Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs for OPT Students

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 sponsorship.

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Overview

Open Jobs869+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type86% On-site
Salary Range$86K – $128K
Top LocationAustin, TX
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 869+ Electrical Systems Engineer jobs

Constellation
Electrical Systems Engineer
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Constellation
Added 3w ago
Electrical Systems Engineer
Constellation
Marseilles, Illinois
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$89,000/yr - $154,000/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Rivian
Electrical System Engineer II
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Rivian
Added 3w ago
Electrical System Engineer II
Rivian
Torrance, California
Specialized Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Gotion Inc.
Electrical Systems Engineer
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Gotion Inc.
Added 3w ago
Electrical Systems Engineer
Gotion Inc.
Manteno, Illinois
Electrical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
$80,000/yr - $120,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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RINA
Electrical Systems Engineer
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RINA
Added 1mo ago
Electrical Systems Engineer
RINA
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
51-200

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Veolia | North America
Electrical Systems Engineer
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Veolia | North America
Added 1mo ago
Electrical Systems Engineer
Veolia | North America
Beaumont, Texas
Electrical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
None

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How to Get Visa 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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.

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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.

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