smaller projects to ensure work is completed correctly and on schedule.
To solve engineering problems, apply standard practices and principles in specific situations; gather, adjust, and correlate data; recognize discrepancies in results; and follow operations through a series of related, detailed steps and processes. Some economic analysis of possible solutions is required.
Develop and provide engineering skills and design effort required on existing power plant projects that may include system design, equipment selection, contract development, and construction oversight as required.
Develop effective working relationships with all major departments within Basin Electric Power Cooperative headquarters and staff at operating power plants, as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering Accreditation Commission/Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited mechanical engineering program.
A valid driver’s license.
PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS
This position requires frequent sitting and lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds; and occasional standing/walking, bending/reaching, kneeling, climbing, crawling, pushing/pulling up to 15 pounds and lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds. This position requires use of keyboard/computer and occasionally working at heights up to 600 feet, which requires the use of safety equipment, including a harness, in accordance with ANSI Z359 standards. This position requires good finger dexterity, hand coordination, good hearing and good vision. The incumbent may occasionally work in confined spaces, and be exposed to extreme heat/cold, dirt, fumes, chemicals, vibration, and noise. Tools/equipment used include floating pick scaffolding, vibration testing equipment, velocity measuring probes, electronic thickness testers, slag hammer, computer equipment, ultrasonic testing equipment, and surveying equipment. This position must be respirator qualified.
KEY SKILLS
- Technical knowledge of mechanical engineering and a basic knowledge of computers.
- Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Proficiency with personal computers and Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
- Ability to analyze data/reports, conduct research, implement recommendations, coordinate projects, develop plans, present information to others, and work under pressure to complete assignments.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in North Dakota
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in North Dakota
Confirm your degree's STEM designation first
Check your program's CIP code against the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying. North Dakota employers in energy and ag-tech often ask for this documentation upfront, and a mismatch delays your I-983 filing.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers in Fargo
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Fargo's technology and engineering firms, including those supporting agricultural automation companies, are more likely to already have E-Verify accounts than smaller rural North Dakota employers.
Search verified sponsorship history on Migrate Mate
Filter North Dakota employers by STEM OPT filing history on Migrate Mate before applying. This surfaces which Bismarck energy firms and Fargo tech employers have an active track record of completing I-983 training plans, not just those who say they're open to it.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before signing
The I-983 training plan must be signed by both you and your employer before USCIS approves the extension. Raise it during the offer stage with North Dakota employers, since HR teams at mid-size energy firms often encounter this form for the first time.
See all F-1 STEM OPT jobs in North Dakota
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in North Dakota.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in North Dakota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in North Dakota sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Energy and petroleum engineering, agricultural technology, and civil and environmental engineering account for the largest share of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in North Dakota. Software development and data analytics roles tied to the energy sector in Bismarck and Williston are also growing areas, with employers increasingly familiar with STEM OPT extension requirements.
Which cities in North Dakota have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Fargo has the highest concentration of STEM OPT-eligible employers in North Dakota, driven by its technology and engineering services sector. Bismarck follows, anchored by energy companies and state government contractors. Grand Forks, home to the University of North Dakota, also has employers experienced with F-1 STEM OPT hiring, particularly in aerospace and research roles.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in North Dakota?
Roles must map to a qualifying STEM Standard Occupational Classification code. In North Dakota, that commonly includes petroleum engineers, software developers supporting energy operations, agricultural data analysts, environmental engineers, and civil engineers working on infrastructure projects. Use O*NET to confirm a role's STEM degree classification matches the USCIS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in North Dakota?
Migrate Mate lets you filter North Dakota employers by F-1 STEM OPT filing history, so you can identify which Fargo tech firms or Bismarck energy companies have completed the I-983 training plan process before. This saves time compared to cold-applying and discovering late that an employer isn't E-Verify enrolled, which is a hard requirement for STEM OPT extensions.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in North Dakota?
North Dakota's employer base skews toward mid-size and family-owned firms, especially outside Fargo, and many have limited HR infrastructure for I-983 compliance. Come prepared to walk employers through the training plan requirement. North Dakota also has a tight labor market in skilled trades and engineering, which can work in your favor when negotiating timelines with employers who are new to STEM OPT.