CPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Mechanical Engineer CPT roles let F-1 students apply thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and CAD skills in industry settings while earning academic credit. Your DSO must authorize CPT before you start work, and your offer letter must describe duties that directly connect to your degree program's learning objectives.

Find CPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs56+
Work Type96% On-site
Top LocationFort Lauderdale, FL
Most JobsBosch

Showing 5 of 56+ Mechanical Engineer jobs

HDR
Mechanical Engineering Intern
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HDR
New 18h ago
Mechanical Engineering Intern
HDR
Kansas City, Missouri
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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PACCAR
Facilities Mechanical Engineer / AutoCAD Design Intern
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PACCAR
Added 1d ago
Facilities Mechanical Engineer / AutoCAD Design Intern
PACCAR
Columbus, Mississippi
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Mechanical Engineering Intern
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Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Added 1d ago
Mechanical Engineering Intern
Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories
Pullman, Washington
Mechanical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$24 - $33/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Kimley-Horn
Mechanical Engineering Intern
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Kimley-Horn
Added 1d ago
Mechanical Engineering Intern
Kimley-Horn
Charlotte, North Carolina
Mechanical Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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Blue Bird Body Company
Intern, Mechanical Engineering
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Blue Bird Body Company
Added 5d ago
Intern, Mechanical Engineering
Blue Bird Body Company
Fort Valley, Georgia
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Mechanical Engineer CPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Does CPT work as a mechanical engineer count toward my OPT eligibility?

Part-time CPT, regardless of how many semesters you use it, doesn't affect your OPT. Full-time CPT used for 12 months or more eliminates your OPT eligibility entirely. If your mechanical engineering program structures co-ops as full-time rotations, track your cumulative full-time CPT days carefully with your DSO before accepting a third or fourth rotation.

Can I do CPT at a mechanical engineering firm that works on defense contracts?

Yes, but defense contractors frequently require security clearances or citizenship for certain project assignments. As an F-1 student, you're generally ineligible for a U.S. security clearance. Confirm with the employer which project teams are open to international students before accepting the offer, so your CPT authorization covers work you can actually perform.

How do I find mechanical engineering employers who understand CPT authorization?

Migrate Mate surfaces employers with verified work authorization hiring history in engineering fields, so you can focus outreach on companies already familiar with CPT paperwork. Targeting firms with established co-op programs at universities is another reliable signal, since those employers have typically processed DSO authorization letters before.

What engineering duties qualify as integral to a mechanical engineering curriculum for CPT?

DOL and USCIS don't define this directly for CPT; your school sets the standard. Duties that typically qualify include design and analysis using CAD tools, materials testing, thermodynamic modeling, manufacturing process engineering, and quality assurance work. Purely administrative or sales-support roles that don't apply core mechanical engineering coursework usually won't meet your DSO's curriculum integration standard.

Can a mechanical engineering CPT role lead to H-1B sponsorship after graduation?

CPT itself doesn't create a sponsorship commitment, but a strong co-op performance often does. Mechanical Engineer is a recognized specialty occupation under USCIS guidance, so employers can file an H-1B visa petition after you graduate and complete OPT. The H-1B cap-subject lottery runs each spring, with employment typically starting October 1 of that fiscal year.