Electrical Design Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Electrical Design Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, with most roles qualifying as STEM-designated positions that support a 24-month OPT extension. Employers in power systems, semiconductors, and industrial automation regularly sponsor work visas for this role.
See All Electrical Design Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 884+ Electrical Design Engineer jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 884+ Electrical Design Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Electrical Design Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsLocation: Rockford, IL | Hybrid Schedule
INTRODUCTION
Seeking an Electrical Engineer to design and develop electrical systems for innovative industrial equipment. This role combines electrical design, PLC programming, and hands-on support to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that meet customer needs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design electrical systems and control panels using SolidWorks Electrical / AutoCAD
- Program and troubleshoot PLCs and VFDs for industrial equipment
- Develop and improve product designs to enhance performance, quality, and cost efficiency
- Support manufacturing with troubleshooting, testing, and design revisions
- Validate and test equipment prior to shipment to ensure customer and code compliance (NEC, UL)
- Collaborate with engineering, sales, manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver projects on time
- Identify and implement new technologies and component improvements
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years in electrical design or industrial controls
- Experience with PLC programming, VFDs, and control systems
- Proficiency in SolidWorks Electrical, AutoCAD, or similar CAD tools
- Strong understanding of electrical codes (NEC, UL)
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in rigging, lifting, or crane systems
- Background working with industrial equipment or machinery
WHY JOIN US?
- Work on custom-engineered industrial solutions
- Collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment
- Opportunity to drive innovation and product improvements
- Stable company with strong market presence
COMPENSATION
- $85-110k based on experience
Location: Rockford, IL | Hybrid Schedule
INTRODUCTION
Seeking an Electrical Engineer to design and develop electrical systems for innovative industrial equipment. This role combines electrical design, PLC programming, and hands-on support to deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions that meet customer needs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design electrical systems and control panels using SolidWorks Electrical / AutoCAD
- Program and troubleshoot PLCs and VFDs for industrial equipment
- Develop and improve product designs to enhance performance, quality, and cost efficiency
- Support manufacturing with troubleshooting, testing, and design revisions
- Validate and test equipment prior to shipment to ensure customer and code compliance (NEC, UL)
- Collaborate with engineering, sales, manufacturing, and suppliers to deliver projects on time
- Identify and implement new technologies and component improvements
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience)
- 3+ years in electrical design or industrial controls
- Experience with PLC programming, VFDs, and control systems
- Proficiency in SolidWorks Electrical, AutoCAD, or similar CAD tools
- Strong understanding of electrical codes (NEC, UL)
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in rigging, lifting, or crane systems
- Background working with industrial equipment or machinery
WHY JOIN US?
- Work on custom-engineered industrial solutions
- Collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment
- Opportunity to drive innovation and product improvements
- Stable company with strong market presence
COMPENSATION
- $85-110k based on experience
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Electrical Design Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers early
Electrical Design Engineer roles typically fall under STEM OPT extension eligibility. Prioritize employers already enrolled in E-Verify, since that enrollment is required before your DSO can authorize the 24-month extension on your EAD.
Highlight CAD and simulation tools in your resume
Employers screening OPT candidates want to see proficiency in AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SPICE. Listing these tools with specific project outcomes reduces hiring hesitation and positions you as immediately productive without extensive onboarding.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Recruiters for engineering roles often run 6 to 10 week hiring cycles. Starting your search three to four months before your OPT begins gives you enough runway to clear technical interviews and complete onboarding paperwork in time.
Clarify your work authorization in the first outreach
State your OPT status and STEM extension eligibility upfront in cover letters or recruiter messages. Electrical engineering hiring managers deal with complex compliance requirements and appreciate clarity over discovering authorization details late in the process.
Focus on industries with consistent visa sponsorship history
Defense contractors, semiconductor firms, and utilities have structured immigration programs and established relationships with immigration counsel. These employers are more likely to move efficiently through sponsorship paperwork than early-stage startups without dedicated HR infrastructure.
Get your FE license in progress before interviewing
Pursuing the Fundamentals of Engineering exam signals long-term professional commitment to U.S.-based hiring managers. Many firms sponsoring H-1B visas for engineers prefer candidates who are actively building credentials aligned with a permanent U.S. career path.
Electrical Design Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Electrical Design Engineer JobsSee all 884+ Electrical Design Engineer jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Electrical Design Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Electrical Design Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Electrical Design Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because the role typically maps to CIP codes in electrical, electronics, or computer engineering. You should confirm the specific CIP code on your I-20 with your DSO, since the degree field on your I-20 determines eligibility, not the job title itself.
How do I find Electrical Design Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility, so you can browse Electrical Design Engineer openings without sorting through employers who won't consider international candidates. Searching there saves significant time compared to filtering general job boards manually and then researching each employer's sponsorship history separately.
What happens to my OPT authorization if my Electrical Design Engineer role is contract-based?
Contract and project-based employment is permitted under OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. You must maintain a minimum of 20 hours of work per week to remain in valid OPT status. For STEM OPT extension holders, the employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify even if you are placed through a staffing agency.
Can I do freelance or consulting electrical engineering work on OPT?
Self-employment is technically permitted on standard OPT but is not allowed during the STEM OPT extension period. If you take on freelance electrical design projects, each engagement must still be directly related to your degree. STEM OPT requires a formal employer-employee or employer-contractor relationship with an E-Verify enrolled organization, which typically excludes independent freelance arrangements.
What visa options are available after OPT ends for Electrical Design Engineers?
H-1B is the most common path, and Electrical Design Engineer roles consistently qualify as specialty occupations given the degree requirements involved. Cap-exempt H-1B positions at universities or federally funded research institutions are also worth exploring since they bypass the annual lottery. Some employers in defense or aerospace may also consider O-1 petitions for engineers with documented technical achievements or publications.
See which Electrical Design Engineer employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Electrical Design Engineer Jobs