OPT Control Electrician Jobs
Control Electrician jobs on OPT typically require hands-on experience with PLCs, control panels, and industrial wiring systems. Most roles fall under electrical or systems engineering disciplines, which align well with OPT STEM extensions. Employers in manufacturing, utilities, and automation often need licensed journeymen, so confirm your state licensure status before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsBuild What Moves the World
At Challenge Manufacturing, we manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a Tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies to the global automotive market, we pursue innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe unique perspectives fuel great ideas, and teamwork turns those ideas into results. Our values—safety, ownership, and teamwork—show up in everything we do. We’re proud to be one of North America’s largest employee-owned automotive companies, where our ESOP awards shares to employee-owners each year, creating a retirement benefit that grows over time and lets everyone share in Challenge’s success. We’re #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered.
A Day on Z Shift (5 PM–5 AM, Fri–Sun) in Pontiac, MI
You step onto the press floor at 5 PM, scan the production board, and start triaging alarms. A stamping press stops—your cue. You dive into PLC logic, reading functions and tracing I/O to isolate a faulty electronic component. You collaborate with a Maintenance Mechanic to safely restore operation, then coordinate with Facilities on a scheduled electrical project before the next run. Every decision you make keeps downtime low and production on track.
What You’ll Tackle
- Maintain and repair stamping press and related equipment; troubleshoot industrial systems quickly and accurately.
- Diagnose, repair, or replace faulty electronic components.
- Read and use PLC logic for troubleshooting and verification.
- Understand the operation of press and auxiliary equipment.
- Assist Facilities with electrical projects.
- Partner with a Maintenance Mechanic when needed.
- Develop repair plans, communicate solutions to your supervisor, and implement effectively.
- Minimize equipment downtime to support production goals.
- Collaborate across teams, ask for help when needed, and share information freely.
- Champion change as a positive opportunity for improvement.
- Demonstrate reliability: be present as scheduled, manage breaks appropriately, and use time wisely.
What You Bring
- Proficiency in English—reading, writing, speaking, and understanding—to safely follow instructions, procedures, and company communications.
- High performance standards, personal accountability, and integrity.
- Thorough, accurate, and dependable work habits.
- Constructive conflict resolution: listen objectively, stay focused on the issue, and track progress to resolution.
- Positive working relationships and collaboration.
- Openness to feedback and a drive for continuous improvement.
- Flexibility to move across work areas to maintain plant flow.
- Customer urgency and a focus on results.
- Experience and knowledge to perform all aspects of the job, including rotating through responsibilities and keeping skills current.
Schedule & Flexibility
This role is scheduled for Z Shift / 5 PM–5 AM, Friday through Sunday, at our Pontiac, MI plant. At times, you may arrive early, stay late, or work weekends outside regular hours to meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.
Benefits & Ownership
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (with annual employer contributions)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
- Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability
- Employer 401(k) match
- ESOP shares awarded annually
- Tuition reimbursement
- Referral Bonus Program
- Challenge Incentive Program
- Paid time off
Benefits and programs listed reflect our overall offerings and may vary by role. Responsibilities can evolve as business needs change, with or without prior notice.
Accessibility
And of course, we’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their role.
Build What Moves the World
At Challenge Manufacturing, we manufacture with operational excellence by empowering our employee-owners. As a Tier 1 supplier of complex metal assemblies to the global automotive market, we pursue innovative solutions for future mobility. We believe unique perspectives fuel great ideas, and teamwork turns those ideas into results. Our values—safety, ownership, and teamwork—show up in everything we do. We’re proud to be one of North America’s largest employee-owned automotive companies, where our ESOP awards shares to employee-owners each year, creating a retirement benefit that grows over time and lets everyone share in Challenge’s success. We’re #QualityDriven and #PeoplePowered.
A Day on Z Shift (5 PM–5 AM, Fri–Sun) in Pontiac, MI
You step onto the press floor at 5 PM, scan the production board, and start triaging alarms. A stamping press stops—your cue. You dive into PLC logic, reading functions and tracing I/O to isolate a faulty electronic component. You collaborate with a Maintenance Mechanic to safely restore operation, then coordinate with Facilities on a scheduled electrical project before the next run. Every decision you make keeps downtime low and production on track.
What You’ll Tackle
- Maintain and repair stamping press and related equipment; troubleshoot industrial systems quickly and accurately.
- Diagnose, repair, or replace faulty electronic components.
- Read and use PLC logic for troubleshooting and verification.
- Understand the operation of press and auxiliary equipment.
- Assist Facilities with electrical projects.
- Partner with a Maintenance Mechanic when needed.
- Develop repair plans, communicate solutions to your supervisor, and implement effectively.
- Minimize equipment downtime to support production goals.
- Collaborate across teams, ask for help when needed, and share information freely.
- Champion change as a positive opportunity for improvement.
- Demonstrate reliability: be present as scheduled, manage breaks appropriately, and use time wisely.
What You Bring
- Proficiency in English—reading, writing, speaking, and understanding—to safely follow instructions, procedures, and company communications.
- High performance standards, personal accountability, and integrity.
- Thorough, accurate, and dependable work habits.
- Constructive conflict resolution: listen objectively, stay focused on the issue, and track progress to resolution.
- Positive working relationships and collaboration.
- Openness to feedback and a drive for continuous improvement.
- Flexibility to move across work areas to maintain plant flow.
- Customer urgency and a focus on results.
- Experience and knowledge to perform all aspects of the job, including rotating through responsibilities and keeping skills current.
Schedule & Flexibility
This role is scheduled for Z Shift / 5 PM–5 AM, Friday through Sunday, at our Pontiac, MI plant. At times, you may arrive early, stay late, or work weekends outside regular hours to meet customer needs, deadlines, or urgent requests.
Benefits & Ownership
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Health Savings Account (with annual employer contributions)
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Company-paid Short-Term Disability and Basic Life Insurance
- Voluntary Life and Long-Term Disability
- Employer 401(k) match
- ESOP shares awarded annually
- Tuition reimbursement
- Referral Bonus Program
- Challenge Incentive Program
- Paid time off
Benefits and programs listed reflect our overall offerings and may vary by role. Responsibilities can evolve as business needs change, with or without prior notice.
Accessibility
And of course, we’re happy to provide reasonable accommodations to help individuals with disabilities succeed in their role.
See all OPT Control Electrician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Control Electrician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Control Electrician
Verify your degree aligns with the role
Control Electrician positions often require a degree in electrical engineering, electrical technology, or a related field. Confirm your program qualifies before applying, since your OPT authorization is tied directly to your field of study.
Check state licensure requirements early
Many Control Electrician roles require a journeyman or master electrician license. Licensing requirements vary by state, so research what your target state requires and whether your OPT timeline gives you enough runway to pursue certification.
Target STEM OPT-eligible employers
Control Electrician roles at manufacturers, utilities, and automation firms often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Prioritize employers enrolled in E-Verify, since that enrollment is required to support your STEM extension request.
Highlight PLC and control systems experience
Employers in industrial automation move quickly on candidates with demonstrated PLC programming and panel-building experience. Document specific platforms you have worked with, such as Allen-Bradley or Siemens, in your resume and cover letter.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations
You must report any new employer to your DSO within 10 days of starting work. Keep your DSO updated throughout your OPT period, particularly if you change job sites or take on contract assignments at different facilities.
Ask about future H-1B sponsorship during interviews
Control Electrician roles in large manufacturing or energy companies sometimes lead to H-1B visa sponsorship. Raise the question tactfully after receiving an offer, and research whether the employer has a history of sponsoring skilled trades or engineering roles.
Control Electrician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Control Electrician on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in electrical engineering, electrical technology, or a closely related field. Your OPT work must be directly related to your major area of study. A general studies degree is unlikely to support authorization for a Control Electrician role, so confirm the connection with your DSO before applying.
Do Control Electrician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do. Control Electrician roles that involve electrical systems design, automation, or industrial controls often fall under STEM-designated CIP codes, particularly within electrical engineering or electrical engineering technology programs. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO to determine eligibility for the 24-month extension.
Where can I find Control Electrician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Control Electrician jobs with sponsorship and OPT-friendly employers, so it is a practical starting point. Most OPT-friendly roles in this field are found at mid-size and large manufacturers, utility companies, and industrial automation firms rather than small electrical contractors who may not have experience with OPT work authorization.
Does working as a contract or temporary Control Electrician count toward my OPT?
Yes, contract and temporary positions are permitted on OPT as long as the work is directly related to your field of study and you work at least 20 hours per week. You must report each new employer or work site to your DSO within 10 days. Keep detailed records of your assignments in case USCIS requests documentation later.
Will I need a state electrician license to work on OPT as a Control Electrician?
It depends on the state and the specific role. Some Control Electrician positions in industrial or manufacturing settings do not require a personal license if you work under a licensed master electrician. Others do require journeyman licensure. Research the requirements in your target state early, since some licenses require exams or documented work hours that take time to complete.