OPT Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs

Electrical Systems Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, with most roles requiring a degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field. STEM OPT extension eligibility is well-established for this title, giving you up to three years of work authorization and meaningful time to secure H-1B visa sponsorship.

Find OPT Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs781+
Work Type89% On-site
Top LocationAustin, TX
Most JobsBurns & McDonnell

Showing 5 of 781+ Electrical Systems Engineer jobs

OSI Systems, Inc
Electrical Systems Engineer
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OSI Systems, Inc
Added 5d ago
Electrical Systems Engineer
OSI Systems, Inc
Billerica, Massachusetts
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$100k - $108k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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North Carolina State University
Assistant Director, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Systems BSE Program
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North Carolina State University
Added 6d ago
Assistant Director, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Systems BSE Program
North Carolina State University
Havelock, North Carolina
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Ford Motor Company
Electrical Systems Engineer
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Ford Motor Company
Added 1w ago
Electrical Systems Engineer
Ford Motor Company
Long Beach, California
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$119k - $199k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Micron Technology
Electrical Systems Program Coordinator
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Micron Technology
Added 2w ago
Electrical Systems Program Coordinator
Micron Technology
Boise, Idaho
Project & Program Management
Compliance & Legal
Business Operations
Compliance & Risk
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Apple
Battery Management Systems - Electrical Engineer
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Apple
Added 1mo ago
Battery Management Systems - Electrical Engineer
Apple
San Diego, California
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$138k - $207k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Electrical Systems Engineer

Target defense and aerospace contractors early

Companies like Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin regularly sponsor OPT workers for electrical systems roles. Apply early since their hiring cycles and security clearance timelines can extend the process by several months.

Confirm your CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT

Electrical Engineering (CIP 14.1001) and Computer Engineering (CIP 14.0901) both qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to confirm your full three-year timeline.

Lead with embedded systems and hardware experience

Employers sponsoring OPT workers prioritize candidates with hands-on skills in PCB design, FPGA programming, or power systems. Concrete project experience reduces hiring risk and makes sponsorship feel like a straightforward investment rather than a liability.

File your STEM OPT extension application 90 days early

USCIS recommends submitting your I-765 at least 90 days before your initial OPT ends. A timely filing gives you a 180-day cap-out period to keep working while the extension is pending, protecting your employment continuity.

Ask about E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer

STEM OPT employers are legally required to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirming this before signing an offer letter prevents a situation where you accept a role that cannot legally support your extension application.

Frame visa sponsorship as a long-term retention conversation

Electrical systems roles often involve multi-year projects and specialized domain knowledge. Positioning H-1B visa sponsorship as a retention tool rather than a favor shifts the conversation and resonates with hiring managers who think in project timelines.

Electrical Systems Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Does an Electrical Systems Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes. Electrical Systems Engineer positions almost always qualify, provided your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or Systems Engineering. Your DSO can confirm your specific CIP code qualifies. Once approved, the 24-month STEM extension gives you up to three years of total OPT work authorization.

How common is OPT sponsorship for Electrical Systems Engineer jobs?

Sponsorship is relatively common in this field compared to many other disciplines. Defense contractors, semiconductor companies, utilities, and automotive manufacturers regularly hire OPT students for electrical systems roles because the talent pool is specialized and demand is high. Browse Migrate Mate to filter for verified OPT-sponsoring employers in this field specifically.

Can I work on classified or government projects as an F-1 OPT student?

Most classified roles require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, so the majority of defense positions with clearance requirements are not available to F-1 OPT students. However, many defense and government contractors have unclassified engineering teams working on related systems where OPT students are regularly hired and later sponsored for H-1B status.

What happens to my OPT authorization if my employer changes my role mid-employment?

Your OPT is tied to your degree field, not a specific job title. If the new role still relates to your field of study, you generally remain in compliance. However, if you're on a STEM OPT extension, a significant change in job duties requires an updated training plan submitted to your DSO. Notify your DSO promptly whenever your role changes materially.

Are Electrical Systems Engineer roles typically cap-exempt for H-1B purposes?

Not by default. Most private-sector electrical engineering employers are cap-subject, meaning their H-1B petitions enter the annual lottery. Cap-exempt status applies only to universities, nonprofit research organizations, and related entities. If H-1B sponsorship is your goal, prioritizing employers with a strong track record of lottery success and early filing timelines meaningfully improves your odds.