Energy F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Ohio
Ohio's energy sector draws F-1 STEM OPT candidates into roles spanning grid modernization, renewable energy development, and utility operations. Major employers including FirstEnergy, AES Ohio, and Columbia Gas have LCA filing histories in Ohio. Columbus, Cleveland, and Akron are the primary hiring hubs for energy engineering and data analytics roles that qualify for STEM OPT authorization.
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INTRODUCTION
Are you ready to be part of a company that's not just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES), a Fortune 500 company that's leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries, AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work, you can be confident that you're joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.
AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations, and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023, we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future, AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreement's goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions, such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers, are setting the pace for rapid, global decarbonization.
If you're ready to be part of a company that's not just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you. We're not just building a cleaner, more sustainable future - we're powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.
AES Ohio serves approximately 500,000 customers in a 6,000 square-mile service area in Southwest-Central Ohio. This includes 1,800 miles of transmission lines and over 150 substations.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
System Operator
Under limited direction, the System Operator controls and operates the Company's transmission, substation and mainline distribution resources and monitors generation resources from a reliability perspective. Also achieves and maintains operating standards in compliance with all existing NERC, PJM and PUCO regulations, plus company safety and operating standards. Operates the transmission system, which includes responsibility for VAR flow, maintaining acceptable voltage levels, and monitoring for first contingency loading and voltage violations. Coordinates and directs all switching operations on the transmission, substation and mainline distribution system. This is a rotating shift work position that requires around the clock coverage. The current 12 hour schedule does will include some nights, weekends and holidays.
Under direct supervision, the System Operator is responsible for the safe, stable, reliable, economical, and environmentally correct operation of the Bulk Electric System. This responsibility extends from the generating station substations through the distribution substations to the first interrupting device. The System Operator Trainee is responsible for successfully completing the System Operator Training Program and complying with FERC, NERC, PJM, and RF requirements.
This position is covered by NERC CIP cyber security standards. Prior to being hired, promoted, or transferred into the position, the candidate must successfully pass a Personnel Risk Assessment, which includes identity verification and a criminal background check. Before being granted unescorted access to cyber secure areas, the candidate must attend cyber security training. Annual cyber security training is also required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Promote a safe working environment both inside and outside the department.
- Complete the System Operator training requirements and pass the NERC and PJM certification tests.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Implement real-time actions, up to and including shedding firm load, to ensure stable and reliable operation of the Bulk Electric System.
- Direct all actions for the safety and reliability of the electric grid, including field crews, electrical equipment, and customers in matters that affect electric grid reliability.
- Direct all switching and tagging activities to achieve LOTO isolation on transmission, substation, and mainline distribution equipment for both scheduled and outage situations.
- Serve as the first line of communication for real-time operations with PJM and interconnected utilities to assure the reliability of the transmission network.
- Ensure compliance with strict Standards of Conduct, as well as NERC and PJM protocols for transmission services.
- Operate the system on a minute-by-minute basis to ensure frequency is maintained by generation meeting load requirements.
- Respond to transmission and distribution disturbances within established regulatory, industry, and company standards to ensure a continuous supply of electricity to customers.
- Communicate the status of abnormal system conditions to co-workers and management.
- Monitor and utilize reactive reserves to ensure system reliability.
- Mentor System Operator Trainees through the Operator training game plan.
- Annually review and update department Standard Operating Procedures.
- Utilize the system model to simulate removing transmission elements from service and review resulting contingency analysis to prevent any real-time violations.
- Be knowledgeable of the procedures to transfer operations to the Back-up Control Center and implement them if necessary.
Competencies:
- Develop and maintain knowledge of the company’s substation, distribution, and transmission systems, relay protection schemes, safety requirements, electrical theory, field equipment capabilities, and associated operating procedures and guidelines.
- Ability to work in a stressful and fast-paced environment.
- Ability to make sound judgments and crucial decisions in short amounts of time.
- Ability to understand and assimilate complex technical information.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with teammates and external utility contacts.
- Ability to work with little supervision and only general guidelines at times.
QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor’s degree in engineering or another technical discipline is desired. An Associate's degree showing an aptitude for math and electrical theory, including previous work experience demonstrating basic electrical utility knowledge, or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience related to the discipline.
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Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Must already have or obtain the appropriate North American Electric Reliability Corporation Certification within one year of employment and before independently performing the Reliability functions. This Certification must be maintained with continuing education hours. Must already have or obtain the appropriate PJM Certification within one year of employment and before independently performing the Reliability functions. This Certification must be maintained with continuing education hours.
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Ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, correspondence, and memos.
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Strong oral and written communication skills.
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Ability to apply concepts of algebra and geometry, and basic electrical theory.
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Working knowledge of various database, spreadsheet, and word processing software.
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Gather and analyze many complex variables to recommend decisions on complex issues under rapid and severe time constraints.
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Combine complex data sets including weather, grid conditions, electrical voltages, customer load, power plant capabilities, system disturbance data, interconnected utility conditions, etc., to determine actions required to ensure continuous operation and reliability on the electrical grid.
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Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
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Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
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Has the authority to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions, without obtaining approval from higher-level personnel within their own operating authority vicinity. During emergency operating conditions, has additional independent authority to shed firm load to prevent or alleviate Operating Security Limit violations without higher-level approval.
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Ability to stand up to 2/3 of the time. Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Ability to accept the mental and physical rigors of rotating shift work, constantly changing system conditions, and varying operating guidelines.
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As the authority in charge of control room operations, any errors in switching procedures, miscommunication, or errors in analysis could result in serious injury or death to field employees and damage to valuable equipment.
Work Environment: Control room environment
AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.
E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.
Energy Job Roles in Ohio
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Search Energy Jobs in OhioEnergy Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in Ohio have sponsored F-1 STEM OPT workers?
FirstEnergy, AES Ohio, and Columbia Gas of Ohio are among the larger utilities with documented LCA filing activity in the state. Ohio also has a growing renewable energy developer presence, with companies working on wind and solar projects that hire engineers and data analysts. Filing history varies by year and role, so checking OFLC disclosure data directly gives the most current picture of which employers have actively sponsored positions.
Which Ohio cities have the most energy F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Columbus concentrates the largest share of energy employer headquarters and utility operations offices, making it the primary market for STEM OPT energy roles. Cleveland follows closely, with a strong legacy in power generation and grid infrastructure. Akron has notable activity tied to polymer and materials research that intersects with energy storage. Toledo and Dayton also see periodic hiring, particularly in solar manufacturing and distribution-grid operations.
How do I find energy F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Ohio?
Migrate Mate filters energy job listings by STEM OPT eligibility and surfaces employers with verified LCA filing history in Ohio, so you can focus on companies that have sponsored roles in this sector before. You can narrow searches by city, occupation code, and employer type. Cross-referencing those results with OFLC disclosure data helps confirm whether a specific employer has filed LCAs for energy engineering or analyst roles matching your degree field.
What types of energy roles in Ohio typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT authorization?
Roles that qualify generally fall under STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs codes tied to engineering, computer science, mathematics, and physical sciences. In Ohio's energy sector, this commonly covers electrical engineers, power systems analysts, environmental engineers, software developers working on grid or energy management platforms, and data scientists supporting renewable energy operations. The role must align with the applicant's degree field, and the employer must meet E-Verify enrollment requirements to extend STEM OPT to 24 months.
Are there Ohio-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in the energy industry?
Ohio's deregulated electricity market means energy employers range from large investor-owned utilities to independent power producers and competitive retail suppliers, each with different HR infrastructure for handling STEM OPT onboarding. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension to apply. Ohio's growing offshore wind pipeline and solar manufacturing investments are creating new employer entrants who may be building their STEM OPT sponsorship processes for the first time, so it is worth confirming E-Verify status during the interview process.