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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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
Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.
What You'll Do:
You’ll apply your knowledge in engineering design, project management and maintenance of utility systems.
You’ll contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives such as training programs and documentation development to enhance team capabilities.
You’ll apply your proven ability to access and analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
You’ll work independently with minimal guidance and collaboratively in an inclusive team environment.
You’ll follow policies, practices, standards, and rules of AEP as well as those regulations and procedures required.
You’ll provide training and guidance to co-workers in need.
You’ll plan and oversee engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.
You’ll coordinate effectively with peers, external contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project success.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
P&C Engineering Accountabilities:
- Perform and Review relay protection and control activities for 4kV thru 765KV electrical substation projects.
- Prepare and Review P&C scopes for electric substation projects.
- Prepare and/or review P&C engineering settings and designs for electrical substation projects.
- Prepare and Review Relay Setting Calculation Sheets, Setting Files and other relay setting deliverables for substation projects.
- Perform area protection studies and recommend settings for existing and new transmission line and station protection schemes.
- Model transmission system impedances and perform short circuit fault studies.
- Perform activities related to NERC P&C standards. Prepare and review PRC-023, FAC-008 etc. NERC required documents.
- Review, evaluate and provide P&C comments and recommendations on transmission system planning proposals.
- Coordinate with transmission customers and interconnected companies on associated protection issues.
- Provide engineering support for project installation, commissioning, checkout and troubleshooting.
- Provide general P&C technical support, as needed, including the technical interfaces with Telecomm, Operations, Transmission Region Operations, Station Engineering, Transmission Planning and Project Management.
- Peer Review and approve P&C related work of other team members. Manage, Oversee and peer review P&C related work of outsource companies.
- Identify, clarify, resolve, and initiate solutions to protection and control problems through analysis of interruption reports and fault recorder records.
- Contribute to development of system-wide protection standards for transmission and distribution station protection, metering and control applications.
- Participate in project scheduling, resource planning, and cost control for assigned projects.
What We're Looking For:
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.
Engineer Assc (Grade 6)
Salary Range - $84,000
This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.
Engineer (Grade 7)
Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience.
Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Engineer Sr (Grade 8)
Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET; or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET; Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.
- ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in our Roanoke VA Location.
What You'll Get:
Engineer Assc: $84,000
Engineer: $86,000 - $105,000
Engineer Sr: $98,993 - $124,940
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!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)
LI-Onsite
AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: SP20-006
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.
Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.
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
Responsible to the assigned supervisor for performing entry level engineering work activities and projects requiring the application of engineering knowledge in a safe, effective, efficient and economic accomplishment of assigned objectives.
What You'll Do:
You’ll apply your knowledge in engineering design, project management and maintenance of utility systems.
You’ll contribute to knowledge sharing initiatives such as training programs and documentation development to enhance team capabilities.
You’ll apply your proven ability to access and analyze and recommend enhancements to business processes.
You’ll work independently with minimal guidance and collaboratively in an inclusive team environment.
You’ll follow policies, practices, standards, and rules of AEP as well as those regulations and procedures required.
You’ll provide training and guidance to co-workers in need.
You’ll plan and oversee engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and regulatory requirements.
You’ll coordinate effectively with peers, external contractors, and regulatory authorities to ensure project success.
Job Description
What You'll Do:
P&C Engineering Accountabilities:
- Perform and Review relay protection and control activities for 4kV thru 765KV electrical substation projects.
- Prepare and Review P&C scopes for electric substation projects.
- Prepare and/or review P&C engineering settings and designs for electrical substation projects.
- Prepare and Review Relay Setting Calculation Sheets, Setting Files and other relay setting deliverables for substation projects.
- Perform area protection studies and recommend settings for existing and new transmission line and station protection schemes.
- Model transmission system impedances and perform short circuit fault studies.
- Perform activities related to NERC P&C standards. Prepare and review PRC-023, FAC-008 etc. NERC required documents.
- Review, evaluate and provide P&C comments and recommendations on transmission system planning proposals.
- Coordinate with transmission customers and interconnected companies on associated protection issues.
- Provide engineering support for project installation, commissioning, checkout and troubleshooting.
- Provide general P&C technical support, as needed, including the technical interfaces with Telecomm, Operations, Transmission Region Operations, Station Engineering, Transmission Planning and Project Management.
- Peer Review and approve P&C related work of other team members. Manage, Oversee and peer review P&C related work of outsource companies.
- Identify, clarify, resolve, and initiate solutions to protection and control problems through analysis of interruption reports and fault recorder records.
- Contribute to development of system-wide protection standards for transmission and distribution station protection, metering and control applications.
- Participate in project scheduling, resource planning, and cost control for assigned projects.
What We're Looking For:
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.
Engineer Assc (Grade 6)
Salary Range - $84,000
This is an entry level position for new graduates with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET*; Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering examination in preparation for future licensing as a Professional Engineer (PE) is encouraged and preferred.
Engineer (Grade 7)
Has typically acquired a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET* along with two or more years of related engineering experience.
Individuals with a Master's degree in engineering from an engineering program accredited by ABET* may be considered for entry into the organization at this level.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
- ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Engineer Sr (Grade 8)
Has typically acquired 4 or more years of related engineering experience along with a Bachelor's degree in engineering in a program accredited by ABET; or 2 years of related engineering experience along with a Master's degree or PhD in engineering from a program accredited by ABET; Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in any U.S. state or Puerto Rico** is encouraged and preferred.
- ABET - Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
Individuals with a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology can satisfy this degree requirement, if they obtain a certified Professional Engineering (PE) license.
Where You'll Work:
On-Site in our Roanoke VA Location.
What You'll Get:
Engineer Assc: $84,000
Engineer: $86,000 - $105,000
Engineer Sr: $98,993 - $124,940
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!
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER (On-Site)
LI-Onsite
AEPCareers
Compensation Data
Compensation Grade: SP20-006
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.
Hear about it first! Get job alerts by email. Log in to your Candidate Home Account today! If you don't have an account, you can create one.
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
See all Energy STEM OPT Jobs 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.