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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Imagine the world without Apple devices! Does it feel strange? Apple products might even be one of the reasons you wanted to BE a Hardware Design Engineer. Now, imagine yourself designing future Apple products. The iPhone team is looking for engineers who are driven by the opportunity to take on big challenges. Engineers, who like to immerse themselves in systems hardware design, creating magic in the palm of their hand on a device that will affect millions of iPhone users. Big challenges? I'd say that's pretty close. Our team is collaborative, creative and passionate about what we do and the products we make. Come join us!
DESCRIPTION
This is a unique hardware design position that starts at product concept and continues all the way through to mass production. You will own the design, integration, and validation of rigid boards, printed flexible circuits, and overall system-level solutions that push the boundaries of technology. Work daily with multi-functional technology teams in a fast-paced environment. There will be opportunities for international travel.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BS Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent
Strong electrical engineering fundamentals including analog and digital design
Experience working with dynamic multi-functional teams
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
MS Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent
3-5 years years of industry experience is preferred
High speed digital design experience
Schematic capture and PCB layout
Hands-on lab experience with hardware bring-up and debug
Fundamentals of signal and power integrity
Understanding of low voltage power regulation solutions
Integration of hardware into multi-functional systems
Use of scripting languages to assist with hardware development
Familiarity with the challenges of taking a product from design through to production
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
INTRODUCTION
Imagine the world without Apple devices! Does it feel strange? Apple products might even be one of the reasons you wanted to BE a Hardware Design Engineer. Now, imagine yourself designing future Apple products. The iPhone team is looking for engineers who are driven by the opportunity to take on big challenges. Engineers, who like to immerse themselves in systems hardware design, creating magic in the palm of their hand on a device that will affect millions of iPhone users. Big challenges? I'd say that's pretty close. Our team is collaborative, creative and passionate about what we do and the products we make. Come join us!
DESCRIPTION
This is a unique hardware design position that starts at product concept and continues all the way through to mass production. You will own the design, integration, and validation of rigid boards, printed flexible circuits, and overall system-level solutions that push the boundaries of technology. Work daily with multi-functional technology teams in a fast-paced environment. There will be opportunities for international travel.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BS Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent
Strong electrical engineering fundamentals including analog and digital design
Experience working with dynamic multi-functional teams
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
MS Electrical/Computer Engineering or equivalent
3-5 years years of industry experience is preferred
High speed digital design experience
Schematic capture and PCB layout
Hands-on lab experience with hardware bring-up and debug
Fundamentals of signal and power integrity
Understanding of low voltage power regulation solutions
Integration of hardware into multi-functional systems
Use of scripting languages to assist with hardware development
Familiarity with the challenges of taking a product from design through to production
Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills
PAY & BENEFITS
At Apple, base pay is one part of our total compensation package and is determined within a range. This provides the opportunity to progress as you grow and develop within a role. The base pay range for this role is between $150,400 and $277,600, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple's discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple's Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You'll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses - including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation. Learn more about Apple Benefits
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
See all 761+ OPT Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Electrical Systems Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips 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.