Energy OPT Jobs in Wisconsin
Energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Wisconsin are concentrated around utilities, renewable energy developers, and engineering firms operating across the state. Major employers like Alliant Energy, WEC Energy Group, and Xcel Energy have recruited international talent in Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, making Wisconsin a workable market for OPT holders in power systems, grid engineering, and energy analysis roles.
Find Energy JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 21+ Energy OPT Jobs in Wisconsin










See all Energy OPT Jobs in Wisconsin
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Energy OPT Jobs in Wisconsin.
Get Access To All Jobs
Position Description
The Weld Engineer II provides input on weldment design standards, drawing reviews, and fabrication requirements for metal buildings or other structures. This role supports manufacturability, structural integrity, and compliance with applicable welding.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Weldment Design Drafting Standards
- Direct the development of weldment drawings and design documents for metal buildings and other structural assemblies
- Provide input on weldment drawing practices, welding symbol conventions, and SPS drafting standards across product lines
- Review, markup weldment drawings to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with applicable standards and best practices
- Provide technical guidance and training to engineering and drafting personnel on welding symbols, drawing standards, and best practices
Design Review Manufacturability
- Evaluate weldment designs for manufacturability, fabrication efficiency, structural integrity, and intended use
- Review in-house and outsourced weldments to identify potential design, fabrication, and quality concerns
Structural Code Compliance
- Support structural design and code compliance for prefabricated metal electrical control buildings and related structures
- Evaluate structural designs for durability, safety, and compliance with applicable building codes and engineering standards
- Support structural analysis and design verification activities, including finite element analysis, as needed
Quality Technical Support
- Assist Quality Assurance with building, component, and weld inspections, including coordination of third-party inspections as needed
Performs additional duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills Abilities
Required
- Strong knowledge of welding symbols, welding drawing conventions, and proper drafting practices
- Ability to interpret, review, and markup engineering drawings, construction documents, and technical specifications
- Ability to apply problem-solving skills to investigate design issues and develop effective solutions
- Strong technical writing and documentation skills
- Effective interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing project needs
- Ability to collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and external partners to resolve technical issues
Preferred
- Knowledge of structural design principles, weldment design, and finite element analysis
- Knowledge of building and engineering standards, including AWS
- Knowledge of welding processes, heavy fabrication, and sheet metal manufacturing
- Heavy welding and/or sheet metal fabrication experience preferred
- Ability to train and mentor others in welding standards, drawing practices, and technical requirements
- Knowledge of Solidworks 3D CAD software
Qualifications Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Structural, or Mechanical Engineering preferably with an emphasis in structural design, welding, or code compliance preferred. In lieu of degree, at least 5 years of relevant engineering or design experience is required. Experience with structural design, weldment drawings, fabrication, or code compliance preferred.
Travel
None
Physical Demands and Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; talk and hear. The employee regularly is required to walk and reach with hands. The employee is frequently required to sit and rarely required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Employee uses computer keyboards often. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employee views computer monitor often.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts. The employee is rarely exposed to airborne particles or chemical agents. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.
Switchgear Power Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin.
OPT Energy Job Roles in Wisconsin
See all Energy OPT Jobs in Wisconsin
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Energy Jobs in WisconsinEnergy OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
Which energy companies in Wisconsin sponsor F-1 OPT visas?
Wisconsin-based utilities and energy companies with a history of hiring international graduates include WEC Energy Group, Alliant Energy, and Xcel Energy's Wisconsin operations. Engineering and consulting firms supporting grid modernization and renewable projects, such as Burns & McDonnell and POWER Engineers, also recruit OPT holders for technical roles. Sponsorship practices vary by company and hiring cycle, so confirming directly with recruiters is important.
Which cities in Wisconsin have the most energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Milwaukee is the strongest market, home to WEC Energy Group's headquarters and several energy engineering consultancies. Madison sees demand driven by the University of Wisconsin research ecosystem and state energy agency activity. Green Bay and Wausau have smaller but active markets tied to regional utility operations. Candidates open to multiple Wisconsin cities will generally find more opportunities than those targeting a single location.
What types of energy roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Wisconsin?
Roles in electrical engineering, power systems analysis, energy data analytics, renewable energy project development, and grid operations engineering are the most common qualifying positions under F-1 OPT. These positions typically require a bachelor's or advanced degree directly related to the work performed, which satisfies the STEM OPT requirement when applicable. General operational or administrative energy roles are less likely to qualify for STEM OPT extension.
How do I find energy F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Wisconsin?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry, so you can search directly for energy roles in Wisconsin without sorting through positions that don't offer sponsorship. Beyond Migrate Mate, connecting with the career centers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison or Milwaukee School of Engineering can surface employer relationships specific to Wisconsin's energy sector.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 OPT holders pursuing energy jobs in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin's energy sector is heavily regulated at the state level through the Public Service Commission, and many utility roles involve working on critical infrastructure, which can introduce background check requirements that affect hiring timelines for international candidates. Wisconsin also has an active renewable portfolio standard driving wind and solar development, which creates project-based hiring that may not always align with OPT authorization windows. Confirming your OPT start and end dates with your DSO before accepting any offer is important.