STEM OPT Jobs in Washington
Washington ranks among the top states for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship, anchored by Seattle's dense tech corridor, Bellevue's growing software sector, and life sciences hubs in the Puget Sound region. Aerospace, cloud computing, biotech, and clean energy employers across the state file regularly for STEM OPT extensions.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Associate Integration & Automation Engineer contributes to the development, validation, and advancement of integration and automation solutions for electric power system applications. Working alongside experienced engineers, this role supports the design and testing of communication, protection, and automation technologies used in modern power systems. The position provides opportunities to develop technical expertise through hands-on engineering work, system analysis, and technology evaluation while supporting SEL's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer success.
Engineering & Product Development
- Design, develop, test, and validate integration and automation features for SEL products.
- Support the implementation and verification of communication protocols, automation functions, and system integrations used in electric power system applications.
- Develop and execute test plans, simulations, and laboratory evaluations to verify product functionality, performance, and reliability.
- Investigate customer reported issues related to communications, integration, and automation features and document findings for development teams.
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.
Technical Analysis & Innovation
- Apply engineering principles, modeling techniques, and analytical methods to evaluate and improve power system protection, communication, and automation solutions.
- Participate in feasibility studies and technical investigations to assess emerging technologies and their application to SEL products.
- Support real-time simulation, hardware in the loop testing, and system level validation activities.
- Contribute to the development of innovative solutions that improve product performance, reliability, and usability.
Communication & Professional Development
- Communicate technical information effectively through documentation, test reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
- Build technical expertise in electric power systems, communications, protection, and automation technologies through project participation and collaboration with experienced engineers.
- Continuously expand technical knowledge and assume increasing responsibility as experience grows.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to learn new technologies and assume new responsibilities.
- Ability to work professionally with internal and external customers.
Preferred Qualifications
- M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Academic or professional experience in electric power systems, communications, controls, automation, or related disciplines.
- Working knowledge of one or more of the following:
- SEL products and protocols
- SCADA Protocols: IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus
- Automation Protocols: IEC 6150 GOOSE, IEC 61850 Sampled Values, PRP and HSR
- Time Synchronization Protocols: IEEE 1588 PTP, IRIG-B, SNTP
- PLC Programming: IEC-61131-3
- Digital signal processing and digital control system principles to evaluate and improve power system protection solutions
- Power system protection principles and applications
- Real-time simulation and hardware in the loop (HIL) systems
- Operational technology (OT) communication systems and architectures
Location
Pullman, WA - This position is located in Pullman, WA. Nestled in Eastern Washington, offering an exceptional quality of life. Embrace the charm of small-town living with spacious surroundings, no traffic hassles, and easy access to outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Pay Range Data
We anticipate filling this position as an Associate Integration and Automation Engineer $85,000 - $124,461 per year. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
The Associate Integration & Automation Engineer contributes to the development, validation, and advancement of integration and automation solutions for electric power system applications. Working alongside experienced engineers, this role supports the design and testing of communication, protection, and automation technologies used in modern power systems. The position provides opportunities to develop technical expertise through hands-on engineering work, system analysis, and technology evaluation while supporting SEL's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer success.
Engineering & Product Development
- Design, develop, test, and validate integration and automation features for SEL products.
- Support the implementation and verification of communication protocols, automation functions, and system integrations used in electric power system applications.
- Develop and execute test plans, simulations, and laboratory evaluations to verify product functionality, performance, and reliability.
- Investigate customer reported issues related to communications, integration, and automation features and document findings for development teams.
- Collaborate with engineers, technicians, and cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality engineering solutions.
Technical Analysis & Innovation
- Apply engineering principles, modeling techniques, and analytical methods to evaluate and improve power system protection, communication, and automation solutions.
- Participate in feasibility studies and technical investigations to assess emerging technologies and their application to SEL products.
- Support real-time simulation, hardware in the loop testing, and system level validation activities.
- Contribute to the development of innovative solutions that improve product performance, reliability, and usability.
Communication & Professional Development
- Communicate technical information effectively through documentation, test reports, presentations, and technical discussions.
- Build technical expertise in electric power systems, communications, protection, and automation technologies through project participation and collaboration with experienced engineers.
- Continuously expand technical knowledge and assume increasing responsibility as experience grows.
Required Qualifications
- B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or equivalent.
- Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
- Ability to learn new technologies and assume new responsibilities.
- Ability to work professionally with internal and external customers.
Preferred Qualifications
- M.S. degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Academic or professional experience in electric power systems, communications, controls, automation, or related disciplines.
- Working knowledge of one or more of the following:
- SEL products and protocols
- SCADA Protocols: IEC 61850, DNP3, Modbus
- Automation Protocols: IEC 6150 GOOSE, IEC 61850 Sampled Values, PRP and HSR
- Time Synchronization Protocols: IEEE 1588 PTP, IRIG-B, SNTP
- PLC Programming: IEC-61131-3
- Digital signal processing and digital control system principles to evaluate and improve power system protection solutions
- Power system protection principles and applications
- Real-time simulation and hardware in the loop (HIL) systems
- Operational technology (OT) communication systems and architectures
Location
Pullman, WA - This position is located in Pullman, WA. Nestled in Eastern Washington, offering an exceptional quality of life. Embrace the charm of small-town living with spacious surroundings, no traffic hassles, and easy access to outdoor adventures in nearby mountains, rivers, and forests. Plus, benefit from excellent schools and universities in the area.
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Pay Range Data
We anticipate filling this position as an Associate Integration and Automation Engineer $85,000 - $124,461 per year. We are open to reviewing additional candidates with more or less experience and the pay range may differ if filled at a different level. Our pay ranges are determined by job and responsibility. We base our starting pay offer and title on job-related factors such as candidate experience, training, knowledge, and skills.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in Washington
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Washington
Verify your role qualifies under STEM OPT
Cross-check your job title against the official STEM Designated Degree Program List and confirm the role's STEM degree classification meets STEM OPT eligibility before accepting an offer. Use O*NET to confirm the occupation's classification aligns with your degree field.
Target Washington employers enrolled in E-Verify
STEM OPT extension approval requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. In Washington, most large tech and aerospace employers already are, but startups in Bellevue and Redmond sometimes aren't. Confirm enrollment before your offer stage, not after.
File your I-983 training plan before the OPT end date
USCIS requires a completed I-983 training plan, signed by both you and your employer, before your DSO can request the STEM OPT extension from SEVIS. Build at least three weeks of buffer before your current OPT expires to account for employer review cycles.
Search Washington STEM OPT jobs on Migrate Mate
Filter by Washington state and STEM OPT visa type on Migrate Mate to surface employers with verified F-1 sponsorship history in industries like cloud infrastructure, biotech, and aerospace that are concentrated in the Seattle metro corridor.
Engage Washington's university career networks early
UW, WSU, and Seattle University maintain employer pipelines with companies that have sponsored STEM OPT students before. Reaching out through alumni networks in Seattle and Redmond often surfaces roles before they're posted publicly, particularly in tech and data science.
See all 1,178+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Washington
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Washington.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Washington sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Technology dominates F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Washington, driven by the concentration of cloud computing, software development, and cybersecurity employers in the Seattle-Bellevue-Redmond corridor. Aerospace and defense employers in the Puget Sound region, life sciences companies in the greater Seattle area, and clean energy firms round out the industries that file most frequently for STEM OPT extensions.
Which cities in Washington have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Seattle and Bellevue account for the largest share of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship activity in Washington, with Redmond close behind due to its dense concentration of enterprise software employers. Kirkland and Bothell have growing biotech and healthcare IT clusters. Outside the Puget Sound metro, Spokane has emerging tech and healthcare employers that sponsor STEM OPT roles at a smaller scale.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Washington?
Roles that qualify must carry a STEM degree classification on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and require your specific STEM degree field. In Washington, commonly approved roles include software engineer, data scientist, cloud architect, biomedical engineer, electrical engineer, and systems analyst. The job must also constitute a genuine training opportunity, which your employer documents through the I-983 training plan filed with USCIS.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Washington?
Migrate Mate lets you filter job listings by Washington state and F-1 STEM OPT visa type, surfacing employers with verified sponsorship history rather than relying on job descriptions that may be outdated or inaccurate. Supplement your search by attending tech hiring events in Seattle and engaging UW's or WSU's employer networks, which include companies with established STEM OPT onboarding processes.
Are there any Washington-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Washington has no state income tax, which affects how employers structure compensation but does not change federal STEM OPT eligibility rules set by USCIS. Washington's strong union presence in aerospace means some roles may fall under collective bargaining agreements that affect training plan terms. Employers in Washington are also required to comply with the state's robust worker protection laws, which apply equally to STEM OPT employees.