Industrial Electrician Jobs for OPT Students
Industrial Electrician roles on OPT require hands-on electrical systems experience and typically fall under STEM OPT if your degree is in electrical engineering or a related field, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, utilities, and construction are among the most active hirers.
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Get Access To All JobsCompany Description
Tyler Pipe, as a subsidiary of McWane, Inc., is a nationwide leader in manufacturing cast iron soil pipe and fittings located in Tyler, Texas. Based on the founding principles of McWane in 1920, it is expected that all team members will know and exhibit the eight principles of The McWane Way: Safety, Environment, Leadership, Accountability, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, and Communication as well as the values and behaviors supporting these principles.
Job Description
Industrial Maintenance Electrician
(Job will be assigned at New Hire Orientation and is based on the production needs at that time.)
Location: Tyler, TX
Pay: Pay Rage $32.08 - $37.22/hour
Shift: Most openings are 2nd & 3rd Shift
What You’ll Do:
Complete the electrical maintenance duties related to your assigned work area, such as:
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment used for power generation, distribution, and utilization throughout the plant.
- Coordinate, assist with, and perform construction, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of generators, transformers, switchboards, controllers, circuit breakers, motors, heating units, and conduit systems.
- Troubleshoot, locate, and diagnose issues in electrical systems to minimize downtime and maintain efficient operations.
- Work with your supervisor to plan, schedule, and assign daily electrical maintenance tasks.
- Order and manage necessary electrical parts and materials to support installation and repair activities.
- Safely use electrical hand tools, power tools, measuring devices, and testing instruments.
- Assist maintenance mechanics with the dismantling, repair, or reassembly of mechanical equipment when electrical support is required.
- Read and interpret technical blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams, and provide guidance to others when needed.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organized work area while adhering to all safety rules and procedures.
- Always follow company safety regulations and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall plant operations.
Qualifications
- Have verifiable and consistent work experience.
- Pass a written exam to demonstrate knowledge of various electrical topics. (The result will be used to determine a candidate's base knowledge for the appropriate starting wage.)
- Pass an employment background check, drug screening, and physical fitness test. (To be coordinated through Tyler Pipe's HR & Safety Departments)
- Ability to effectively identify technical malfunctions in electrical units.
- Understand the handling and use of electrical repair tools and equipment.
- Initiative and ability to work unsupervised at times.
- Willingness to work when needed and to help and volunteer across a variety of different machines.
- Dedication to safety by following all safety rules/procedures and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to maintain a clean and orderly work area.
- Excellence attendance and punctuality.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to earn up to a $5,000 sign‑on bonus within the first 180 days.
- Be part of a company with over 100 years of stability and industry leadership as a proud member of the McWane family.
- Work in a culture that prioritizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through The McWane Way principles.
- Join a supportive team that values trust, teamwork, and open communication.
- Enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
- Contribute to meaningful work that supports critical infrastructure and community development.
- Experience long-term employment with a company committed to its people and their success.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
Company Description
Tyler Pipe, as a subsidiary of McWane, Inc., is a nationwide leader in manufacturing cast iron soil pipe and fittings located in Tyler, Texas. Based on the founding principles of McWane in 1920, it is expected that all team members will know and exhibit the eight principles of The McWane Way: Safety, Environment, Leadership, Accountability, Excellence, Trust, Teamwork, and Communication as well as the values and behaviors supporting these principles.
Job Description
Industrial Maintenance Electrician
(Job will be assigned at New Hire Orientation and is based on the production needs at that time.)
Location: Tyler, TX
Pay: Pay Rage $32.08 - $37.22/hour
Shift: Most openings are 2nd & 3rd Shift
What You’ll Do:
Complete the electrical maintenance duties related to your assigned work area, such as:
- Install, maintain, and repair electrical equipment used for power generation, distribution, and utilization throughout the plant.
- Coordinate, assist with, and perform construction, fabrication, installation, and maintenance of generators, transformers, switchboards, controllers, circuit breakers, motors, heating units, and conduit systems.
- Troubleshoot, locate, and diagnose issues in electrical systems to minimize downtime and maintain efficient operations.
- Work with your supervisor to plan, schedule, and assign daily electrical maintenance tasks.
- Order and manage necessary electrical parts and materials to support installation and repair activities.
- Safely use electrical hand tools, power tools, measuring devices, and testing instruments.
- Assist maintenance mechanics with the dismantling, repair, or reassembly of mechanical equipment when electrical support is required.
- Read and interpret technical blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams, and provide guidance to others when needed.
- Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organized work area while adhering to all safety rules and procedures.
- Always follow company safety regulations and wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Perform other related duties as assigned to support overall plant operations.
Qualifications
- Have verifiable and consistent work experience.
- Pass a written exam to demonstrate knowledge of various electrical topics. (The result will be used to determine a candidate's base knowledge for the appropriate starting wage.)
- Pass an employment background check, drug screening, and physical fitness test. (To be coordinated through Tyler Pipe's HR & Safety Departments)
- Ability to effectively identify technical malfunctions in electrical units.
- Understand the handling and use of electrical repair tools and equipment.
- Initiative and ability to work unsupervised at times.
- Willingness to work when needed and to help and volunteer across a variety of different machines.
- Dedication to safety by following all safety rules/procedures and wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Ability to maintain a clean and orderly work area.
- Excellence attendance and punctuality.
Why Join Us?
- Opportunity to earn up to a $5,000 sign‑on bonus within the first 180 days.
- Be part of a company with over 100 years of stability and industry leadership as a proud member of the McWane family.
- Work in a culture that prioritizes safety, accountability, and continuous improvement through The McWane Way principles.
- Join a supportive team that values trust, teamwork, and open communication.
- Enjoy competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits.
- Contribute to meaningful work that supports critical infrastructure and community development.
- Experience long-term employment with a company committed to its people and their success.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
McWane is a Federal VEVRAA contractor, and an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices. McWane will not discriminate against any applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, veteran or service member status, marital status, citizenship status (In IL - sex, including same sex, ancestry, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, military status, pregnancy, unfavorable discharge status, genetic information), (In IA - gender identity), (In CA- gender identity or expression, and genetic information) or any other category protected by federal, state or local law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Industrial Electrician
Lead with your electrical credentials
State your journeyman or apprenticeship certifications upfront on your resume. Employers screening OPT candidates want to confirm you meet licensing requirements before investing time in the interview process. Credentials reduce hesitation about your work authorization status.
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, and industrial technology degrees typically qualify for 24-month STEM OPT extensions. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, as this directly affects how long you can work without H-1B sponsorship.
Focus on large industrial employers
Manufacturing plants, utilities, and facilities management companies hire electricians at scale and are more familiar with OPT paperwork than smaller contractors. Larger employers often have HR teams experienced in work authorization, which speeds up onboarding significantly.
Address OPT timing proactively in applications
Note your OPT start date and authorization end date in your cover letter or application. Industrial employers plan project staffing months in advance, so showing your exact availability window reduces uncertainty and signals you understand how work authorization works.
Highlight OSHA and safety certifications
OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification signals job-readiness to industrial employers and removes a common onboarding cost. Candidates who arrive with safety credentials already completed are often prioritized, especially in manufacturing and heavy industrial environments where compliance is non-negotiable.
Understand the difference between journeyman and master licenses by state
Electrical licensing is state-specific, and some states restrict licensure to U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Research the licensing requirements in your target state before applying to avoid accepting a role where you cannot legally perform unsupervised electrical work.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Industrial Electrician on OPT?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. A degree in electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, or a closely related program supports Industrial Electrician roles under OPT. Your job duties should involve practical application of the electrical systems knowledge your degree covered. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Does an Industrial Electrician job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not your job title. Degrees in electrical engineering (CIP 14.1001) and electrical engineering technology (CIP 15.0303) are on the STEM OPT eligible list. If your degree qualifies and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you can apply for a 24-month extension before your initial 12-month OPT expires, giving you up to 36 months total.
Do state electrician licensing requirements affect my ability to work on OPT?
Yes, and this is one of the most important factors to research before applying. Electrician licensing is governed at the state level, and some states restrict journeyman or master electrician licenses to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. In those states, you may be limited to supervised work under a licensed electrician. Check your target state's licensing board requirements before accepting any offer.
What types of employers hire Industrial Electricians on OPT?
Manufacturing facilities, utility companies, petrochemical plants, semiconductor fabs, and large facilities management firms are among the most active hirers. These employers operate at scale and often have HR teams familiar with OPT authorization. You can browse Industrial Electrician roles currently open to OPT candidates on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for visa-friendly employers.
What happens to my Industrial Electrician job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If you file an H-1B petition before your OPT expires and your employer requests cap-gap protection, you can continue working while the petition is pending. Industrial Electrician roles are H-1B eligible if the position requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specialty field. Confirm with your employer and an immigration attorney that the role meets specialty occupation criteria before relying on cap-gap coverage.
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