Energy STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
F-1 STEM OPT energy jobs in Virginia put you close to federal agencies, national labs, and major utilities hiring engineering and data talent. Dominion Energy, Amazon Web Services, and defense-sector contractors in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor regularly file STEM OPT-eligible LCAs for roles in power systems, renewable energy, and energy analytics.
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Job Posting End Date
07-09-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
This role is responsible to the assigned manager for performing beginning to intermediate level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
Technical Expertise: Possesses intermediate level knowledge and performs varied assignments with proficiency in the application of theory and analytical techniques to solve diverse problems and complete extensive analysis. Demonstrates competency in analytical techniques necessary to handle assignments of moderate complexity (e.g., by dividing the problem into component steps, and performing the analysis necessary to complete each step). Exhibits ability to understand interrelationship between systems and component equipment. Demonstrate ability to analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
Leadership & Guidance: Coordinates work activities of others within the work group, department, or other corporate entity as necessary to complete routine activities. Performs routine engineering activity with minimum direction from higher-level employees. Follows policies, practices, standards and rules of the company and those regulations and procedures required by external agencies. Provides training and guidance to lower-level employees.
Planning & Organization Ability: Coordinates the development of input necessary to forecast costs for the routine projects, improvements requisitions, etc. Uses scheduling techniques (CPM, PERT, flow charts, etc.) for budget and planning activities. Initiates corrective action when project objectives are not being met.
Problem Solving & Initiative: Resolves and initiates solutions to routine problems which usually require additional definition/clarification before analysis can begin. Demonstrates ability to identify problems that are beyond the normal routine. Demonstrates ability and desire to seek out opportunities and embrace new ideas and approaches.
Communication: Develops, reviews, or presents technical reports such as improvement requisitions, studies, and analyses in as clear, concise and effective fashion.
Interpersonal Skills: Is an active team member. Networks with peers inside and outside the AEP system. Identifies key stakeholders. Uses informal network to get things done. Resolves conflict, builds consensus.
Decision Making: Makes decisions subject to review within established policies and procedures. Makes decisions that affect the work of the team. Aware of risks. Demonstrates the ability to extrapolate beyond known facts to reach logical conclusions.
Business Awareness & Characteristics: Understands AEP's organizational structure and the specific role and responsibility of their individual organizational unit. Demonstrates an understanding of the budgeting and approval process. Is proficient in the application and use of economic analysis techniques in problem solving. Develops an understanding of utility regulation and financing.
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 Engineer Assc level, with increased educational, skill, experience and certification requirements for higher level Engineers.
What We're Looking For:
This is an entry level position. Engineer associate's have acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*.
Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at the engineer level.
- ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
VP or above may waive the requirement for a degree from a university with a Non ABET accredited program.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in our New Albany, OH or Roanoke, VA location
What You’ll Get:
Entry Level: $84,000
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: SP20-007
Compensation Range: $74,551.00 - $128,688.00
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.
STEM OPT Energy Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Energy Jobs in VirginiaEnergy STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in Virginia sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Dominion Energy is one of Virginia's largest energy employers and has a documented history of STEM OPT-eligible LCA filings for engineering roles. AES Corporation, headquartered in Arlington, also files LCAs for technical positions. Federal contractors in Northern Virginia that work on energy infrastructure and grid modernization projects, such as Leidos and SAIC, regularly hire STEM OPT candidates in energy-adjacent roles.
Which cities in Virginia have the most energy F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly Arlington, McLean, and Reston, concentrates the highest volume of STEM OPT-eligible energy roles due to federal agency proximity and defense contractor density. Richmond is the operational hub for Dominion Energy and related utilities. The Hampton Roads region, including Norfolk and Virginia Beach, supports offshore wind development and naval energy projects that draw engineering talent on STEM OPT authorization.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia?
Roles that qualify must carry a STEM-designated STEM degree classification and require a directly related degree. In Virginia's energy sector, qualifying positions commonly include electrical engineer, power systems engineer, energy data analyst, environmental engineer, and software developer focused on grid or energy management systems. Positions in renewable energy project development, battery storage research, and energy policy analysis at think tanks or federal contractors can also qualify if the employer files the required paperwork with USCIS.
How do I find energy F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically by visa type and industry, so you can search energy roles in Virginia that are open to F-1 STEM OPT candidates without sorting through positions that don't support work authorization. Migrate Mate also surfaces employer LCA filing history, which shows which Virginia energy companies have sponsored STEM OPT workers in the past, giving you a more accurate picture of which employers are genuine sponsors before you apply.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia's energy sector?
Virginia's energy sector intersects heavily with federal contracting, and some positions require security clearances that can complicate or preclude STEM OPT eligibility regardless of degree match. Employers working on federally funded energy infrastructure projects must also comply with E-Verify enrollment as a condition of STEM OPT authorization. Virginia's offshore wind buildout along its Atlantic coast is creating new LCA filings in engineering and environmental roles, but project timelines affect hiring cycles, so monitoring LCA activity through OFLC Wage Search is advisable.