STEM OPT Electrical Engineer Jobs
Electrical Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in electrical engineering or a related CIP-coded field and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. That gives you up to 36 months of work authorization to build U.S. experience in power systems, embedded hardware, circuit design, or RF engineering.
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INTRODUCTION
Hargrove is hiring an Electrical Engineer I for an onsite role in Chickasaw, AL.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Generally responsible for performing routine to moderately complex electrical engineering assignments under the direction of a senior engineer or engineering manager. The Electrical Engineer I will support the design, development, and implementation of electrical systems for industrial projects while gaining hands-on experience in project execution, design standards, and client requirements. Work is performed with supervision and mentorship from experienced engineering professionals.
Primary Responsibilities Include but Are Not Limited To:
- Assist in the development of project scope, design criteria, and engineering deliverables.
- Participate in project planning, design reviews, and coordination meetings.
- Prepare electrical engineering calculations, analyses, and design documentation.
- Develop single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, equipment layouts, power distribution designs, and electrical installation details.
- Support the development of electrical equipment specifications for motors, motor control centers (MCCs), transformers, switchgear, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and related equipment.
- Perform electrical system studies including load calculations, voltage drop calculations, and short-circuit analysis.
- Assist with lighting system design and lighting level calculations.
- Coordinate electrical designs with process, mechanical, instrumentation, civil, and structural disciplines.
- Review vendor drawings and incorporate equipment information into project designs.
- Conduct field investigations, verify existing conditions, and assist with updating engineering drawings.
- Support the preparation of construction packages and technical documentation.
- Assist with construction support activities, commissioning efforts, and startup activities as required.
- Troubleshoot electrical system issues and provide engineering support during project execution.
- Ensure designs comply with applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and engineering best practices.
- Support project schedules, budgets, and quality objectives.
- Demonstrate a willingness to learn new technologies, design practices, and engineering tools.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Basic knowledge of the National Electrical Code (NEC).
- Understanding of industrial power distribution systems.
- Ability to perform electrical engineering calculations including load flow, voltage drop, and equipment sizing.
- Familiarity with low-voltage and medium-voltage electrical systems.
- Understanding of motors, motor control centers (MCCs), transformers, switchgear, and protective devices.
- Knowledge of grounding, lighting, and power system design principles.
- Ability to interpret electrical one-line diagrams, wiring diagrams, and schematics.
- Familiarity with electrical equipment specifications and vendor documentation.
- Understanding of electrical installation practices and construction methods.
- Ability to assist with equipment selection and specification development.
- Knowledge of engineering design workflows and coordination between disciplines.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet project deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work effectively in both office and industrial field environments.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
- Familiarity with AutoCAD, MicroStation, or other engineering design software.
- Exposure to power system analysis software is a plus.
- Familiarity with PLCs, HMIs, and industrial control systems is preferred.
- Ability to work independently while seeking guidance when needed.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety and quality.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods of time.
- Ability to perform field work in industrial facilities, including climbing stairs and traversing uneven surfaces when required.
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in operating facilities.
This position offers the opportunity to develop technical expertise while working alongside experienced engineers on a variety of industrial electrical projects. Successful candidates will gain exposure to design, commissioning, startup support, and project execution within a collaborative engineering environment.
HARGROVE CULTURE
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Electrical Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code maps to an approved STEM field, electrical engineering falls under CIP 14.1001. Your DSO confirms this in SEVIS before certifying your STEM OPT extension request.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask your recruiter for the company's E-Verify employer ID number before signing. Employers can also self-verify their enrollment status through the E-Verify portal. No E-Verify enrollment means no STEM OPT authorization, regardless of the role.
Use the OFLC Wage Search to negotiate pay
Look up the prevailing wage for Electrical Engineers in your target metro area using the OFLC Wage Search before salary discussions. Your I-983 training plan requires compensation at least equal to similarly situated U.S. workers, so knowing the benchmark protects you.
Target hardware-heavy roles for I-983 specificity
Electrical Engineer training plans are easiest to defend when the role involves documented technical milestones, PCB design cycles, firmware validation, or power systems commissioning. Roles with measurable deliverables give your DSO concrete learning objectives to put in the I-983.
Search Migrate Mate for E-Verify confirmed employers
Migrate Mate filters Electrical Engineer listings by employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and active DOL LCA filing history, so you're not wasting applications on companies that can't legally hire STEM OPT students.
File your STEM OPT application 90 days early
USCIS allows you to apply for the 24-month extension up to 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Filing late can create an authorization gap. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS before you submit Form I-765.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an electrical engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Electrical engineering degrees are listed under CIP code 14.1001, which is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Closely related fields such as computer engineering (CIP 14.0901) and electrical and electronics engineering technology (CIP 15.0303) also qualify. Your DSO verifies the CIP code in SEVIS when processing your extension recommendation.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension is approved and must remain enrolled throughout your entire authorization period. If the company is acquired or restructures, E-Verify enrollment must carry over to the new entity. USCIS can terminate a STEM OPT authorization if the employer's E-Verify participation lapses at any point during your employment.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an electrical engineer?
The I-983 must describe specific technical goals tied to your electrical engineering role, such as designing power conversion circuits, validating embedded firmware, or commissioning high-voltage systems. Goals need measurable outcomes and a realistic timeline. Your employer's supervisor signs the plan, and your DSO must certify it. USCIS or ICE can audit the plan, so vague or generic objectives are a compliance risk.
What happens to my work authorization if my H-1B is selected in the lottery?
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf and it's selected in the lottery with an October 1 start date, cap-gap protection extends your STEM OPT EAD automatically from April 1 through September 30. You can continue working as an electrical engineer without interruption during that window, as long as your employer maintains your status in good standing before the H-1B takes effect.
Where can I find electrical engineer jobs that sponsor STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists electrical engineer roles with employers that have confirmed E-Verify enrollment and active DOL Labor Condition Application filing history, so you can identify companies already familiar with STEM OPT hiring before you apply. Filtering by role and employer verification status saves significant time compared to researching each company's compliance status manually.