Energy STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee's energy sector span nuclear operations at TVA's Oak Ridge facilities, natural gas infrastructure across the Nashville corridor, and renewable development expanding through Memphis and Knoxville. Major employers including Tennessee Valley Authority, Dominion Energy, and Duke Energy have active STEM OPT hiring histories for engineers, data analysts, and environmental scientists.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title:
Distribution Modeling and Analytics Utilities Student Employee
Location:
Knoxville, TN
Job Summary and Description:
Distribution Modeling and Analytics Utilities around the world are transforming their distribution systems to support electrification, distributed energy resources (DER), resilience, decarbonization, and growing operational complexity. As planning and operations become increasingly data-driven, utilities need advanced analytics, high-fidelity modeling, artificial intelligence, and trusted data to maintain a reliable, resilient, and efficient grid.
The EPRI Distribution Operations and Planning team leads collaborative research that advances the state of the art in distribution system planning and operations. Through the development of innovative methodologies, simulation tools, analytics, and field-validated solutions, the team addresses challenges spanning grid modernization, DER integration, protection, resilience, operations, and emerging technologies. This position supports distribution system modeling, simulation, and analysis across a range of topics to advance the distribution system.
Job Functions:
- Distribution modeling and analysis using OpenDSS
- Apply and derive advanced data analytics
- Evaluating advanced grid technologies and applications (PV with smart inverters, storage, distribution management systems).
Preferences:
- BS in electrical engineering and 1 or more years of power industry experience or graduate coursework
- Experience/course work regarding distribution system modeling & simulation
- Must be able to follow written and verbal directions
Ideal Candidate:
- Experience using OpenDSS or commercial distribution planning software (CYME, Synergi, Milsoft)
- Experience with coding (e.g. python, C#, etc.) and data analysis (machine learning, statistical methods, etc.)
- Knowledge of distribution system modeling, utility measurement data, or advanced load flow simulation practices
- Outstanding problem solving and analytical skills
- Self-motivated with excellent time management
The hourly rate range for Student positions are:
- Undergraduate: $16-29 per hour
- Masters: $27-33 per hour
- Ph.D: $31-36 per hour
These ranges are an estimate, and the actual hourly rate may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The hourly rate may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.
As an EPRI Student, you will not participate in EPRI’s Benefit Programs which includes health insurance, retirement benefits, vacation, sick leave (except as set required by law) and holiday pay. However, as a Student employee you are eligible for the benefits of Social Security, State Disability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
For Student positions which require one to relocate to an EPRI office, relocation assistance is not provided and the student will be responsible for covering all relocation costs/expenses.
EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.
EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled
Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.
Job Title:
Distribution Modeling and Analytics Utilities Student Employee
Location:
Knoxville, TN
Job Summary and Description:
Distribution Modeling and Analytics Utilities around the world are transforming their distribution systems to support electrification, distributed energy resources (DER), resilience, decarbonization, and growing operational complexity. As planning and operations become increasingly data-driven, utilities need advanced analytics, high-fidelity modeling, artificial intelligence, and trusted data to maintain a reliable, resilient, and efficient grid.
The EPRI Distribution Operations and Planning team leads collaborative research that advances the state of the art in distribution system planning and operations. Through the development of innovative methodologies, simulation tools, analytics, and field-validated solutions, the team addresses challenges spanning grid modernization, DER integration, protection, resilience, operations, and emerging technologies. This position supports distribution system modeling, simulation, and analysis across a range of topics to advance the distribution system.
Job Functions:
- Distribution modeling and analysis using OpenDSS
- Apply and derive advanced data analytics
- Evaluating advanced grid technologies and applications (PV with smart inverters, storage, distribution management systems).
Preferences:
- BS in electrical engineering and 1 or more years of power industry experience or graduate coursework
- Experience/course work regarding distribution system modeling & simulation
- Must be able to follow written and verbal directions
Ideal Candidate:
- Experience using OpenDSS or commercial distribution planning software (CYME, Synergi, Milsoft)
- Experience with coding (e.g. python, C#, etc.) and data analysis (machine learning, statistical methods, etc.)
- Knowledge of distribution system modeling, utility measurement data, or advanced load flow simulation practices
- Outstanding problem solving and analytical skills
- Self-motivated with excellent time management
The hourly rate range for Student positions are:
- Undergraduate: $16-29 per hour
- Masters: $27-33 per hour
- Ph.D: $31-36 per hour
These ranges are an estimate, and the actual hourly rate may vary based on various factors, including without limitation applicant's education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. The hourly rate may also be adjusted based on applicant's geographic location.
As an EPRI Student, you will not participate in EPRI’s Benefit Programs which includes health insurance, retirement benefits, vacation, sick leave (except as set required by law) and holiday pay. However, as a Student employee you are eligible for the benefits of Social Security, State Disability Insurance, and Workers’ Compensation Insurance.
For Student positions which require one to relocate to an EPRI office, relocation assistance is not provided and the student will be responsible for covering all relocation costs/expenses.
EPRI participates in E-Verify, an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). EPRI uses the system to check the work status of new hires by comparing information from the employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases.
EPRI is an equal opportunity employer. EEO/AA/M/F/VETS/Disabled
Together . . . Shaping the Future of Energy.
STEM OPT Energy Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Energy Jobs in TennesseeEnergy STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in Tennessee sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Tennessee Valley Authority is the state's largest energy employer with a documented history of sponsoring STEM OPT workers in engineering, environmental science, and grid operations roles. Duke Energy and Dominion Energy also have Tennessee operations with STEM OPT filing histories. Smaller firms in the Oak Ridge energy and nuclear corridor, including contractors supporting Department of Energy facilities, have also sponsored STEM OPT candidates for technical roles.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most energy F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Knoxville sees the highest concentration of energy STEM OPT roles, driven by proximity to Oak Ridge National Laboratory and TVA headquarters. Nashville is growing as a hub for energy management, utilities infrastructure, and clean energy startups. Memphis has opportunities in grid operations and renewable project development. Chattanooga, home to TVA's operational divisions, also has recurring STEM OPT openings in power systems and environmental compliance.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Tennessee?
Roles that regularly qualify include electrical engineering, nuclear engineering, environmental engineering, power systems analysis, energy data science, and grid operations. These positions typically fall under STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs codes, meaning graduates in engineering, computer science, environmental science, and applied mathematics are generally eligible. Roles requiring a directly related technical degree and involving quantitative or scientific work are the strongest fits for STEM OPT authorization in this sector.
How do I find energy F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for energy employers in Tennessee with verified F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship histories, so you can focus on companies that have actively filed for STEM OPT workers rather than applying broadly. This is especially useful in Tennessee, where sponsorship activity is concentrated among a smaller group of large utilities and federal contractors. Filtering by industry and visa type surfaces relevant roles at TVA, Duke Energy, and Oak Ridge-area contractors that might not appear in general searches.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Tennessee's energy sector?
Tennessee's energy sector is significantly shaped by federal involvement through TVA and Department of Energy facilities at Oak Ridge, which means some positions require security clearances that can complicate STEM OPT eligibility for non-citizens. Employers in regulated utilities must also comply with E-Verify requirements. Students should confirm their role appears on the STEM-designated CIP code list and that their DSO has updated their I-20 before the current OPT period ends, as timing requirements are strict regardless of employer size.