Energy OPT Jobs in South Carolina
South Carolina's energy sector spans nuclear power at the V.C. Summer and H.B. Robinson plants, natural gas infrastructure, and a growing solar industry, with employers like Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Santee Cooper actively hiring. F-1 OPT students in energy engineering, environmental science, and related fields find sponsorship opportunities concentrated in Columbia, Charlotte-adjacent markets, and the Midlands region.
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Get Access To All JobsAre you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse’s mission to provide clean energy solutions? At Westinghouse, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.
About the role:
As a Welding Engineer you will support the development, implementation, and troubleshooting of welding-related requirements and activities for the fabrication, erection, and maintenance of nuclear power plants and associated facilities.
You will report to the Lead Engineer of Welding Technologies. This position is hybrid in nature requiring 2 days/week on-site at our Rock Hill SC or Cranberry Township, PA facility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reports to the Lead Engineer – Welding for daily direction
- Review contract, design, and regulatory requirements to develop project welding specifications.
- Review fabricator and supplier documentation including weld maps, detail drawings, PQRs and WPSs, and Welding Programs to ensure conformance with project requirements.
- Work with Global Supply Chain and Supplier Performance Engineering to support fab-follow activities for AP1000 systems, structures, and components.
- Participate in constructability and design reviews to develop Westinghouse technologies.
- Work with other Engineering disciplines to provide input to weld design, Engineering Specifications and associated change paper documentation.
- Revise and maintain specifications related to welding consumables and base materials in accordance with design and regulatory requirements.
- Support the continued development of the WELD software package
- Aid in the evaluation of weld failures and nonconformances.
- Help support issues presented by ANI, Code, and Regulatory bodies, clients, and internal customers.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Welding Engineering Technology, or related field.
- 0+ years of experience as a Welding Engineer or related position.
- Knowledge of welding symbols and the ability to read drawings and prints.
- Knowledge of applicable welding standards and regulations.
Beneficial:
- Nuclear-specific construction or fabrication experience in the power plant, shipbuilding, industrial process construction, maintenance, component repair & replacement, applied research and development, and/or manufacturing facility is preferred.
- General knowledge of welding industry codes and standards including ASME Section II, III, V, XI, B31.1, B31.3, AWS D1.1, D1.3, D1.4, D1.6, D9.1, D10.10, CSA N299, W47.1, W59, RCC-M, NBIC, N690, AISC 341, AISC 360, and PCC-2
- Familiarity with SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, and SAW welding processes.
- Knowledge of ESW, EBW, laser welding and automated/robotic welding processes preferred.
- Familiarity with nondestructive examination techniques including VT, PT, MT, UT, and RT.
- Familiarity with Eddy Current Testing and leak testing techniques such as vacuum box testing.
We are committed to transparency and equity in all of our people practices. The base salary range for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is estimated to be $58,400 to $73,000 per year.
LI-Hybrid
Why Westinghouse?
Our benefits package is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, while also promoting wellness and career growth. The following are representative of what we offer:
- Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options
- Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members
- 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement
- Paid Vacations and Company Holidays
- Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance
- Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers
- Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service
- Employee Referral Program
Westinghouse Electric Company is the global nuclear energy industry's first choice for safe, clean, and efficient energy solutions. We enable our delivery of this vision by living our value system:
- Safety and Quality
- Integrity and Trust
- Customer Focus and Innovation
- Speed and Passion to Win
- Teamwork and Accountability
While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 11,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. You can learn more by visiting http://www.westinghousenuclear.com.
Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Are you interested in being part of an innovative team that supports Westinghouse’s mission to provide clean energy solutions? At Westinghouse, we recognize that our employees are our most valuable asset and we seek to identify, attract and recruit the most qualified talent while recognizing and encouraging the value of diversity in the global workplace.
About the role:
As a Welding Engineer you will support the development, implementation, and troubleshooting of welding-related requirements and activities for the fabrication, erection, and maintenance of nuclear power plants and associated facilities.
You will report to the Lead Engineer of Welding Technologies. This position is hybrid in nature requiring 2 days/week on-site at our Rock Hill SC or Cranberry Township, PA facility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Reports to the Lead Engineer – Welding for daily direction
- Review contract, design, and regulatory requirements to develop project welding specifications.
- Review fabricator and supplier documentation including weld maps, detail drawings, PQRs and WPSs, and Welding Programs to ensure conformance with project requirements.
- Work with Global Supply Chain and Supplier Performance Engineering to support fab-follow activities for AP1000 systems, structures, and components.
- Participate in constructability and design reviews to develop Westinghouse technologies.
- Work with other Engineering disciplines to provide input to weld design, Engineering Specifications and associated change paper documentation.
- Revise and maintain specifications related to welding consumables and base materials in accordance with design and regulatory requirements.
- Support the continued development of the WELD software package
- Aid in the evaluation of weld failures and nonconformances.
- Help support issues presented by ANI, Code, and Regulatory bodies, clients, and internal customers.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited university in Welding Engineering, Materials Science, Welding Engineering Technology, or related field.
- 0+ years of experience as a Welding Engineer or related position.
- Knowledge of welding symbols and the ability to read drawings and prints.
- Knowledge of applicable welding standards and regulations.
Beneficial:
- Nuclear-specific construction or fabrication experience in the power plant, shipbuilding, industrial process construction, maintenance, component repair & replacement, applied research and development, and/or manufacturing facility is preferred.
- General knowledge of welding industry codes and standards including ASME Section II, III, V, XI, B31.1, B31.3, AWS D1.1, D1.3, D1.4, D1.6, D9.1, D10.10, CSA N299, W47.1, W59, RCC-M, NBIC, N690, AISC 341, AISC 360, and PCC-2
- Familiarity with SMAW, GTAW, GMAW, FCAW, and SAW welding processes.
- Knowledge of ESW, EBW, laser welding and automated/robotic welding processes preferred.
- Familiarity with nondestructive examination techniques including VT, PT, MT, UT, and RT.
- Familiarity with Eddy Current Testing and leak testing techniques such as vacuum box testing.
We are committed to transparency and equity in all of our people practices. The base salary range for this position, which is dependent upon experience, qualifications and skills, is estimated to be $58,400 to $73,000 per year.
LI-Hybrid
Why Westinghouse?
Our benefits package is tailored to meet the diverse needs of our employees, while also promoting wellness and career growth. The following are representative of what we offer:
- Comprehensive Medical benefits which could include medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions options
- Wellness Programs designed to support employees in maintaining their health and well-being including Employee Assistance Program providing support for our employees and their household members
- 401(k) with Company Match Contributions to support employees' retirement
- Paid Vacations and Company Holidays
- Opportunities for Flexible Work Arrangements to promote work-life balance
- Educational Reimbursement and Comprehensive Career Programs to help employees grow in their careers
- Global Recognition and Service Programs to celebrate employee accomplishments and service
- Employee Referral Program
Westinghouse Electric Company is the global nuclear energy industry's first choice for safe, clean, and efficient energy solutions. We enable our delivery of this vision by living our value system:
- Safety and Quality
- Integrity and Trust
- Customer Focus and Innovation
- Speed and Passion to Win
- Teamwork and Accountability
While our Global Headquarters are located in Cranberry Township, PA, we have over 11,000 employees working at locations in 19 different countries. You can learn more by visiting http://www.westinghousenuclear.com.
Westinghouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
OPT Energy Job Roles in South Carolina
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Search Energy Jobs in South CarolinaEnergy OPT Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in South Carolina sponsor F-1 OPT visas?
Dominion Energy, Duke Energy, and Santee Cooper are among the larger energy employers in South Carolina with established processes for sponsoring international candidates, including F-1 OPT workers. Smaller utilities, engineering contractors, and solar development firms operating in the state also hire OPT candidates, though sponsorship practices vary by company, role, and hiring volume in any given year.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Columbia, as the state capital and home to major utility headquarters, sees the highest concentration of energy-related roles open to F-1 OPT candidates. Cayce and Jenkinsville host nuclear facility operations, while Greenville and Charleston have growing energy infrastructure and clean energy project activity. Candidates willing to work in non-urban plant or field locations often find additional openings beyond the major metro areas.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in South Carolina?
Roles in electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental engineering, and power systems analysis are commonly filled through F-1 OPT in South Carolina's energy sector. Data and software roles supporting grid operations and energy management systems also qualify under STEM OPT. Positions that require a specific technical degree and involve applying that knowledge directly tend to align well with F-1 OPT eligibility requirements.
How do I find energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate lists energy jobs in South Carolina that are open to F-1 OPT candidates, filtering out roles where sponsorship is not offered. Searching by state and industry on Migrate Mate surfaces positions at utilities, nuclear operators, and clean energy firms that have demonstrated willingness to work with international students. Applying early and confirming OPT eligibility with each employer's HR team is advisable before submitting materials.
Are there any state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT students pursuing energy jobs in South Carolina?
South Carolina's nuclear facilities operate under federal security clearance requirements, which can limit F-1 OPT eligibility for certain on-site positions regardless of employer interest in sponsorship. STEM OPT extension applicants working in energy should confirm their role is classified under an eligible CIP code and that their employer is enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Compliance with those requirements rests with the employer and the student's DSO.