OPT Master Electrician Jobs
Master Electrician jobs on OPT require valid state licensure, which most F-1 students won't hold on arrival. Most employers hire you into an electrician or electrical engineer role while you work toward licensure. STEM OPT extension applies if your degree is in electrical engineering or a related field, giving you up to three years of work authorization.
See All OPT Master Electrician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 263+ Master Electrician jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 263+ Master Electrician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Master Electrician roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
INTRODUCTION
A class incumbent is involved in advanced electrical work installing, repairing and maintaining electrical equipment and systems in various structures throughout the state; has credentials to certify installation according to national standards; and carries out preventative maintenance, HVAC maintenance and repair, and/or restoration activities in one or more of the traditional trades fields.
Essential Functions
Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
- Installs/inspects installation of new or upgrading of existing electrical current or services for power to supply lighting, air conditioning, heating and refrigeration systems.
- Operates voltage testers, and ampmeters, industrial circuit testers, screw gauges, wiring pliers, neon circuit testers, and related testing devices and restores and repairs electrical equipment.
- Installs new wiring, maintains existing wiring, maintenance of electric generators, emergency light system, fire alarm system, electrical transformer, installation of new computers and signal wiring and inspect, repair and maintain all safety and emergency equipment to ensure life support to all facilities.
- Installs conduit and wire moldings for electrical wires; installs and replaces fuses and switches; tests and adjusts electrical contacts on equipment.
- Locates and corrects power failures and short circuits.
- Interprets blueprints, diagrams and layouts.
- Estimates cost and time of projects.
- Maintains, repairs and replaces transformers used for electrical power.
- Oversees the work of skilled, semi-skilled maintenance, labor and inmate work force in performing specific assignments or in a training situation.
- Maintains security of all tools, supplies, equipment and assigned inmates, participates in cell, building and grounds searches for contraband, weapons and escapees as required.
- Carries out preventative maintenance, HVAC maintenance and repair, and/or restoration activities in one or more of the traditional trades fields.
JOB REQUIREMENTS for CO/Physical Plant Maintenance Master Electrician
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:
- Possession of a Delaware Master Electrician license OR possession of a Master Electrician license from another state which meets Delaware license requirements or equivalent requirements as determined by the State Board of Electrical Examiners.
- Six months experience in performing work in a variety of trades fields such as plumbing, carpentry, painting or HVAC.
- Six months experience in record keeping.
- Six months experience in interpreting blueprints, schematics or technical drawings.
- Six months experience in estimating cost, time and materials for projects.
- Possession of a valid Driver’s License (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Additional Posting Information
Selected incumbent's annual base starting salary is $53,807.00. The Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) program is approved by the Veterans Administration of Delaware State Approving Authority for the training of Veterans. Upon successful completion of the Correctional Employee Initial Training (CEIT) course, and after being assigned to a facility, the salary will increase to $76,143.78. Additionally, the incumbent will be eligible for a 5% shift differential if he/she works four or more hours between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.
DOC Special Requirement: Prior to institutional assignment, candidates must successfully complete all phases of an eleven-week Correctional Officer Basic Course. This course is administered by the Department of Correction at the Employee Development Center. Coursework includes physical, classroom and hands-on training. Instruction is provided in the areas of inmate supervision, defensive tactics, riot control, weapons, report writing and emergency medical training.
Employees in a Correctional Officer (CO) series position will be eligible to retire under the provisions of HB363 if, at the time of retirement, they have completed twenty-five (25) years of pension creditable State service, and with at least twenty (20) of those years of pension creditable service as a CO series classified position.
Conditions of Hire
As a condition of hire, applicants for this position must possess a Delaware Master Electrician License. If you possess a Master Electrician license from another state which meets Delaware license requirements or equivalent requirements as determined by the State Board of Electrical Examiners, you must agree as a requirement of employment to possess a Delaware Master Electrician License within 90 days of employment.
DOC: For admission to the State of Delaware Department of Correction Academy applicants who are made a conditional offer of employment shall be required to successfully complete a criminal background check, physical ability test to demonstrate fitness for duty, an approved psychological examination, pre-employment drug test and medical examination. The recruiting agency requires the applicant to pay for the medical examination as part of the conditional offer of hire.
This position is a classification organized under an exclusive bargaining representative (labor organization) that has been elected by employees as their representative for collective bargaining and other applicable terms and conditions of employment, in accordance with Title 29, Chapter 59 and Title 19, Chapter 13 and 16. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement based on its individual terms.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The State of Delaware Executive Branch participates in the Federal E-Verify system where the State will provide the federal government with each new hire's Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information refer to our job seeker resources.
Upon a conditional offer, the applicant must undergo a pre-employment base line two step tuberculin skin test (TST) as part of the hiring process.
As a condition of hire you must possess a valid driver's license (not suspended, revoked or cancelled, or disqualified from driving).
Writing Exercise: A writing exercise will be given at the time of interview.
Benefits
To learn more about the comprehensive benefit package please visit our website at https://dhr.delaware.gov/benefits/
Selection Process
The application and supplemental questionnaire are evaluated based upon a rating of your education, training and experience as they relate to the job requirements of the position. It is essential that you provide complete and accurate information on your application and the supplemental questionnaire to include dates of employment, job title and job duties. For education and training, list name of educational provider, training course titles and summary of course content. Narrative information supplied in response to the questions must be supported by the information supplied on the application including your employment, education and training history as it relates to the job requirements.
Once you have submitted your application online, all future correspondence related to your application will be sent via email. Please keep your contact information current. You may also view all correspondence sent to you by the State of Delaware in the “My Applications” tab at StateJobs.Delaware.gov.
Accommodations
Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities in all phases of the application and employment process.
Individuals who use TDD may request auxiliary aid or service by calling (800) 232-5470 or by visiting delawarerelay.com.
If you need assistance with an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or general applicant support, you may call (302) 739-5458 or email jobs@delaware.gov.
The State of Delaware is an Equal Opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage and seek out a workforce representative of Delaware including race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
See all 263+ OPT Master Electrician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Master Electrician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Master Electrician
Clarify your licensure status upfront
Most states require a Master Electrician license before you can hold that title. Be transparent with employers about where you are in the licensing process. Many will hire you at a journeyman or engineer level while you complete the requirements.
Target employers who hire for electrical engineering roles
Companies with dedicated electrical engineering departments often sponsor OPT students into roles that overlap with master electrician work. Construction firms, utilities, and industrial manufacturers are your strongest targets. These employers understand work authorization better than small electrical contractors.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Electrical Engineering and related programs typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you three years total. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying. This significantly increases your appeal to employers considering long-term hiring.
Track your OPT start date against licensing timelines
State Master Electrician licenses require years of documented work experience. Map out when your OPT ends relative to when you could realistically obtain licensure. This helps you prioritize employers who offer H-1B visa sponsorship before your authorization expires.
Research state-specific licensing reciprocity
Some states offer reciprocity agreements that recognize licenses from other states or countries. If you hold an equivalent qualification from your home country, this can shorten your path to U.S. licensure. Check with your target state's licensing board directly.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship early in the process
OPT has a hard end date, so raise H-1B sponsorship in later-stage interviews before accepting an offer. Employers with established immigration processes are far more likely to support you through the transition. Small contractors rarely have this infrastructure in place.
Master Electrician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Master Electrician on OPT?
You can work in electrical roles on OPT, but holding the Master Electrician title usually requires a state license you won't have as a new graduate. Most F-1 students enter the field as apprentice electricians, journeyman electricians, or electrical engineers, then work toward licensure. Your OPT authorization covers the work experience needed to qualify for the license exam.
Does an Electrical Engineering degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Electrical Engineering degrees are on the STEM designated degree program list, making graduates eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial 12-month OPT period. That gives you up to three years of work authorization in total. Your university's DSO can confirm your specific CIP code and walk you through the extension application process.
What types of employers sponsor OPT students for electrician-related roles?
Large construction firms, utility companies, government contractors, and industrial manufacturers are the most likely to sponsor OPT students in electrical roles. These employers have HR teams familiar with work authorization and are more likely to support H-1B sponsorship when your OPT ends. Small residential electrical contractors rarely have immigration sponsorship infrastructure. Browse Migrate Mate to find employers actively hiring OPT students in electrical fields.
How does state licensing affect my OPT job search as an electrician?
State Master Electrician licenses require documented hours of hands-on experience, often four to eight years depending on the state, plus a written exam. Your OPT work experience counts toward those hours. Targeting employers who will document your hours formally is important if you plan to pursue licensure. Prioritizing states with shorter experience requirements or reciprocity agreements can also improve your timeline.
What happens to my work authorization if my OPT ends before I get H-1B sponsorship?
If your OPT expires without a new status in place, you lose work authorization and enter a 60-day grace period to depart or change status. This is why raising H-1B sponsorship early in the hiring process matters. Employers who file an H-1B petition before the April 1 filing deadline can cap-gap your status through September 30, keeping you authorized through the transition.