Installer Jobs for OPT Students
Installer roles in construction, technology, and utilities regularly hire on OPT, and many qualify as STEM-adjacent depending on your degree field. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if eligible) gives you enough runway to demonstrate hands-on skills and convert to long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Ever since we started in 2007, Sunrun has been at the forefront of connecting people to the cleanest energy on Earth. It’s why we’ve become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. Today, we’re on a mission to change the way the world interacts with energy, and we’re building a company and brand that puts power at the center of life. And we’re doing it by designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. We’re unlike any other solar company. Our vertically integrated model gives us total control over every part of the energy lifecycle – from sale through installation and beyond – so you can find endless opportunities for growth. Come join a career you can grow in and a culture you can run with.
ABOUT SUNRUN
Since 2007, Sunrun has grown into America's #1 home solar and battery company. We got here by putting our people’s safety and growth first. That’s why we created the Power+ program: to invest in your skills. We train you to work across different teams—from qualifying homes for solar, to installing, to inspecting the final work, and servicing existing systems. This versatility helps limit reduced hours and enhances job security in an industry affected by seasons. It also means you can solve customer problems in one visit, keeping you safely off the road and moving your career forward.
Overview
The Installer position is a critical member of a solar installation construction team and is responsible for working in partnership with the Foreperson and Lead Installer to complete residential solar installation projects. As Sunrun continues to help build a more sustainable future, this position is best suited for someone passionate about solar installation, field safety and working with others.
RESPONSIBILITIES/THE IMPACT
- Ensure personal, crew and job site safety at all times and participates in training sessions on new products, installation methodology and safety
- Review inventory at loading dock to ensure assigned crew truck is stocked adequately
- Complete layout and assemble solar modules, the racking, mechanical and structural mounts, electrical equipment and tools in preparation of installation as specified in the project plan
- Apply weather sealing to roofing structure, building or support mechanisms
- Perform project clean up including client site and installation vehicle to ensure a clean and orderly job site and work environment
QUALIFICATIONS/HOW YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL
- Previous solar, construction or military experience preferred but not required
- Adheres to company safety policies and procedures including ability to identify and report safety hazards, and the ability to encourage others to work safely
- Ability to get along with customers and coworkers in a courteous and professional manner
- Shown ability to meet due dates, metrics and impact results both individually and as a phenomenal teammate in a fast paced, team based environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to transport materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks (up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds with assistance)
- Ability to work on rooftops with various angles and surfaces which requires frequent bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, turning, standing, and balance
- Ability to climb ladders
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions including but not limited to: excessive noise, extreme heat, extreme cold, wet environment, and humidity
- Ability to frequently utilize hand functions requiring fine motor skills, including but not limited to: fine manipulation, grasping, and pinching
- Ability to work within the safe range of equipment such as ladders, fall protection harnesses and other personal protective equipment
- Ability to work and maintain balance on roofs and other areas of height
- Ability to work in the sun and possibly low light conditions
- Ability to walk on rafters, roof tiles, and roof shingles without damage
- Ability to distinguish colors such as red, black, yellow, white, green
- Ability to work in confined spaces such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces which requires kneeling and crouching
- Ability to hear verbal commands and warnings
- Ability to work with chemicals using appropriate protections
HOW YOU WILL BE AWARDED
- Full benefits package including health, vision, dental insurance, 401K with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid training, and much more
- The opportunity to invest in yourself and your career through PowerU - Sunrun’s 100% tuition reimbursement program with over 150 educational opportunities
- Competitive hourly base pay paid biweekly and eligibility for performance based bonus compensation
- Internal advancement opportunities, as earned
Recruiter:
Suzanne Goheen (suzanne.goheen@sunrun.com)
Please note that the compensation information is made in good faith for this position only. It assumes that the successful candidate will be located in markets within the United States that warrant the compensation. Please speak with your recruiter to learn more.
Starting salary/wage for this opportunity: $23.79 to $31.72
Compensation decisions will not be based on a candidate's salary history. You can learn more here.
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, some essential job functions, and qualifications for the role. It may not include all essential functions, tasks, or requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and you need reasonable accommodation during the hiring process or to perform this role, please contact us at candidateaccommodations@sunrun.com.
Sunrun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We believe that empowering people and valuing their differences are essential for our mission of connecting people to the cleanest energy on earth. Learn more here: EEO | Sunrun
INTRODUCTION
Ever since we started in 2007, Sunrun has been at the forefront of connecting people to the cleanest energy on Earth. It’s why we’ve become the #1 home solar and battery company in America. Today, we’re on a mission to change the way the world interacts with energy, and we’re building a company and brand that puts power at the center of life. And we’re doing it by designing a dynamic culture where employee development, well-being, and safety come first. We’re unlike any other solar company. Our vertically integrated model gives us total control over every part of the energy lifecycle – from sale through installation and beyond – so you can find endless opportunities for growth. Come join a career you can grow in and a culture you can run with.
ABOUT SUNRUN
Since 2007, Sunrun has grown into America's #1 home solar and battery company. We got here by putting our people’s safety and growth first. That’s why we created the Power+ program: to invest in your skills. We train you to work across different teams—from qualifying homes for solar, to installing, to inspecting the final work, and servicing existing systems. This versatility helps limit reduced hours and enhances job security in an industry affected by seasons. It also means you can solve customer problems in one visit, keeping you safely off the road and moving your career forward.
Overview
The Installer position is a critical member of a solar installation construction team and is responsible for working in partnership with the Foreperson and Lead Installer to complete residential solar installation projects. As Sunrun continues to help build a more sustainable future, this position is best suited for someone passionate about solar installation, field safety and working with others.
RESPONSIBILITIES/THE IMPACT
- Ensure personal, crew and job site safety at all times and participates in training sessions on new products, installation methodology and safety
- Review inventory at loading dock to ensure assigned crew truck is stocked adequately
- Complete layout and assemble solar modules, the racking, mechanical and structural mounts, electrical equipment and tools in preparation of installation as specified in the project plan
- Apply weather sealing to roofing structure, building or support mechanisms
- Perform project clean up including client site and installation vehicle to ensure a clean and orderly job site and work environment
QUALIFICATIONS/HOW YOU WILL BE SUCCESSFUL
- Previous solar, construction or military experience preferred but not required
- Adheres to company safety policies and procedures including ability to identify and report safety hazards, and the ability to encourage others to work safely
- Ability to get along with customers and coworkers in a courteous and professional manner
- Shown ability to meet due dates, metrics and impact results both individually and as a phenomenal teammate in a fast paced, team based environment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to transport materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks (up to 50 pounds frequently and up to 100 pounds with assistance)
- Ability to work on rooftops with various angles and surfaces which requires frequent bending, twisting, squatting, climbing, kneeling, crawling, turning, standing, and balance
- Ability to climb ladders
- Ability to work in outdoor weather conditions including but not limited to: excessive noise, extreme heat, extreme cold, wet environment, and humidity
- Ability to frequently utilize hand functions requiring fine motor skills, including but not limited to: fine manipulation, grasping, and pinching
- Ability to work within the safe range of equipment such as ladders, fall protection harnesses and other personal protective equipment
- Ability to work and maintain balance on roofs and other areas of height
- Ability to work in the sun and possibly low light conditions
- Ability to walk on rafters, roof tiles, and roof shingles without damage
- Ability to distinguish colors such as red, black, yellow, white, green
- Ability to work in confined spaces such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces which requires kneeling and crouching
- Ability to hear verbal commands and warnings
- Ability to work with chemicals using appropriate protections
HOW YOU WILL BE AWARDED
- Full benefits package including health, vision, dental insurance, 401K with company match, Employee Stock Purchase Program, paid training, and much more
- The opportunity to invest in yourself and your career through PowerU - Sunrun’s 100% tuition reimbursement program with over 150 educational opportunities
- Competitive hourly base pay paid biweekly and eligibility for performance based bonus compensation
- Internal advancement opportunities, as earned
Recruiter:
Suzanne Goheen (suzanne.goheen@sunrun.com)
Please note that the compensation information is made in good faith for this position only. It assumes that the successful candidate will be located in markets within the United States that warrant the compensation. Please speak with your recruiter to learn more.
Starting salary/wage for this opportunity: $23.79 to $31.72
Compensation decisions will not be based on a candidate's salary history. You can learn more here.
This job description outlines the primary responsibilities, some essential job functions, and qualifications for the role. It may not include all essential functions, tasks, or requirements. If you are a qualified individual with a disability and you need reasonable accommodation during the hiring process or to perform this role, please contact us at candidateaccommodations@sunrun.com.
Sunrun is proud to be an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind. We believe that empowering people and valuing their differences are essential for our mission of connecting people to the cleanest energy on earth. Learn more here: EEO | Sunrun
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Installer
Target employers with a sponsorship track record
Large contractors, telecom companies, and solar installation firms file H-1B and H-2B petitions regularly. Focus your applications on established companies with dedicated HR teams, as they're more familiar with OPT employment authorization and willing to sponsor high performers.
Clarify your OPT authorization early in the process
Bring your EAD card and I-20 to interviews. Explain your work authorization clearly and mention your exact OPT end date. Employers unfamiliar with F-1 OPT often conflate it with sponsorship costs, so addressing it proactively removes a common hiring hesitation.
Connect your degree field to the installation role
Installer roles tied to electrical systems, network infrastructure, or renewable energy can align with engineering or technology degrees. Drawing that connection in your resume and interviews strengthens your case for OPT authorization and any future STEM extension eligibility.
Pursue relevant trade certifications before you start applying
Certifications like OSHA 10, low-voltage wiring credentials, or solar installation certificates signal job-readiness to employers. They also demonstrate commitment to the field, which matters when an employer is weighing whether to invest in your long-term sponsorship after OPT ends.
Ask about sponsorship timelines before accepting an offer
Your OPT window is finite. In your final interviews, ask directly whether the company has sponsored employees for H-1B or green cards before. An employer who can't answer that question is unlikely to come through for you when your authorization runs out.
Build relationships with supervisors who can advocate for you
Sponsorship decisions are rarely made by HR alone. A direct supervisor who values your work and understands your visa timeline is often the person who pushes the process forward internally. Make your situation and timeline clear to them early.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Installer on F-1 OPT?
Yes, you can work as an Installer on F-1 OPT as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. For example, a degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related technology field can support an installation role involving electrical systems, network infrastructure, or smart home technology. Your EAD card is your work authorization document, and no employer petition is required during your OPT period.
Do Installer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Some Installer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but it depends on whether your degree is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and whether the role directly applies that STEM knowledge. Installation work involving renewable energy systems, telecommunications infrastructure, or networked technology is more likely to qualify than general construction labor. Your DSO at your university must approve the extension, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
Will Installer employers sponsor me for an H-1B after OPT?
H-1B sponsorship for Installer roles depends on whether the position qualifies as a specialty occupation, which requires a direct connection to a specific bachelor's degree field. Straightforward trade installation work often does not meet that threshold. However, roles involving the installation of complex technical systems, such as fiber optic networks, solar energy infrastructure, or industrial automation equipment, are more likely to qualify. Ask employers directly whether they have sponsored this role category before.
How do I find Installer jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists Installer roles from employers who are open to hiring international students on work authorization. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves time compared to applying broadly and hitting dead ends. When you browse Installer listings on Migrate Mate, you can focus your energy on employers already familiar with EAD documentation and OPT timelines.
What should I do if my OPT ends before my employer starts the H-1B process?
If your OPT expires before an H-1B petition is filed and approved, you lose work authorization and must stop working. The H-1B cap-subject lottery opens in March each year for an October 1 start date, so your employer needs to begin the process months before your OPT expires. If timing is tight, ask about cap-exempt employers, such as universities or nonprofit research organizations, where H-1B petitions can be filed and approved year-round without lottery selection.
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