OPT Electronic Engineer Jobs
Electronic Engineer OPT jobs are a strong match for F-1 students with degrees in electrical engineering, electronics, or related fields. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in defense, semiconductors, and consumer electronics regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
YOUR OPPORTUNITY:
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
- Competitive Starting Pay: $28.20 - $38.70/hr
- $1/hr Shift Differential for 2nd & 3rd Shift
- Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More
- Open to moving? We will help! Ask about our Relocation Assistance packages!
In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
We are looking for a skilled Electrician to join our maintenance team at our fast-paced pork processing plant. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the plant's electrical systems, equipment, and machinery. This role involves troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems, including motors, controls, lighting, and power distribution, to keep production running smoothly.
Safety First! You'll follow all company safety protocols, including LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures, and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performance environment. Your skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to the success of the team and the plant as a whole!
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
- Electrical System Maintenance: Power up the plant by installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems like motors, control panels, lighting, wiring, and power distribution. Keep everything running smoothly with routine inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical systems. Fix problems fast by troubleshooting electrical issues using schematics and blueprints to get things back online quickly.
- Troubleshooting & Repairs: Diagnose and repair electrical issues throughout the plant, minimizing downtime and keeping production flowing. Jump into action during urgent electrical problems to keep everything running without disruption. Work on complex systems like refrigeration, lighting, power supplies, and backup generators to ensure they’re always ready.
- Safety & Compliance: Follow safety protocols to keep yourself and the team safe while working with electrical systems. Ensure compliance with electrical codes and regulations (OSHA, NEC) to maintain a safe and efficient workplace. Lead safety checks to make sure all electrical systems are up to plant safety standards.
- Collaboration & Communication: Team up with maintenance and plant teams to solve electrical issues and improve plant performance. Stay in the loop with the Maintenance Supervisor to prioritize tasks and get repairs done efficiently. Keep records of all electrical maintenance and repairs, ensuring everything is documented clearly and on time.
- General Plant Support: Support plant-wide electrical needs by troubleshooting and repairing machinery, equipment, and infrastructure. Assist during emergencies and plant shutdowns to keep things moving smoothly. Help install new equipment and electrical upgrades to improve plant operations and efficiency.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
- Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and 2+ years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- PLC experience highly desired.
- Must be able to read and write fluently in English to communicate and understand technical/training manuals written in English.
- Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
- Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift preferred.
- Displays sound judgment, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently with little supervision.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Relocation Package Available
No
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.
INTRODUCTION
If you are currently employed at Smithfield, please log into Workday and submit your application through the Jobs Hub. Have a seat at our table. When you join Smithfield, you become part of something special – a company that's sustainably feeding people around the world, producing good food the right way with respect for our people, animals, communities and planet. With opportunities across locations and functions, a culture grounded in our Core Four values - gratitude, communication, respect and accountability - and a strong commitment to learning, collaboration, and innovation, Smithfield offers challenging and rewarding careers where you can grow, contribute and make a real impact. Apply Now!
YOUR OPPORTUNITY:
Our team members receive industry-leading wages and are eligible for great benefits packages:
- Competitive Starting Pay: $28.20 - $38.70/hr
- $1/hr Shift Differential for 2nd & 3rd Shift
- Comprehensive Health Insurance, Retirement Benefits and More
- Open to moving? We will help! Ask about our Relocation Assistance packages!
In addition, we offer opportunities for career growth and professional development.
THE VALUE YOU’LL BRING:
We are looking for a skilled Electrician to join our maintenance team at our fast-paced pork processing plant. You will be responsible for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the plant's electrical systems, equipment, and machinery. This role involves troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems, including motors, controls, lighting, and power distribution, to keep production running smoothly.
Safety First! You'll follow all company safety protocols, including LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures, and adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performance environment. Your skills and attention to detail will directly contribute to the success of the team and the plant as a whole!
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
The below statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. May perform other duties as assigned.
- Electrical System Maintenance: Power up the plant by installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems like motors, control panels, lighting, wiring, and power distribution. Keep everything running smoothly with routine inspections and preventative maintenance on electrical systems. Fix problems fast by troubleshooting electrical issues using schematics and blueprints to get things back online quickly.
- Troubleshooting & Repairs: Diagnose and repair electrical issues throughout the plant, minimizing downtime and keeping production flowing. Jump into action during urgent electrical problems to keep everything running without disruption. Work on complex systems like refrigeration, lighting, power supplies, and backup generators to ensure they’re always ready.
- Safety & Compliance: Follow safety protocols to keep yourself and the team safe while working with electrical systems. Ensure compliance with electrical codes and regulations (OSHA, NEC) to maintain a safe and efficient workplace. Lead safety checks to make sure all electrical systems are up to plant safety standards.
- Collaboration & Communication: Team up with maintenance and plant teams to solve electrical issues and improve plant performance. Stay in the loop with the Maintenance Supervisor to prioritize tasks and get repairs done efficiently. Keep records of all electrical maintenance and repairs, ensuring everything is documented clearly and on time.
- General Plant Support: Support plant-wide electrical needs by troubleshooting and repairing machinery, equipment, and infrastructure. Assist during emergencies and plant shutdowns to keep things moving smoothly. Help install new equipment and electrical upgrades to improve plant operations and efficiency.
WHAT WE’RE SEEKING:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions.
- Associate’s degree (A.A.) or equivalent from two-year college or technical school and 2+ years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience, required.
- PLC experience highly desired.
- Must be able to read and write fluently in English to communicate and understand technical/training manuals written in English.
- Possess the ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of team personnel and outside contractors.
- Ability to operate a forklift, genie lift or scissor lift preferred.
- Displays sound judgment, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently with little supervision.
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Relocation Package Available
No
EEO Information
Smithfield is an equal opportunity employer committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender identity, protected veterans status, status as a disabled individual or any other protected group status or non-job characteristic as directed by law.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment selection process, please call us at 757-357-1595.
See all 61+ OPT Electronic Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Electronic Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs first
Your electronic engineering degree almost certainly qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can confidently communicate your full authorization timeline to employers.
Prioritize defense contractors and semiconductor firms
Companies like Raytheon, Texas Instruments, and Qualcomm have structured OPT hiring pipelines and strong H-1B sponsorship histories. These industries have chronic engineering talent shortages, making them more willing to work through visa timelines.
Get your E-Verify employer requirement right
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting any offer. Many electronics firms already participate, but smaller hardware startups sometimes don't. Ask HR directly during the offer stage.
Frame your authorization timeline clearly upfront
Tell hiring managers you have OPT now plus a 24-month STEM extension available, giving three-plus years of coverage. This removes ambiguity and shows you understand the process, which reduces employer hesitation about sponsorship complexity.
Highlight hardware-software crossover skills
Electronic engineers who can work across embedded systems, firmware, and PCB design are harder to replace locally. Demonstrating this range makes H-1B sponsorship more justifiable to employers who weigh sponsorship costs against candidate uniqueness.
Apply to companies with existing H-1B filing history
Employers who have sponsored H-1B visas before understand the process and are far less likely to withdraw offers due to immigration concerns. Prioritizing these employers significantly improves your chances of a smooth transition from OPT.
Electronic Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Electronic Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Electrical and electronic engineering degrees consistently fall under STEM-designated CIP codes, making graduates eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of the standard 12 months. That gives you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. Confirm your specific program's CIP code with your DSO to be certain before applying.
How do I find Electronic Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is the best place to start. The platform is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Electronic Engineer roles at employers with active visa sponsorship histories. Filtering by sponsorship willingness saves significant time compared to researching each company individually and helps you avoid employers who won't support your transition from OPT.
Can I work as an Electronic Engineer at a defense contractor on OPT?
Sometimes, but it depends on the specific role and project. Many defense positions require a U.S. security clearance, which is generally unavailable to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents. However, defense contractors also employ engineers on unclassified projects where clearance isn't required. Always ask during screening whether the role requires clearance before proceeding.
What happens to my OPT if my Electronic Engineer employer is acquired or merged?
If your employer is acquired and the new company is E-Verify enrolled, your STEM OPT authorization generally remains valid provided your job duties stay substantially the same. Your employer must report the material change to your DSO within five business days. You should update your I-983 training plan to reflect the new employer details promptly.
Is Electronic Engineering considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Electronic engineering roles requiring at least a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, electronics engineering, or a directly related field consistently qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B standards. USCIS has a long track record of approving these petitions. Roles that blur into general technician work without a degree requirement can face more scrutiny, so job title and duty description matter.