Energy OPT Jobs in Virginia
Virginia is one of the stronger states for energy F-1 OPT sponsorship, with significant activity in Northern Virginia's grid modernization projects, Dominion Energy's Richmond-area operations, and the growing offshore wind sector along the Hampton Roads coast. Employers like Dominion Energy, AES Corporation, and federal energy contractors in the D.C. metro area regularly hire international students in engineering and technical roles.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Posting End Date
09-17-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
In this role, you'll perform daily work activities with general supervision. Work activities to be performed include: computer aided drafting to prepare maps, sketches, schematics and other engineering related drawings. The position includes associated clerical work to properly manage and document the work activities performed, as per AEP requirements for the position.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
- Create, revise and maintain engineering and record drawings, and sketches.
- Support the creation, revision, and maintenance of facilities and equipment documents; including but not limited to construction, equipment, property documents and records.
- Obtain information required to perform work from verbal communication, sketches, marked drawings, listings, field notes, vendors' catalogs and technical reference manuals and site visits.
- Perform mathematical calculations required to accomplish assigned work.
- Proficiency in the use of computer aided design software.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.
- Work with other organizations of the Company to coordinate the work and assure that it is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
- Read vendors' prints, shop and other drawings and equipment operating instructions, and incorporate that information into the work being performed.
- Assist in training AEP employees in basic skills of the position.
- Promote and support the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior as outlined in the AEP corporate policies.
- Support the AEP Corporate Compliance policies.
- Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Designer Assc level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Designers.
What We're Looking For:
Education requirements are listed below:
- Associate degree in applied science (AAS) drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology, or relevant equivalent experience and/or education.
Work Experience requirement listed below:
- Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and four (4) years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.
Other:
- Must be available to work overtime, call-out overtime and shift work, as required.
- Travel requirements are expected > 10 % of the time.
- Must be familiar with conventional drafting symbols and drafting methods and have the ability to distinguish colors.
- Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
- Occasional overnight travel to and work within a substation or power plant environment in obedience to all safety regulations and use of personal protection equipment.
- Physical demand level is Sedentary.
What You'll Get:
- $54,063 - $67,578 Designer
- $63,496 - $79,369 Designer Senior
- $74,551 - $93,189 Designer Specialist
- $87,633 - $109,544 Designer Principal
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-004
Compensation Range:
$25.99 - $52.67
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
Job Posting End Date
09-17-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
In this role, you'll perform daily work activities with general supervision. Work activities to be performed include: computer aided drafting to prepare maps, sketches, schematics and other engineering related drawings. The position includes associated clerical work to properly manage and document the work activities performed, as per AEP requirements for the position.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
- Create, revise and maintain engineering and record drawings, and sketches.
- Support the creation, revision, and maintenance of facilities and equipment documents; including but not limited to construction, equipment, property documents and records.
- Obtain information required to perform work from verbal communication, sketches, marked drawings, listings, field notes, vendors' catalogs and technical reference manuals and site visits.
- Perform mathematical calculations required to accomplish assigned work.
- Proficiency in the use of computer aided design software.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software.
- Work with other organizations of the Company to coordinate the work and assure that it is performed in a safe and efficient manner.
- Read vendors' prints, shop and other drawings and equipment operating instructions, and incorporate that information into the work being performed.
- Assist in training AEP employees in basic skills of the position.
- Promote and support the Company's Accident Prevention and Safety and Health programs.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior as outlined in the AEP corporate policies.
- Support the AEP Corporate Compliance policies.
- Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Note: This position is posted at multiple grade levels and offers a range of opportunities for advancement. The minimum qualifications outlined below apply to the Designer Assc level, with increased educational, skill or experience requirements for higher level Designers.
What We're Looking For:
Education requirements are listed below:
- Associate degree in applied science (AAS) drafting and computer aided design (CAD) or in civil, electrical or mechanical engineering technology, or relevant equivalent experience and/or education.
Work Experience requirement listed below:
- Equivalent experience without AAS degree - high school graduate and four (4) years of experience in electric utility and/or related industrial drafting and/or computer aided drafting work.
Other:
- Must be available to work overtime, call-out overtime and shift work, as required.
- Travel requirements are expected > 10 % of the time.
- Must be familiar with conventional drafting symbols and drafting methods and have the ability to distinguish colors.
- Must be able to operate a motor vehicle and possess and maintain a valid state driver's license.
- Must meet all vehicle operation requirements as designated by federal and/or state law.
- Occasional overnight travel to and work within a substation or power plant environment in obedience to all safety regulations and use of personal protection equipment.
- Physical demand level is Sedentary.
What You'll Get:
- $54,063 - $67,578 Designer
- $63,496 - $79,369 Designer Senior
- $74,551 - $93,189 Designer Specialist
- $87,633 - $109,544 Designer Principal
In addition to a competitive compensation, AEP offers a unique comprehensive benefits package that aims to support and enhance the overall well-being of our employees.
Where Putting the Customer First Powers Everything We Do
At AEP, we’re more than just an energy company — we’re a team of dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions. Guided by our mission to put the customer first, we strive to exceed expectations by listening, responding, and continuously improving the way we serve our communities. If you're passionate about making a meaningful impact and being part of a forward-thinking organization, this is the company for you!
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade:
SP20-004
Compensation Range:
$25.99 - $52.67
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: S – Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (Occasionally: activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. (Frequently: activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.
It is hereby reaffirmed that it is the policy of American Electric Power (AEP) to provide Equal Employment Opportunity in all respects of the employer-employee relationship including recruiting, hiring, upgrading and promotion, conditions and privileges of employment, company sponsored training programs, educational assistance, social and recreational programs, compensation, benefits, transfers, discipline, layoffs and termination of employment to all employees and applicants without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, veteran or military status, disability, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. When required by law, we might record certain information or applicants for employment may be invited to voluntarily disclose protected characteristics.
OPT Energy Job Roles in Virginia
See all 45+ Energy OPT Jobs in Virginia
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Search Energy Jobs in VirginiaEnergy OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Virginia?
Dominion Energy, headquartered in Richmond, is among the most active energy employers in Virginia and has a history of hiring international students in engineering and operations roles. AES Corporation, based in Arlington, and federal energy contractors operating in the Northern Virginia and D.C. metro corridor also appear in OPT sponsorship records. Utility companies involved in offshore wind development along the Hampton Roads coast have expanded hiring in recent years as well.
Which cities in Virginia have the most energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Richmond leads due to Dominion Energy's headquarters and surrounding utility infrastructure. Northern Virginia, particularly Arlington and the broader D.C. metro area, concentrates federal energy contractors and clean energy consultancies. Hampton Roads, including Virginia Beach and Norfolk, is an emerging hub tied to offshore wind development and naval energy projects. Charlottesville and Blacksburg also see activity through university-affiliated research and energy technology firms.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that align F-1 OPT authorization with a student's field of study are the most straightforward. In Virginia's energy sector, this commonly includes electrical engineering, power systems analysis, environmental engineering, data analytics for grid operations, renewable energy project development, and energy policy research. Roles requiring a degree in engineering, environmental science, or computer science typically satisfy the practical training requirements that make OPT authorization valid.
How do I find energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type and state, making it straightforward to search for energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia without sifting through listings from employers who don't sponsor. You can filter by the energy industry and Virginia location to see which companies are actively hiring OPT candidates, which is considerably more targeted than general job searches.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the energy sector?
Virginia's energy sector has a notable federal contracting component, particularly in Northern Virginia. Some federal contractor roles involve security clearance requirements that can complicate or preclude OPT employment, so it's worth confirming clearance eligibility before applying. Additionally, Virginia's offshore wind buildout is creating new positions, but many are tied to construction phases with project-based timelines, which matters for OPT students planning around their 12- or 24-month STEM OPT authorization window.