OPT Electrical Assembler Jobs
Electrical Assembler jobs on OPT are available across manufacturing, defense, and electronics sectors. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT extension eligibility if your degree is in electrical engineering or a related field, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization to build U.S. experience.
Find OPT Electrical Assembler JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 19+ Electrical Assembler jobs










See all Electrical Assembler Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Electrical Assembler roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Job Title: Assembler 2 (1961)
Location: Buffalo, NY
Pay Range: 20 – 25/hr. W2
JOB DESCRIPTION
Our Client Northrop Grumman (Aerospace / Defense) client is seeking an Electronics Assembler to join our team of qualified, diverse individuals. The qualified applicant will become part of Aerospace / Defense client in Buffalo, New York; an organization focused on development and production of state-of-the-art Simulation Systems.
Why You'll Love Working Here:
- Enjoy a 9/80 Schedule – Every other Friday off
- Work in a Clean, Modern Facility – Bright, tidy, and organized
- Company Culture – Participate in regular on-site and off-site employee events
- Defining Possible – Our products are on the cutting edge of electronic warfare technology and play an important role in protecting our brave service members.
What You Will Get to Do:
- Assemble electronic components using assembly drawings, diagrams, and job aids to meet customer requirements.
- The candidate may perform processes including but not limited to: fine-pitch soldering of circuit card assemblies, BGA rework and repair of circuit cards, manual and automated assembly of microelectronics, electromechanical assembly, semi-rigid wire and cable harness fabrication and installation, winding and encapsulation of transformers, depending on business need and workload capacity.
- Perform all assembly work in accordance with industry and company standards.
- Perform continuity checks on in process and completed work.
- Operate basic production equipment (e.g., soldering stations, crimp tools, microscopes, ovens) in a safe and controlled manner.
- Inspect work for workmanship and compliance to released build documentation; identify and help resolve nonconformances, including performing rework and repair.
- Record production data accurately in travellers, shop floor systems, and quality records.
- Collaborate with technicians, engineers, and supervisors to clarify build instructions and suggest improvements to processes and tooling.
- Follow all safety, ESD, FOD, and cleanliness guidelines to maintain a safe and compliant work area.
- Successfully complete in-house workmanship criteria training classes for continued employment.
Basic Qualifications:
- 2 years of assembly or electronic experience; or an associate degree in electronics or technical discipline.
- Soldering experience.
- Experience performing manufacturing / assembly tasks, in a metric-based work environment.
- Ability to move objects weighing up to 10 pounds from one location to another.
- Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- U.S. citizenship.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Previous or current certifications in IPC-610 and/or J-STD 001.
- Ability to solder at a Class 2 level.
- Ability to perform tasks under a microscope on very small assemblies with outstanding manual dexterity and precision.
- Ability to learn and perform tasks independent of continuous guidance, assistance, and supervision.
- Demonstrated success in working in a team environment and strong interpersonal skills.
- Ability to perform tasks from written directions and drawings.
- Ability to provide positive customer service interaction and perform assembly tasks.
- Ability to perform manufacturing/assembly tasks in a metric-based work environment.
- Basic computer skills including experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
Pay: $20.00 - $25.00 per hour
Experience:
- solder at a Class 2 level: 5 years (Required)
- very small assemblies with outstanding manual dexterity: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- IPC-610 and/or J-STD 001. (Required)
Work Location: In person
See all OPT Electrical Assembler Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Electrical Assembler Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Electrical Assembler
Confirm your degree supports STEM OPT
Electrical Assembler roles can qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in electrical engineering, electronics, or a closely related field. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Target manufacturers with existing OPT infrastructure
Large electronics manufacturers and defense contractors regularly hire on OPT. Companies with existing international workforces tend to have HR teams familiar with work authorization requirements, making the onboarding process smoother for OPT students.
Address your authorization status directly in applications
When listing work authorization, select OPT and note your end date. Mentioning STEM extension eligibility signals to employers you bring more than 12 months of available work authorization, which reduces their concern about short timelines.
Highlight hands-on coursework and lab experience
Employers hiring Electrical Assemblers want evidence of practical skills. Reference specific lab courses, capstone projects, or internships involving circuit assembly, soldering, or schematic reading to demonstrate you can contribute from day one.
Get familiar with IPC standards before interviewing
Many Electrical Assembler job postings list IPC-A-610 or J-STD-001 certifications as preferred qualifications. Knowing these standards, even without formal certification, signals technical readiness and can set your application apart from other candidates.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship early in the process
Raise the sponsorship question after receiving genuine employer interest, not in an initial application. Frame it around your long-term commitment to the role and ask whether the company has previously supported H-1B visa petitions for engineering or technical staff.
Electrical Assembler OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Electrical Assembler on OPT?
Yes, provided the role is directly related to your degree field. An Electrical Assembler position typically qualifies if your degree is in electrical engineering, electronics technology, or a closely related discipline. Your DSO must confirm the connection between the job duties and your field of study before you start, so get that confirmation in writing.
Does an Electrical Assembler role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, depending on your degree's CIP code. If your degree falls under an eligible STEM classification, such as electrical engineering or engineering technology, and the assembler role uses those skills directly, you may qualify for the 24-month extension. Your employer must also be E-Verify enrolled and submit a formal training plan. Work with your DSO to confirm eligibility before your initial OPT period expires.
How do I find Electrical Assembler jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job seekers, so you can browse Electrical Assembler openings filtered to employers who are open to work authorization. Generic job boards don't surface OPT-friendly employers reliably, which wastes time during a period when your authorization window is limited.
What happens to my OPT if my Electrical Assembler job ends?
You have a 60-day grace period from the date your employment ends to find a new qualifying position, transfer to a different immigration status, or depart the U.S. During this window you cannot work. If you're on the STEM extension, the same 60-day rule applies. Track your unemployment days carefully, since OPT has a 90-day unemployment limit for initial OPT and 150 days total across initial and STEM OPT combined.
Do Electrical Assembler employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship rates vary by employer size and industry. Defense contractors and large electronics manufacturers are more likely to have established H-1B sponsorship processes than small contract manufacturers. The best approach is to research a company's H-1B filing history through public disclosure data and raise the question directly once you have an offer or strong mutual interest on the table.