OPT Marine Electrician Jobs
Marine Electrician jobs on OPT involve installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting electrical systems on ships, submarines, and offshore platforms. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions under electrical engineering classifications, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Shipyards and defense contractors are your most active hiring sectors.
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Nature & Purpose of the Position
The Marine Shorelines Senior Program Manager is a technical position of the Pierce Conservation District (PCD) requiring field work, landowner engagement, technical assistance site visits, nearshore restoration project development and management, and leadership skills. This position will implement PCD’s Shore Friendly Pierce program. This is a full-time position that reports to the Habitat Improvement Program Director.
The ideal candidate will have a proven knowledge of Puget Sound marine and nearshore ecosystems, extensive project management experience, and a highly motivated work ethic and ability to work cooperatively and positively with members of the public. They will be committed to producing professional, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple tasks and priorities at any given time. This position is an opportunity to work with private landowners, public and non-profit partners, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to reach regional and local goals set for Puget Sound shoreline armor removal, nearshore habitat restoration, and salmon and orca recovery.
This position also serves as part of a highly-collaborative team, the “South Sound Shore Friendly Collaborative,” which includes Mason and Thurston Conservation Districts. Together the three Conservation Districts maintain a strong partnership that involves mentoring, resource sharing, and project development support to achieve the shared goal of protecting and restoring marine shoreline habitat in South Puget Sound.
About the Pierce Conservation District
Pierce Conservation District is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in six core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, Climate Resiliency, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all. When you join the Pierce Conservation District staff, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.
Duties
Primary Job Responsibilities
The Shorelines Program Manager will work closely with colleagues at Mason and Thurston Conservation Districts to implement the Pierce County component of the South Sound Shore Friendly Program. The Shorelines Program Manager reports to the Habitat Improvement Program Director and will support other Habitat Improvement Program members as needed. Specific duties of this position include:
- Manage the “Shore Friendly Pierce” program. Develop and track programmatic budgets and deliverables, collaborate with Mason and Thurston CDs to achieve grant deliverables, coordinate billing and reporting of Shore Friendly Pierce deliverables to Thurston CD (project sponsor) to ensure timely reimbursement and project success.
- Coordinate with existing Shore Friendly programs and local shoreline restoration networks, including participation in monthly regional Shore Friendly program meetings and Shore Friendly South Sound team meetings.
- Create and implement targeted outreach and education opportunities for marine shoreline landowners and other relevant audiences (may include workshops, tours, etc.).
- Conduct site visits and generate technical assistance recommendations and reports as appropriate.
- Provide (or arrange for) technical assistance to advance Shore Friendly practices.
- Develop list of willing landowners and effective projects to improve shoreline habitats.
- Manage shoreline restoration projects through all phases, including initial site assessment, landowner relationship building, identifying and securing construction funding, and management of project design, permitting, construction, and postconstruction effectiveness monitoring.
- Represent and advocate for the Pierce Conservation District at groups such as the West Sound Partners for Ecosystem Recovery and other regional partnerships to advance the work of marine shoreline conservation and salmon recovery efforts.
- Maintain “Shore Friendly Pierce” website.
- Follow relevant procedures for procuring consultant and contractor services to support the Shore Friendly Pierce program and development of shoreline armor removal projects, as well as execute and manage contracts.
- Apply for grants, manage grant awards.
- Accurately track project budgets.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong knowledge base of marine shoreline processes and Shore Friendly practices. We are looking for someone who is self-starting and able to work independently. They will be emotionally intelligent and enjoy working with others. They will have successful coalition-building and collaboration experience, and an ability to work with landowners and partners with integrity and nuance. They must be detail oriented and a strategic thinker.
The person in this position should also have:
- A Bachelor’s degree and/or previous work experience in marine science, restoration and/or shoreline ecology, salmon recovery strategies, geology, environmental science, or other relevant topics.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work productively with landowners and partners.
- Extensive restoration project development and management experience.
- Extensive experience applying for and managing grants.
- Experience with permitting processes and regulatory requirements for salmon restoration and/or marine shoreline restoration projects.
- Excellent time management and task prioritization abilities.
- Commitment to and passion for locally-led conservation and Puget Sound recovery.
- Ability to clearly communicate in writing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Office 365 suite of software programs; experience with GIS.
Desired Skills
- Post-Bachelor’s degree and/or previous work experience in marine science, restoration and/or shoreline ecology, geology, environmental science, or other relevant topics.
- Advanced level of GIS competency.
- Understanding of public works project requirements.
- Relevant engineering or geotechnical experience, including but not limited to hiring and working with consultant teams to design restoration projects; overseeing restoration project bidding and awards; overseeing construction management etc.
- Familiarity with social marketing concepts, and experience developing education and outreach materials, passion for inspiring behavior change in private landowners that supports nearshore stewardship.
- Familiarity with current sea level rise science and implications to shoreline environments.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
The Shorelines Program Manager will work in office, remote work, and outdoor environments, with frequent travel to site visits, meetings, and project locations. Conducting field work may expose the person in this position to typical hazards associated with various types of shoreline and outdoor environments. This is a full-time, non-exempt position consisting of 40 hours/week. Position will occasionally require some work on weekends or after regularly scheduled work hours.
Supplemental Information
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt, permanent position with an Annual Salary Range of $73,772- $79,792 (Senior Program Manager, Step 1-3), dependent on qualifications.
Benefits
Benefits include 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision insurance for you and your dependents, ORCA transit card, as well as accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year (including two personal holidays), and a training budget.
In lieu of Social Security, PCD participates in a FICA replacement plan through the State Department of Retirement Systems Deferred Compensation Program.
This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 2. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found here.
Pierce Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for open positions.
To Apply:
Apply at: Click Here
First Review of Applications: September 19, 2025
Projected Interviews to Begin: September 23, 2025
Projected Start Date: October 15, 2025
Contact Information:
Heather Green
Habitat Improvement Program Director
C: 253.231.0252
HeatherG@piercecd.org
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
- Leave Sharing
- Parental Leave
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
Description
Nature & Purpose of the Position
The Marine Shorelines Senior Program Manager is a technical position of the Pierce Conservation District (PCD) requiring field work, landowner engagement, technical assistance site visits, nearshore restoration project development and management, and leadership skills. This position will implement PCD’s Shore Friendly Pierce program. This is a full-time position that reports to the Habitat Improvement Program Director.
The ideal candidate will have a proven knowledge of Puget Sound marine and nearshore ecosystems, extensive project management experience, and a highly motivated work ethic and ability to work cooperatively and positively with members of the public. They will be committed to producing professional, high-quality work in a fast-paced environment and can handle multiple tasks and priorities at any given time. This position is an opportunity to work with private landowners, public and non-profit partners, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders to reach regional and local goals set for Puget Sound shoreline armor removal, nearshore habitat restoration, and salmon and orca recovery.
This position also serves as part of a highly-collaborative team, the “South Sound Shore Friendly Collaborative,” which includes Mason and Thurston Conservation Districts. Together the three Conservation Districts maintain a strong partnership that involves mentoring, resource sharing, and project development support to achieve the shared goal of protecting and restoring marine shoreline habitat in South Puget Sound.
About the Pierce Conservation District
Pierce Conservation District is government that works. We work strategically and passionately to conserve and restore the natural resources of Pierce County. Our work improves both rural and urban communities to benefit the health and well-being of our citizens. We work in six core program areas: Farm Assistance, Water Quality Improvement, Habitat Restoration, Urban Agriculture, Climate Resiliency, and Environmental Education. The District works for clean water, healthy soil, salmon recovery and local food access for all. When you join the Pierce Conservation District staff, you join a team of talented and committed people who are mission driven and care deeply about improving our environment and our community.
Duties
Primary Job Responsibilities
The Shorelines Program Manager will work closely with colleagues at Mason and Thurston Conservation Districts to implement the Pierce County component of the South Sound Shore Friendly Program. The Shorelines Program Manager reports to the Habitat Improvement Program Director and will support other Habitat Improvement Program members as needed. Specific duties of this position include:
- Manage the “Shore Friendly Pierce” program. Develop and track programmatic budgets and deliverables, collaborate with Mason and Thurston CDs to achieve grant deliverables, coordinate billing and reporting of Shore Friendly Pierce deliverables to Thurston CD (project sponsor) to ensure timely reimbursement and project success.
- Coordinate with existing Shore Friendly programs and local shoreline restoration networks, including participation in monthly regional Shore Friendly program meetings and Shore Friendly South Sound team meetings.
- Create and implement targeted outreach and education opportunities for marine shoreline landowners and other relevant audiences (may include workshops, tours, etc.).
- Conduct site visits and generate technical assistance recommendations and reports as appropriate.
- Provide (or arrange for) technical assistance to advance Shore Friendly practices.
- Develop list of willing landowners and effective projects to improve shoreline habitats.
- Manage shoreline restoration projects through all phases, including initial site assessment, landowner relationship building, identifying and securing construction funding, and management of project design, permitting, construction, and postconstruction effectiveness monitoring.
- Represent and advocate for the Pierce Conservation District at groups such as the West Sound Partners for Ecosystem Recovery and other regional partnerships to advance the work of marine shoreline conservation and salmon recovery efforts.
- Maintain “Shore Friendly Pierce” website.
- Follow relevant procedures for procuring consultant and contractor services to support the Shore Friendly Pierce program and development of shoreline armor removal projects, as well as execute and manage contracts.
- Apply for grants, manage grant awards.
- Accurately track project budgets.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position will have a strong knowledge base of marine shoreline processes and Shore Friendly practices. We are looking for someone who is self-starting and able to work independently. They will be emotionally intelligent and enjoy working with others. They will have successful coalition-building and collaboration experience, and an ability to work with landowners and partners with integrity and nuance. They must be detail oriented and a strategic thinker.
The person in this position should also have:
- A Bachelor’s degree and/or previous work experience in marine science, restoration and/or shoreline ecology, salmon recovery strategies, geology, environmental science, or other relevant topics.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work productively with landowners and partners.
- Extensive restoration project development and management experience.
- Extensive experience applying for and managing grants.
- Experience with permitting processes and regulatory requirements for salmon restoration and/or marine shoreline restoration projects.
- Excellent time management and task prioritization abilities.
- Commitment to and passion for locally-led conservation and Puget Sound recovery.
- Ability to clearly communicate in writing.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office/Office 365 suite of software programs; experience with GIS.
Desired Skills
- Post-Bachelor’s degree and/or previous work experience in marine science, restoration and/or shoreline ecology, geology, environmental science, or other relevant topics.
- Advanced level of GIS competency.
- Understanding of public works project requirements.
- Relevant engineering or geotechnical experience, including but not limited to hiring and working with consultant teams to design restoration projects; overseeing restoration project bidding and awards; overseeing construction management etc.
- Familiarity with social marketing concepts, and experience developing education and outreach materials, passion for inspiring behavior change in private landowners that supports nearshore stewardship.
- Familiarity with current sea level rise science and implications to shoreline environments.
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
The Shorelines Program Manager will work in office, remote work, and outdoor environments, with frequent travel to site visits, meetings, and project locations. Conducting field work may expose the person in this position to typical hazards associated with various types of shoreline and outdoor environments. This is a full-time, non-exempt position consisting of 40 hours/week. Position will occasionally require some work on weekends or after regularly scheduled work hours.
Supplemental Information
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, non-exempt, permanent position with an Annual Salary Range of $73,772- $79,792 (Senior Program Manager, Step 1-3), dependent on qualifications.
Benefits
Benefits include 100% of premiums paid for medical/dental/vision insurance for you and your dependents, ORCA transit card, as well as accrued paid sick leave, annual leave, 12 paid holidays per year (including two personal holidays), and a training budget.
In lieu of Social Security, PCD participates in a FICA replacement plan through the State Department of Retirement Systems Deferred Compensation Program.
This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Council 2. The current Collective Bargaining Agreement can be found here.
Pierce Conservation District is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people of color and individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply for open positions.
To Apply:
Apply at: Click Here
First Review of Applications: September 19, 2025
Projected Interviews to Begin: September 23, 2025
Projected Start Date: October 15, 2025
Contact Information:
Heather Green
Habitat Improvement Program Director
C: 253.231.0252
HeatherG@piercecd.org
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.
We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.
Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.
Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.
Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.
Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.
To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.
Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.
Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.
The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.
Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.
Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.
Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.
Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.
Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.
Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.
Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.
Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.
Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with WAC 357-31-165(1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.
Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.
As provided in WAC 357-58-175, an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.
Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.
Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.
Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.
Additional Leave
- Leave Sharing
- Parental Leave
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
- Leave Without Pay
Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.
Updated 01-07-2026
See all OPT Marine Electrician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Marine Electrician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Marine Electrician roles typically fall under electrical or marine engineering SOC codes. Verify your degree program appears on the STEM OPT designated degree list before applying, since your 36-month extension eligibility depends entirely on that classification matching your employer's job.
Target defense and government shipyard contractors
Companies like Huntington Ingalls and BAE Systems hire marine electricians regularly and have established OPT hiring pipelines. Large defense contractors are more familiar with work authorization requirements than smaller marine service shops, making the sponsorship conversation considerably more straightforward from the start.
Get your TWIC card before you apply
A Transportation Worker Identification Credential is mandatory for unescorted access to secure port facilities. Applying early signals professional readiness to employers and removes a common onboarding bottleneck. Processing takes four to six weeks, so start your application before you begin interviewing for shipyard positions.
Frame your OPT timeline around project cycles
Shipyard projects run on multi-year contracts. When discussing your OPT status, connect your 36-month STEM window to the project duration your employer is hiring for. This reframes your authorization as an asset aligned with their work schedule rather than an administrative inconvenience worth avoiding.
Highlight relevant certifications prominently
OSHA 10 or 30, NFPA 70E electrical safety, and any marine classification society training significantly strengthen your application. Hiring managers in shipyards use certifications as a first filter. List them at the top of your resume, not buried in a separate section, to clear that screen immediately.
Apply to commercial shipyards alongside naval contractors
Cruise lines, ferry operators, and offshore energy companies also hire marine electricians and are often more flexible on visa status than defense contractors requiring security clearances. Spreading applications across both sectors improves your chances and gives you leverage when negotiating your start date and onboarding timeline.
Marine Electrician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Marine Electrician jobs qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but it depends on your degree field. Marine Electrician roles are commonly classified under SOC code 49-2096 (Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers) or adjacent electrical engineering codes. If your degree is in electrical engineering, marine engineering, or a related STEM field on the designated degree list, you'll likely qualify for the full 36-month extension. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Can I work on U.S. naval or military vessels as an OPT student?
Roles on active U.S. naval vessels typically require U.S. citizenship due to security clearance requirements. However, OPT students can work for private defense contractors at shipyards on naval construction and repair projects without a clearance, provided the specific role doesn't require classified access. Commercial shipyards and offshore platforms generally have no citizenship restrictions for marine electricians on OPT.
What happens to my OPT status if my shipyard contract ends before my authorization expires?
You have a 60-day unemployment grace period after your employment ends, during which you can search for a new position. On STEM OPT, you're also allowed up to 150 days of unemployment total across your entire extension period. Use that window actively. Migrate Mate lists Marine Electrician roles specifically open to OPT candidates, which can shorten your search significantly.
Do Marine Electrician employers need to file any immigration paperwork to hire me on OPT?
For standard OPT, the employer doesn't file anything with USCIS. Your EAD card covers your work authorization. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must enroll in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan (Form I-983) with your school. Most large shipyards already use E-Verify, so this is rarely an obstacle at established contractors.
Where can I find Marine Electrician jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT candidates, so you're not wasting time applying to roles where work authorization will disqualify you. Marine Electrician openings on Migrate Mate include shipyard positions, offshore platform roles, and commercial vessel contractors across major port cities including Seattle, Norfolk, Houston, and San Diego.