OPT Electrical Design Engineer Jobs
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.
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Get Access To All JobsElectrical Design Coordinator
- (195118)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of Electrical Design Coordinator, we'll count on you to:
- Perform assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of electrical engineering techniques and procedures
- Work directly with owners to develop recommendations
- Review electrical documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
- Write/edit electrical specifications, select equipment and electrical devices
- Take on contract administration responsibilities requiring field inspections and conflict resolution
- Make decisions on significant design and engineering features as needed
- Function as a Project Manager on small and mid-size projects as needed, but project management is not the principal focus of position
- Supervise work of Electrical CAD Technicians and coordinate design of assigned projects with architectural staff and other engineering disciplines as needed
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
- Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate.
- Candidates hired without their EIT will have the title of "Coordinator" and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression.
- Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
- 2+ years experience designing electrical lighting, power and systems for building projects; EIT
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED desired but not required
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
- Desire to pursue growth opportunities and obtain registration
- Strong computer skills using AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, Revit, SKM, AGI and Easy Power
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location:
United States-Arizona-Phoenix
Industry:
Building Engineering
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Building Electrical
Job Posting:
Aug 7, 2026
Electrical Design Coordinator
- (195118)
At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.
In the role of Electrical Design Coordinator, we'll count on you to:
- Perform assignments exercising judgment in evaluation, selection and modification of electrical engineering techniques and procedures
- Work directly with owners to develop recommendations
- Review electrical documents for areas of conflict with all disciplines
- Write/edit electrical specifications, select equipment and electrical devices
- Take on contract administration responsibilities requiring field inspections and conflict resolution
- Make decisions on significant design and engineering features as needed
- Function as a Project Manager on small and mid-size projects as needed, but project management is not the principal focus of position
- Supervise work of Electrical CAD Technicians and coordinate design of assigned projects with architectural staff and other engineering disciplines as needed
- Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
- Engineer in Training (EIT) certificate.
- Candidates hired without their EIT will have the title of "Coordinator" and will be expected to obtain their EIT for career progression.
- Previous experience with an architectural/engineering or engineering consulting firm
- 2+ years experience designing electrical lighting, power and systems for building projects; EIT
- Experience and/or interest in sustainable design/LEED desired but not required
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Architectural Engineering with an Electrical emphasis
- Desire to pursue growth opportunities and obtain registration
- Strong computer skills using AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, Revit, SKM, AGI and Easy Power
- An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must
What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.
Primary Location:
United States-Arizona-Phoenix
Industry:
Building Engineering
Schedule:
Full-time
Employee Status:
Regular
Business Class:
Building Electrical
Job Posting:
Aug 7, 2026
See all 76+ OPT Electrical Design Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 OPT: Frequently 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 visa petitions for engineers with documented technical achievements or publications.