OPT Maintenance Electrician Jobs
Maintenance Electrician jobs on OPT are available across manufacturing, healthcare, and facilities management. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT if your degree is in electrical engineering or a related field, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization without employer visa sponsorship upfront.
Find OPT Maintenance Electrician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 6+ Maintenance Electrician jobs










See all Maintenance Electrician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Maintenance Electrician roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Job Description
Quaker Oats Industrial Maintenance Electrician
Overview:
Quaker Oats, a division of PepsiCo, is an exciting place to work and start your career! We are currently recruiting Industrial Maintenance Electricians for full-time opportunities at the Cedar Rapids Plant.
As an Industrial Maintenance Electrician, you will be part of a department focused on optimizing the operations of our packaging & processing equipment. You will work in an autonomous fashion to respond to machine stoppages, troubleshoot complex equipment issues and focus on root cause problem solving for the prevention of future downtime.
Job Duties:
- Responsible for the installation and maintenance of a wide variety of electrical controls and systems in a manufacturing environment.
- Troubleshoot issues with Allen Bradley components and PLC’s utilizing Logix 5000, SLC 500, PLC5 and other Rockwell Software controls.
- Frequent work with industrial controls, PLC’s, HMI’s, VFD’s, servo motors, metal detectors, weighing systems, temperature controllers, various feeding systems, extrusion systems, material transport systems and mixing systems.
- Responsible for maintaining and repairing 120/208, 277/480 and assisting with 13,800 volt electrical systems.
Qualifications
- Successful candidates will be able to operate in a team environment and possess excellent communication skills. Past experience with root cause problem solving and troubleshooting complex machinery is required.
- These positions require the ability to work on 1st, 2nd and 3rd shifts and the ability to work a 12 hour alternate work schedule.
- Associates degree in Industrial Maintenance and/or five years’ experience is required.
- Familiarity with LOTO and safe work practices is required.
- Strong background in Rockwell software, PLC’s, and HMI’s preferred.
- TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) experience a plus.
Compensation and Benefits:
- Starting wage of $36.93, Journeyman wage of $46.16
- Ability to earn up to 6 weeks paid vacation, plus 6 personal days
- 13 paid holidays
- Competitive benefits package
- PepsiCo Retirement Contribution and 401K with Automatic Company Contribution
- 2 weeks of Paid Parental Leave
- Annual Performance Bonus
- Tool and Uniform Allowance
Join the 2,500 Quaker associates that work hard to bring you the snacks you love by submitting your application today.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901 - 4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & View the PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Maintenance Mechanic
Quaker Oats, part of PepsiCo, is looking for a Maintenance Mechanic to work in our fast-paced 24-hour operating manufacturing environment. The Maintenance Mechanic is responsible for repairing and installing production/manufacturing equipment. Maintenance Mechanic will inspect equipment for proper functioning and perform preventative maintenance duties per manufacturer’s specifications.
Quaker is a progressive employer, utilizing high perform work systems focused on driving results through organization development. We are looking for engaged individuals that will be dedicated to safety and teamwork. It takes teamwork for a facility to run smoothly, so you can expect to work weekends and holidays with the rest of the team. We also offer unbeatable benefits including health insurance, dental and vision, retirement savings benefits including 401(k) with company contribution, vacation days and much more.
Job Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned):
- Repair, maintain and troubleshoot plant machinery and equipment, including high-speed packaging equipment, conveying equipment and product delivery systems.
- Perform preventative maintenance routines to minimize equipment downtime.
- Repair/replacement of pumps, valves, and airlines.
- Troubleshoot pneumatic and hydraulic aspects of plant equipment.
- Perform hoisting and rigging of all types of equipment.
- Work with other team members to ensure objectives are being met, including providing assistance to other areas within department as needed.
- Complete all necessary paperwork in a timely manner, including maintaining work logs and data collection.
- Understand unique qualities of the product and specific process for department.
- Maintain training qualifications and demonstrate competencies needed for department.
- Input data into computers using software.
- Additional responsibilities may be assigned.
Qualifications
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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years of age or older.
- Must have a general knowledge of PC’s, excellent communication, interpersonal, training, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
- Past experience with root cause problem solving and troubleshooting complex machinery.
- Must have basic math, analytical and technical skills.
- Must work effectively in a team environment which requires continued development of new skills, continued drive for productivity and process improvements, self-direction and the ability to communicate at all levels.
- Must be able to work any shift in any department, including an alternative 12-hour work schedule, weekends, and holidays.
- Regular predictive attendance is required.
- Must be able to work over 40 hours a week.
- Must be able to meet the physical demands of working in a manufacturing environment including, but not limited to, excessive heat, dust, and noise.
- Must have the ability to lift moderately heavy weights (up to 50 pounds).
- Must be willing to comply with grooming/sanitation requirements.
Join the 2,500 Quaker associates that work hard to bring you the snacks you love by submitting your application today.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901 - 4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.
See all OPT Maintenance Electrician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Maintenance Electrician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Maintenance Electrician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Electrical engineering, electrical technology, and related degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this nearly triples your authorized work period without requiring H-1B visa sponsorship immediately.
Target employers with existing OPT or H-1B track records
Companies that have sponsored international workers before understand the process and are far less likely to reject your application over status concerns. Look for employers in manufacturing, utilities, and large healthcare systems where international hiring is common and compliance teams are already in place.
Address your work authorization early and clearly
Bring up OPT in your first recruiter call, not after an offer. Briefly explain that you're authorized to work for any employer without sponsorship during your OPT period. Recruiters who understand this upfront are far less likely to screen you out later in the process.
Highlight licensed or certifiable skills prominently
OSHA 30, NFPA 70E, and state journeyman eligibility signal immediate on-the-job readiness. Employers weighing the perceived complexity of hiring an OPT student are more likely to proceed when your technical qualifications remove any doubt about your ability to contribute from day one.
Apply to union-affiliated and government-contracted facilities
Federal contractors and unionized facilities in manufacturing or infrastructure often have structured onboarding for international hires. These environments tend to have HR teams experienced with OPT documentation requirements, making the authorization verification process smoother and less likely to derail your candidacy.
Start your STEM OPT extension application 90 days before expiration
USCIS allows you to file the I-983 and STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Filing early protects your continuous work authorization and gives employers confidence that there will be no gap in your eligibility during the transition period.
Maintenance Electrician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Maintenance Electrician on OPT without employer visa sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, you're authorized to work for any U.S. employer without the employer needing to file a visa petition on your behalf. You present your EAD card as proof of work authorization. Sponsorship only becomes relevant if you and your employer pursue an H-1B or other visa after your OPT period ends.
Does a Maintenance Electrician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title itself. If your degree is in electrical engineering, electrical technology, or a qualifying STEM field, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension regardless of your job title. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before applying.
How do I find Maintenance Electrician employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on OPT and lists Maintenance Electrician roles from employers with experience hiring F-1 workers. Searching there filters out the friction of approaching employers unfamiliar with OPT, so you spend your time on opportunities where your status is already understood and accepted.
Do I need an electrician's license to work in a Maintenance Electrician role on OPT?
Licensing requirements are set by state, not by immigration status. As an OPT worker, you're subject to the same licensing rules as any other employee in that state. Some roles require a journeyman license, others accept an apprentice registration or work under a licensed electrician's supervision. Check your target state's licensing board requirements before applying.
What happens to my Maintenance Electrician job if my OPT expires before I get an H-1B?
If your OPT expires and no other work authorization is in place, you must stop working. Planning ahead is critical. If you're on STEM OPT, your employer can file an H-1B petition while you're still authorized to work. Some employers also explore O-1 visa or other visa categories for skilled trades with specialized expertise. Discuss your timeline with your employer well before your expiration date.