STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in West Virginia are concentrated in energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, with the strongest employer density in Charleston, Morgantown, and Huntington. Federal research presence at WVU and the National Energy Technology Laboratory adds graduate-level hiring pathways across engineering and data science disciplines.
Find F-1 STEM OPT Jobs in West VirginiaOverview
Showing 5 of 79+ STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
See all 79+ STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia.
Get Access To All JobsJob Posting End Date
11-10-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
Perform technical and specialized work of a skilled nature in connection with electrical and control systems; analysis, detection and repair of single loop control systems, electronic devices, communication systems, and instruments such as meters, gauges and regulators; assist others in making tests, surveys and layout work and the development of reports documenting results.
Job Description
Note: This job is with a Reginal Service Organization (RSO). Travel may be required up to 30%.
What You'll Do:
- Assist in locating and repairing defects in control systems involving electrical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic components, using elementary, wiring, schematic, logic or control diagrams.
- Assist in low and medium voltage circuit breaker electrical/mechanical interlock checks, repairs and adjustments that are associated with breakers and plant electrical control and distribution systems.
- Assist in or perform preventive maintenance and repair activities on equipment such as batteries, motors, compressed air systems, forklifts, electric heaters, etc.
- Make required equipment checks and inspections. Record data, assist in performing tests and prepare reports, graphs, sketches and curves. Compile and record data relating to projects, tests, investigations. Ensure all work is performed in accordance with all standards and specifications.
- Assist others in engineering layouts and preparing data for engineering procedures, specifications, contracts, bills of materials and requisitions for the installation, maintenance and operation of equipment if applicable.
- Use the work management system to locate or request parts, create work requests/work orders, search and record work histories if applicable.
- As directed, request and accept permits to ensure that equipment to be worked on has been properly cleared and tagged.
- Assist in installing and removing grounds as directed.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For:
Education requirements are listed below:
- Two-year Associates degree in electronics or a qualifying Engineering or Science, or high school diploma with two or more years of related military experience, or a high school diploma 5 or more years of related industrial technical electrical or controls experience.
Work Experience requirement listed below:
- Must have the knowledge and skill necessary to perform work in the installation, inspection, repair, adjustment, calibration and servicing of instruments and controls. Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints, sketches and specifications. Must be able to work effectively with other employees and learn to instruct and direct other employees. Must have demonstrated the ability to physically and mentally perform work in all areas and heights required.
Other Must Haves:
- Physical demand level is Medium and requirements details are listed below:
- Must possess the appropriate State driver's license.
- As part of the selection process, candidates are required to complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a "recommended" result. Additional information and preparation resources can be found in the Employment Test Prep section of our website: Employment Test Preparation Resources.
- A physical abilities assessment is also required for this position.
- Perform duties in accordance with all federal, state, local and company environmental, safety and health regulations, policies, procedures, rules and practices.
- Report unsafe conditions, practices, irregularities and abnormal conditions to appropriate supervision. Stop all unsafe work.
- Will need to become knowledgeable of OSHA, Regulatory, and Environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Lifting up to 50 pounds; carry 35 pounds, push pull up to 65 pounds.
- Frequent walking and standing.
- Climb ladders and stairs, squat, kneel.
- Ability to use hand tools and motorized equipment.
- Environmental conditions of cold, heat, dust, fumes.
Where You'll Work:
Homebase at Mitchell Plant but will require travel to other facilities as schedule dictates.
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:
U054-520
Compensation Range:
$32.49 - $45.31
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M – Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
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
11-10-2026
Please note the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.
Job Summary
Perform technical and specialized work of a skilled nature in connection with electrical and control systems; analysis, detection and repair of single loop control systems, electronic devices, communication systems, and instruments such as meters, gauges and regulators; assist others in making tests, surveys and layout work and the development of reports documenting results.
Job Description
Note: This job is with a Reginal Service Organization (RSO). Travel may be required up to 30%.
What You'll Do:
- Assist in locating and repairing defects in control systems involving electrical, electronic, mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic components, using elementary, wiring, schematic, logic or control diagrams.
- Assist in low and medium voltage circuit breaker electrical/mechanical interlock checks, repairs and adjustments that are associated with breakers and plant electrical control and distribution systems.
- Assist in or perform preventive maintenance and repair activities on equipment such as batteries, motors, compressed air systems, forklifts, electric heaters, etc.
- Make required equipment checks and inspections. Record data, assist in performing tests and prepare reports, graphs, sketches and curves. Compile and record data relating to projects, tests, investigations. Ensure all work is performed in accordance with all standards and specifications.
- Assist others in engineering layouts and preparing data for engineering procedures, specifications, contracts, bills of materials and requisitions for the installation, maintenance and operation of equipment if applicable.
- Use the work management system to locate or request parts, create work requests/work orders, search and record work histories if applicable.
- As directed, request and accept permits to ensure that equipment to be worked on has been properly cleared and tagged.
- Assist in installing and removing grounds as directed.
- Perform all other duties as assigned.
What We're Looking For:
Education requirements are listed below:
- Two-year Associates degree in electronics or a qualifying Engineering or Science, or high school diploma with two or more years of related military experience, or a high school diploma 5 or more years of related industrial technical electrical or controls experience.
Work Experience requirement listed below:
- Must have the knowledge and skill necessary to perform work in the installation, inspection, repair, adjustment, calibration and servicing of instruments and controls. Must be able to read, interpret and work from simple prints, sketches and specifications. Must be able to work effectively with other employees and learn to instruct and direct other employees. Must have demonstrated the ability to physically and mentally perform work in all areas and heights required.
Other Must Haves:
- Physical demand level is Medium and requirements details are listed below:
- Must possess the appropriate State driver's license.
- As part of the selection process, candidates are required to complete an online pre-employment assessment and achieve a "recommended" result. Additional information and preparation resources can be found in the Employment Test Prep section of our website: Employment Test Preparation Resources.
- A physical abilities assessment is also required for this position.
- Perform duties in accordance with all federal, state, local and company environmental, safety and health regulations, policies, procedures, rules and practices.
- Report unsafe conditions, practices, irregularities and abnormal conditions to appropriate supervision. Stop all unsafe work.
- Will need to become knowledgeable of OSHA, Regulatory, and Environmental guidelines, policies, and procedures.
- Lifting up to 50 pounds; carry 35 pounds, push pull up to 65 pounds.
- Frequent walking and standing.
- Climb ladders and stairs, squat, kneel.
- Ability to use hand tools and motorized equipment.
- Environmental conditions of cold, heat, dust, fumes.
Where You'll Work:
Homebase at Mitchell Plant but will require travel to other facilities as schedule dictates.
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:
U054-520
Compensation Range:
$32.49 - $45.31
The Physical Demand Level for this job is: M – Medium Work: Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Light Work.
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.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in West Virginia
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia
Verify your role qualifies under STEM OPT
Cross-reference your job title against the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before accepting an offer. Use O*NET to confirm your occupation code aligns with your degree field, since a mismatch is the most common reason STEM OPT extensions get denied.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers first
Only employers enrolled in E-Verify can sponsor STEM OPT extensions. In West Virginia, filter your search to energy firms in Charleston, hospital systems like WVU Medicine in Morgantown, and federal contractors supporting the National Energy Technology Laboratory, since these sectors maintain consistent E-Verify enrollment.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early
USCIS requires your STEM OPT extension application to be filed before your current OPT EAD expires. Submit at least 90 days in advance so your 180-day cap-gap grace period covers any processing delays without interrupting your work authorization.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified STEM OPT sponsors
Search for West Virginia employers with active STEM OPT and H-1B filing histories using Migrate Mate, which surfaces DOL Labor Condition Application data by employer and occupation so you can identify proven sponsors in Morgantown and Charleston before applying.
See all 79+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in West Virginia
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in West Virginia.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in West Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in West Virginia sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Energy and natural resources employers, particularly those tied to coal technology, natural gas, and renewable energy research around Charleston and the National Energy Technology Laboratory near Morgantown, account for a significant share of STEM OPT sponsorship in West Virginia. Healthcare systems, advanced manufacturing firms, and civil and environmental engineering contractors across the state also show consistent F-1 STEM OPT hiring activity.
Which cities in West Virginia have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Morgantown has the densest concentration of STEM OPT-eligible roles, driven by West Virginia University, WVU Medicine, and federal research facilities. Charleston, as the state capital and largest metro, hosts energy sector employers and state government contractors. Huntington supports STEM OPT hiring through Marshall University affiliates and regional healthcare and engineering employers.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in West Virginia?
Roles in petroleum and chemical engineering, environmental science, software development, data analysis, biomedical research, and civil infrastructure engineering routinely qualify, provided the position requires and directly relates to a STEM-designated degree. Confirm your specific occupation code through O*NET and verify it appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before treating any offer as STEM OPT eligible.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in West Virginia?
Migrate Mate lets you filter job listings by employers with verified STEM OPT and H-1B visa filing histories, so you can focus your search on West Virginia companies that have sponsored international students before. Separately, check E-Verify enrollment status with prospective employers early in your conversations, since STEM OPT extensions are only available at enrolled workplaces and many smaller West Virginia firms are not yet enrolled.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in West Virginia?
West Virginia's employer base skews toward smaller and mid-size firms, meaning E-Verify enrollment gaps are more common than in larger metro states. Confirm enrollment before investing time in an application process. Additionally, some roles tied to federal energy research facilities require security clearance eligibility, which can affect F-1 holders differently than U.S. citizens, so clarify clearance requirements with hiring managers before progressing.