Master Electrician Jobs for OPT Students
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 Master Electrician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 497+ 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 497+ 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 JobsCareer Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Your Work Shapes the World
Whether it be groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 100-year legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe. Why work for Caterpillar? We have amazing people!
As a Master Electrician licensed in the State of Minnesota, at Caterpillar, a key component of your role will be to safely perform the installation, maintenance and repairs of electrical equipment and building electrical power distribution systems.
What to Expect Day to Day:
As a plant Master Electrician, you will be responsible for putting safety first with a goal to prevent all injuries, occupational illnesses and safety incidents - a key priority. You will install electrical wiring and related equipment for all buildings and plant equipment per local and National Electric codes, and will perform electrical repairs on building electrical equipment, production machines and HVAC systems, and will oversee electrical preventative maintenance on building equipment and production machinery. You will read schematics, estimate material and parts for jobs and will electronically and manually maintain documentation for labor hour records, process work order and equipment documentation. Take initiative to identify, document, communicate and correct problems related to equipment discrepancies and recommend solutions. Coordinate and prioritize work to meet customer needs. As a CAT employee you will support team People, Quality, Velocity and Cost (PQVC) initiatives and daily activities. Work and interact effectively in a team environment in alignment with our Code of Conduct and Values in Action, while working with limited supervision. You may also perform other tasks as needed.
Resume submissions must include a complete relevant work history and detailed duties and experiences to be considered.
Required Minimum Qualifications
- Master Electrician License - State of Minnesota (must be current/valid)
- Industrial sector experience
Top Candidates Will Have (Preferred)
- One-year technical school training in electrical wiring
- Heavy crane equipment experience
- Experience with electrician tools and equipment including a VOM and Megger
- Ability to read schematics and write continuous improvement cards
- Ability to utilize computers for maintenance transactions
Additional Information:
Shift: First Shift; Day Hours: You will work 40-hour weeks with flexibility within the facility core schedule
Compensation: Grade L10; Hourly
Approximate starting range: Hourly Compensation + Quarterly Gain Sharing Bonus
Comprehensive Benefits: To include, vacation, paid time off, health and wellness benefits, health and dental
Location: Rogers, MN
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Operate overhead cranes, jib cranes and hoists. Lift up to 35 lbs frequently. Work at multiple heights. Climb on equipment, machines, ladders and various step stools. Stand for a minimum of 8 hour shifts with minimal breaks. Work in environment with frequently changing temperatures. Exposure to magnets that may impact medical devices. Kneel, squat, and crawl on knees. Work in awkward positions, including forward reach, lateral reach, squat, overhead reaching, twisting, and forward head and rotation of neck. Work in tight spaces. Repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, rotating. Use of fine motor skills. Use of hand tools including wrenches, air tools, drills, cutters, tie wrap guns, pneumatic, vibratory, etc. Includes ability to pull manual torque tools to torque requirements (at least 250 Newton meters or 185 foot pounds). Required Personal Protective Equipment: hearing protection, safety glasses, steel toed/metatarsal foot gear, and as needed dust masks.
Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website.
Summary Pay Range:
$35.70 - $46.36. Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
- 401(k) savings plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Health Lifestyle Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
- Career Development
- Incentive bonus
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
March 20, 2026 - April 2, 2026. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
Operations
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Your Work Shapes the World
Whether it be groundbreaking products, best in class solutions or creating a lifelong career, you can do the work that matters at Caterpillar. With a 100-year legacy of quality and innovation and 150 locations in countries around the world, your impact spans the globe. Why work for Caterpillar? We have amazing people!
As a Master Electrician licensed in the State of Minnesota, at Caterpillar, a key component of your role will be to safely perform the installation, maintenance and repairs of electrical equipment and building electrical power distribution systems.
What to Expect Day to Day:
As a plant Master Electrician, you will be responsible for putting safety first with a goal to prevent all injuries, occupational illnesses and safety incidents - a key priority. You will install electrical wiring and related equipment for all buildings and plant equipment per local and National Electric codes, and will perform electrical repairs on building electrical equipment, production machines and HVAC systems, and will oversee electrical preventative maintenance on building equipment and production machinery. You will read schematics, estimate material and parts for jobs and will electronically and manually maintain documentation for labor hour records, process work order and equipment documentation. Take initiative to identify, document, communicate and correct problems related to equipment discrepancies and recommend solutions. Coordinate and prioritize work to meet customer needs. As a CAT employee you will support team People, Quality, Velocity and Cost (PQVC) initiatives and daily activities. Work and interact effectively in a team environment in alignment with our Code of Conduct and Values in Action, while working with limited supervision. You may also perform other tasks as needed.
Resume submissions must include a complete relevant work history and detailed duties and experiences to be considered.
Required Minimum Qualifications
- Master Electrician License - State of Minnesota (must be current/valid)
- Industrial sector experience
Top Candidates Will Have (Preferred)
- One-year technical school training in electrical wiring
- Heavy crane equipment experience
- Experience with electrician tools and equipment including a VOM and Megger
- Ability to read schematics and write continuous improvement cards
- Ability to utilize computers for maintenance transactions
Additional Information:
Shift: First Shift; Day Hours: You will work 40-hour weeks with flexibility within the facility core schedule
Compensation: Grade L10; Hourly
Approximate starting range: Hourly Compensation + Quarterly Gain Sharing Bonus
Comprehensive Benefits: To include, vacation, paid time off, health and wellness benefits, health and dental
Location: Rogers, MN
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
Operate overhead cranes, jib cranes and hoists. Lift up to 35 lbs frequently. Work at multiple heights. Climb on equipment, machines, ladders and various step stools. Stand for a minimum of 8 hour shifts with minimal breaks. Work in environment with frequently changing temperatures. Exposure to magnets that may impact medical devices. Kneel, squat, and crawl on knees. Work in awkward positions, including forward reach, lateral reach, squat, overhead reaching, twisting, and forward head and rotation of neck. Work in tight spaces. Repetitive grasping, pushing, pulling, rotating. Use of fine motor skills. Use of hand tools including wrenches, air tools, drills, cutters, tie wrap guns, pneumatic, vibratory, etc. Includes ability to pull manual torque tools to torque requirements (at least 250 Newton meters or 185 foot pounds). Required Personal Protective Equipment: hearing protection, safety glasses, steel toed/metatarsal foot gear, and as needed dust masks.
Relocation assistance is not available for this position.
This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S. which can be found through our employment website.
Summary Pay Range:
$35.70 - $46.36. Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)
- 401(k) savings plans
- Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
- Health Lifestyle Programs
- Employee Assistance Program
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts
- Career Development
- Incentive bonus
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
Posting Dates:
March 20, 2026 - April 2, 2026. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
How to Get Visa 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 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Master Electrician JobsSee all 497+ 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 JobsFrequently 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.
See which Master Electrician employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Master Electrician Jobs