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 23+ 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
INTRODUCTION
Are you looking for an exciting job where you can put your skills and talents to work at a company you can feel proud to be a part of? Do you want a workplace that will challenge you and offer you opportunities to learn and grow? A position at Xcel Energy could be just what you’re looking for.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
We anticipate the need of one or more Apprentice Relay Technician(s) to be located at the Black Avenue Service Center in Eau Claire, WI. In this position, you will be responsible for maintaining, repairing, testing, inspecting and calibrating control and relaying systems for plant and substation equipment throughout Xcel Energy and customer facilities. The person filling this position must be self-motivated, work well with others, and possess a positive attitude and commitment to work safely, provide quality customer service, create customer satisfaction and to work productively.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High school graduate or equivalent.
- Associate degree in electronics/electrical theory, or equivalent education/knowledge.
- Valid driver's license.
- Ability to use electrical and electronic measuring devices.
- Commitment to successful participation and advancement in apprenticeship program.
- Must be committed to working safely and compliance with all company safety rules.
- Must have good communication and teamwork skills.
- Must have basic computer literacy and proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
- Participation in after-hour emergency callouts in all kinds of weather conditions.
- Working outdoors and indoors, to include in a plant environment.
- Willing to travel and occasionally work away from home.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
- Thorough knowledge of electrical, electronic and solid-state theory, programmable devices, computer systems and related input and output devices.
- Familiarity with control circuits and able to demonstrate ability to read relay control, solid state systems and one-line drawings.
- Must be of adequate physical stature to perform routine physical labor associated with this position, including but not limited to: lifting, carrying, climbing, working in confined spaces, kneeling, and reaching.
- Must be able to work in confined spaces and varying climatic conditions, includes working at elevated heights from scaffolding and floor grating.
- Must reside within 20-mile radius of the Black Avenue Service Center.
COMPENSATION
The starting base Journeyman pay for this position is $65.55 hourly. The anticipated starting base pay for this position is: $39.33 to $62.27 per hour. Pay may also be adjusted in conformity with union contract, but in no case will it be less than the negotiated step minimum. Minimum apprentice pay levels as a percentage of base Journeyman Lineman pay:
1st Step: 60%
2nd Step: 65%
3rd Step: 70%
4th Step: 75%
5th Step: 80%
6th Step: 85%
7th Step: 90%
8th Step: 95%
This position is eligible for the following benefits: Medical/Pharmacy Plan, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Dependent Care Reimbursement Account, Health Care Reimbursement Account, Health Savings Account (HSA) (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Limited-Purpose FSA (if enrolled in eligible health plan and HSA), Short-term disability (STD), Long-term disability (LTD), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Fitness Center Reimbursement (if enrolled in eligible health plan), Tuition reimbursement, Transit programs, Employee recognition program, Pension, 401(k) plan, Vacation, Holidays, Additional days off, Sick Time, Volunteer Paid Time Off (VPTO). Benefit plans are subject to change and Xcel Energy has the right to end, suspend, or amend any of its plans, at any time, in whole or in part.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Individuals with a disability who need an accommodation to apply please contact us at recruiting@xcelenergy.com.
Deadline to Apply: 10/02/26
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
Xcel Energy endeavors to make https://www.xcelenergy.com/ accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Xcel Energy Talent Acquisition at recruiting@xcelenergy.com. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
All Xcel Energy employees and contractors share responsibility for protecting the company's information and systems by adhering to cybersecurity policies, standards, and best practices, recognizing that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.
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.