Garmin OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Garmin hires OPT students across engineering, software development, and product roles, making it a practical target for F-1 graduates in technical fields. Known for its hardware-software integration work in navigation and wearables, Garmin offers a clear path from OPT employment toward H-1B visa sponsorship for high-performing hires.
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Overview:
We are seeking a full-time Electronics Technician (2nd Shift) in our Olathe, KS location. In this role, you will be responsible for applying electronic theory, electrical testing procedures and related knowledge to lay-out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, overhaul and modify developmental, production and customer returned Garmin product and electronic equipment.
Responsibilities:
Essential Functions:
- Trace circuits of defective units, using knowledge of electronic theory and electronic test equipment to locate defects and repair electronics to the component level
- Discuss layout and assembly problems with an Electronics Engineer, Process Engineer and management to clarify design details, functional criteria and issues encountered while repairing product
- Recommend changes in circuitry or installation specifications to improve assembly, maintenance, test method or product performance
- Inspect, analyze and interpret test data
- Inspect, adjust, calibrate, align and modify circuitry and components and record effects on unit performance to repair units
- Record test/alignment procedures and results, defects, repair history, numerical and graphical data
- Evaluate equipment and processes to ensure personnel safety
- Assemble experimental circuitry (breadboard) or complete prototype model according to engineering instructions, technical manuals and knowledge of electronic systems and components and their functions
- Compliance with HRD-0003 (Non-Exempt Attendance Policy)
- Must possess the ability to lift up to 25 pounds while using safe lifting techniques
- Cleanliness zone area requirements: This position requires Garmin provided personal protective equipment including SD shoes (Static Dissipative Footwear) to be always worn for an entire shift to minimize the risk of electrostatic discharge (ESD) and meet specified standards
- Compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s Degree in Electronics Technology OR Vocational Certification in Electronics Technology OR a substantially related field of Military training OR a minimum of 80 hours towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics Technology or a related field OR Electronic Technician Certification (International Society of Certified Electronic Technicians (ISCET) OR Electronic Technicians Associate International (ETA-I)
- Demonstrated electronics knowledge, troubleshooting or testing
- Demonstrated strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Must be team-oriented, possess a positive attitude and work well with others
- Must possess the ability to lift up to 25 pounds while using safe lifting techniques
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- 2+ years related Electronics Technician or Engineering Technician experience
Garmin International is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran’s status, age or disability.
This position is eligible for Garmin's benefit program. Details can be found here: Garmin Benefits
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Garmin OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target Garmin's embedded systems teams
Garmin's manufacturing roots mean its strongest OPT hiring sits in embedded software, electrical engineering, and firmware roles rather than pure IT. Tailor your resume to hardware-software integration projects and highlight any experience with real-time operating systems or sensor development to match what their teams actually build.
Verify your STEM OPT extension eligibility early
If your degree is in engineering, computer science, or a STEM-designated field, you qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after standard OPT ends. Garmin participates in E-Verify, which is the employer requirement USCIS needs before your DSO can authorize the extension, so confirm this before accepting an offer.
Check prevailing wages before salary negotiations
Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up wage levels for your specific occupation code in Garmin's Kansas City or Olathe, Kansas locations. Manufacturing-sector engineering roles often sit at Level II or III, and knowing where your offer lands tells you how competitive your compensation package is before you sign.
Map your occupation code using O*NET
Garmin's job titles vary across divisions, and your occupation code directly affects STEM OPT eligibility and future H-1B specialty occupation arguments. Use O*NET to match your actual job duties to the correct SOC code, then cross-reference it against the STEM OPT STEM Designated Degree Program list before your start date.
Search Garmin's verified OPT-hiring history on Migrate Mate
Before applying, use Migrate Mate to review Garmin's H-1B and employment-based filing history by role and location. This shows you which job families Garmin has consistently sponsored for visa transitions, helping you target applications toward positions with a demonstrated path beyond your initial OPT authorization period.
Start H-1B transition conversations before OPT expires
Garmin's HR teams manage H-1B cap-subject filings on the federal October 1 start date cycle, which means your petition must be filed in March for work starting six months later. Raise the transition timeline with your manager by month ten of OPT so your employer can engage their immigration counsel before the registration window opens.
Garmin OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Garmin sponsor OPT visas?
Garmin doesn't sponsor OPT itself because OPT is work authorization USCIS grants directly to F-1 students, not something employers file for. What Garmin does is hire students who already hold an OPT EAD. The company is enrolled in E-Verify, which satisfies the employer-side requirement for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Which departments at Garmin typically hire OPT students?
Garmin's strongest OPT hiring concentrates in engineering disciplines tied to its core products: firmware and embedded software, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software development for navigation and fitness platforms. Product management and data analytics roles appear on a more selective basis. Manufacturing operations roles exist but typically require on-site availability at specific facilities.
How do I apply for an OPT position at Garmin?
Apply through Garmin's careers portal and disclose your OPT authorization status when prompted. You'll need a valid EAD before your start date. Garmin's recruiting teams are familiar with OPT timelines, but you should proactively confirm your authorization end date with your recruiter early in the process to avoid delays in onboarding paperwork and I-9 completion.
How do I plan for the H-1B transition after OPT at Garmin?
H-1B registration opens each March for an October 1 start date, so your petition window is fixed. If your OPT ends before October 1, the cap-gap rule extends your work authorization automatically if you're in a timely-filed period. Raise the sponsorship conversation with your manager well before registration opens. Use Migrate Mate to review Garmin's H-1B filing history by role to set realistic expectations.
Does Garmin support STEM OPT extension for engineering roles?
Yes. Garmin's E-Verify enrollment satisfies the employer requirement that USCIS sets for STEM OPT extensions. If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field and your role maps to an eligible SOC code, your DSO can authorize the 24-month extension before your initial OPT period ends. Confirm your job's SOC code matches the STEM Designated Degree Program list before filing.
How does Garmin hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Garmin can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check Garmin's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.