STEM OPT Jobs in Texas
Texas draws F-1 STEM OPT candidates to its dense clusters of technology, energy, aerospace, and semiconductor employers across Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio. E-Verify enrollment requirements make STEM OPT extension filings routine for most large Texas employers, shortening the path from offer to authorization.
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WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Electrical Engineer for our Houston, TX or Dallas, TX office.
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
- Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
- Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
- 1 - 3 years of relevant post education experience.
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
- Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
This Opportunity
WSP is currently initiating a search for an Early Career Electrical Engineer for our Houston, TX or Dallas, TX office.
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the due diligence, investigation, remediation, impact assessment, permitting, design, development, and construction of utility, industrial, and commercial scale projects in the public and private sector. Tasks may include basic assistance with the research, design, concept development, and construction of transmission and distribution substations, power distribution, power regulation, renewable energy, as well as protection and control systems in a wide variety of contexts (utilities, transportation, building, and Federal, State, and local government projects). Generates accurate and concise documentation regarding assigned aspects of the project. Ensures that responsibilities are delivered and adhered to with a level of quality that meets or exceeds acceptable industry standards for design, safety, and functionality.
Your Impact
- Under general supervision, assist with collecting, compiling, and analyzing data relating to substation components, equipment specifications for procurement package development and pricing, IFR/IRC design and review processes, and IEEE/NESC Standards/NERC regulations for design work.
- Assist with performing basic professional electrical engineering work relating to the design of single line, three line, wiring diagrams, general arrangement, substation layout and bus arrangement, grounding grid design and lightning protection in conformance with applicable rules, standards, and construction or operating permits.
- Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various design requirements, equipment sizing and cabling, AC/DC panel design, and conduit and trenching design strategies to account for the safety and functionality of end-users, systems, and infrastructure.
- Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site and providing basic technical assistance on engineering, design, testing, maintenance, and construction procedures and issues.
- Under close supervision, develop electrical calculations for loads, equipment sizing, feeder sizing, voltage drop, grounding, lighting circuits and controls, facility and electrical service, and power distribution.
- Generate complete, accurate, and concise documentation using electronic systems, drawings, and field/work site notebook/logs.
- Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
- Complete training on assigned tasks.
- Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
- Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering.
- 1 - 3 years of relevant post education experience.
- Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
- General understanding of electrical engineering as applied in design engineering of large capital projects.
- Familiarity with relevant engineering and electrical construction laws, codes, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
- Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
- Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
- Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
- Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, spreadsheets, technology, and tools.
- Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., CADD, Aspen, and CAPE), AutoCADD electrical.
- Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
- Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
- Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
- Engineer in Training Certification.
- Prior internship related to the degree of study and the specific engineering discipline.
- A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee’s career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation – no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in Texas
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Texas
Verify your role qualifies before applying
Cross-reference your target job title against O*NET to confirm it falls under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code. Texas employers in energy and semiconductor manufacturing sometimes post hybrid roles that only partially qualify, so check the STEM degree classification in the job description first.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers specifically
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. In Texas, most Fortune 500 contractors and federal defense suppliers in the Dallas-Fort Worth aerospace corridor already participate, making them faster to onboard than smaller regional firms.
Search verified STEM OPT employers on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to filter Texas employers by their DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you're only applying to companies that have actively sponsored STEM OPT workers rather than guessing from job board listings that don't disclose sponsorship status.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early
USCIS requires your STEM OPT I-765 application to be filed at least 90 days before your post-completion OPT expires. With USCIS processing times running several months, starting the paperwork the day your employer signs the training plan Form I-983 protects your authorization continuity.
Negotiate your job offer around the I-983 requirements
Before signing an offer from a Houston or Austin tech employer, confirm they'll commit to the formal training plan, salary parity with similarly situated U.S. workers, and the mentorship structure USCIS expects. Employers unfamiliar with STEM OPT sometimes balk at these obligations after extending an offer.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark your Texas offer
STEM OPT employers must pay you wages comparable to similarly employed U.S. workers. Run your job title and the employer's Texas county through the OFLC Wage Search to verify the offered salary meets DOL prevailing-wage levels before you accept.
See all 2,282+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Texas
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Texas.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Texas: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Texas sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Technology, energy, aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, and financial services are the densest F-1 STEM OPT sponsoring sectors in Texas. The Houston energy corridor and Dallas-Fort Worth aerospace hubs generate consistent demand for software engineers, data scientists, petroleum engineers, and systems analysts. Austin's semiconductor and fabless chip design cluster has expanded significantly, adding roles in electrical engineering and hardware verification.
Which cities in Texas have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Dallas-Fort Worth leads on raw volume, driven by its concentration of technology firms, defense contractors, and financial services employers. Austin ranks second, anchored by semiconductor companies and software-focused employers. Houston follows with strong demand in energy, petrochemical engineering, and data analytics. San Antonio has a smaller but growing cybersecurity and information technology cluster tied to military and federal contractor presence.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Texas?
Roles qualify when they directly apply a STEM field of study and carry a STEM degree classification listed on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list. In Texas, qualifying positions commonly include software developer, data engineer, electrical engineer, petroleum engineer, cybersecurity analyst, mechanical engineer, and biomedical researcher. Confirm the STEM degree classification using O*NET before applying, as job titles alone don't determine eligibility.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Texas?
Use Migrate Mate to search Texas employers filtered by verified DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, which shows companies that have actively sponsored STEM OPT workers. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to employers who list sponsorship as optional. Prioritize companies already enrolled in E-Verify, since STEM OPT extensions require E-Verify participation and enrolled employers can begin the I-983 process immediately after extending an offer.
Are there any Texas-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Texas has no state income tax, which affects how your STEM OPT salary compares to offers in states like California or New York, but it doesn't change federal STEM OPT rules. Texas employers in oil and gas sometimes classify roles under service contracts or joint ventures, which can complicate the employer-employee relationship USCIS requires for a valid STEM OPT placement. Confirm your direct employment relationship with the E-Verify enrolled entity before signing.