Assembly Technician Jobs for OPT Students
Assembly Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or mechatronics. Most roles qualify under STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing regularly hire OPT candidates for hands-on production and quality roles.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB PURPOSE:
Responsible for building and testing electro-mechanical and optical equipment to meet specifications, timelines, and cost targets, following documented instructions with minimal supervision. Work includes production, customer returns, engineering development, data collection, and testing activities.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills down to the component level, proficiency with hand and automated tools, and experience in setup, calibration, and test equipment operation. Additionally, this role contributes to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing quality, reducing cost, and improving delivery performance.
LOCATION:
Manassas, VA (Onsite)
WHY NIKON METROLOGY?
You would be joining a global company and becoming part of the future, giving you the opportunity to enter a career where you can help to shape and define innovation.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Will include, but not limited to the following:
- To carry out fitting, assembly and testing of electro/mechanical/optical products.
- Perform programming and testing of electronic circuit boards.
- Diagnostic troubleshooting, rework/repair of non-conforming manufactured products and production equipment.
- Electro/Mechanical assembly, alignment and testing.
- Checking material kits are complete and in line with bills of material.
- Complete associated documents and paperwork.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, electronic schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Quality inspection of own work and the work of others to processes and standards.
- Maintain a clean, tidy and organized work area.
- Keeps supervisor appraised of all unresolved and/or potential problems and work interruptions that will negatively affect daily, weekly and monthly production schedules.
- Provides support to Production Supervisor on all production assignments and may work in other departments as necessary.
- Must adhere to ESD, Laser, general manufacturing, and Health & Safety requirements specifically in regard to laser light.
Ancillary responsibilities
- Liaise with other departments to ensure a smooth production process.
- Present any production improvement ideas which could improve the process using agreed methods.
- Provide solutions where possible for problems found in day to day tasks & prevent them occurring in the future.
- May be requested to assist in other job duties as required within the facility.
- Working overtime as requested by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- 2 year technical diploma or degree with 4 years of experience, or
- Related military training and 4 years of experience, or
- 8 plus years of on-the-job training and experience.
Desirable
- Technical B.S. degree is a plus.
- Experience in Metrology and/or LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
- Experience with military crimp connectors.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to recommend quality, productivity and cost reduction improvements.
- Ability to cross train.
- Ability to read & understand engineering drawings & electronic schematics.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to learn and capably use specialized manufacturing and engineering applications software.
- Ability to work in an environment where Six-Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Leadership, Kaizen, and 5S tools and techniques, are constantly applied to obtain quality and productivity improvements and to reduce all costs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Work within static-controlled or other regulated environments as required.
- Handle and use cleaning agents.
HOW WE TAKE CARE OF OUR TEAM
CULTURE SPIRIT
Work as a Team, Act as a Family! We believe in bringing our team members together in a diverse and friendly company atmosphere to celebrate and socialize, to inspire each other and keep our community strong and close inside and out of the office.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
We want you to grow with us and be the best version of yourself, which is why we offer competitive compensation, training/advancement opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
AMAZING MEDICAL BENEFITS & PERKS
We’ll take care of you with industry leading medical, dental, vision plans and many more benefits that allow us and you to continue to be AMAZING!
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin or because he or she is an individual with a disability or disabled veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or therein after referred collectively as “protected veterans”.
JOB PURPOSE:
Responsible for building and testing electro-mechanical and optical equipment to meet specifications, timelines, and cost targets, following documented instructions with minimal supervision. Work includes production, customer returns, engineering development, data collection, and testing activities.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills down to the component level, proficiency with hand and automated tools, and experience in setup, calibration, and test equipment operation. Additionally, this role contributes to continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing quality, reducing cost, and improving delivery performance.
LOCATION:
Manassas, VA (Onsite)
WHY NIKON METROLOGY?
You would be joining a global company and becoming part of the future, giving you the opportunity to enter a career where you can help to shape and define innovation.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Will include, but not limited to the following:
- To carry out fitting, assembly and testing of electro/mechanical/optical products.
- Perform programming and testing of electronic circuit boards.
- Diagnostic troubleshooting, rework/repair of non-conforming manufactured products and production equipment.
- Electro/Mechanical assembly, alignment and testing.
- Checking material kits are complete and in line with bills of material.
- Complete associated documents and paperwork.
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, electronic schematics and wiring diagrams.
- Quality inspection of own work and the work of others to processes and standards.
- Maintain a clean, tidy and organized work area.
- Keeps supervisor appraised of all unresolved and/or potential problems and work interruptions that will negatively affect daily, weekly and monthly production schedules.
- Provides support to Production Supervisor on all production assignments and may work in other departments as necessary.
- Must adhere to ESD, Laser, general manufacturing, and Health & Safety requirements specifically in regard to laser light.
Ancillary responsibilities
- Liaise with other departments to ensure a smooth production process.
- Present any production improvement ideas which could improve the process using agreed methods.
- Provide solutions where possible for problems found in day to day tasks & prevent them occurring in the future.
- May be requested to assist in other job duties as required within the facility.
- Working overtime as requested by supervisor.
QUALIFICATIONS
Essential
- 2 year technical diploma or degree with 4 years of experience, or
- Related military training and 4 years of experience, or
- 8 plus years of on-the-job training and experience.
Desirable
- Technical B.S. degree is a plus.
- Experience in Metrology and/or LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging).
- Experience with military crimp connectors.
FUNCTIONAL COMPETENCIES
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a team environment.
- Ability to recommend quality, productivity and cost reduction improvements.
- Ability to cross train.
- Ability to read & understand engineering drawings & electronic schematics.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to learn and capably use specialized manufacturing and engineering applications software.
- Ability to work in an environment where Six-Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Total Quality Leadership, Kaizen, and 5S tools and techniques, are constantly applied to obtain quality and productivity improvements and to reduce all costs.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Work within static-controlled or other regulated environments as required.
- Handle and use cleaning agents.
HOW WE TAKE CARE OF OUR TEAM
CULTURE SPIRIT
Work as a Team, Act as a Family! We believe in bringing our team members together in a diverse and friendly company atmosphere to celebrate and socialize, to inspire each other and keep our community strong and close inside and out of the office.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
We want you to grow with us and be the best version of yourself, which is why we offer competitive compensation, training/advancement opportunities and tuition reimbursement.
AMAZING MEDICAL BENEFITS & PERKS
We’ll take care of you with industry leading medical, dental, vision plans and many more benefits that allow us and you to continue to be AMAZING!
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin or because he or she is an individual with a disability or disabled veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran, recently separated veteran, or active-duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or therein after referred collectively as “protected veterans”.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Assembly Technician
Confirm your degree supports the role
Assembly Technician positions typically require a degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or a related field. Before applying, verify your degree field aligns with the role so your OPT authorization holds up if USCIS or the employer reviews your status.
Target STEM-designated programs early
If your degree is STEM-designated, you're eligible for a 24-month OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months. Prioritize employers willing to file the E-Verify enrollment required for STEM OPT before your standard authorization period expires.
Highlight hands-on technical training
Assembly employers value documented experience with tools, equipment, and production processes. List any lab work, internships, or capstone projects involving electronics assembly, precision measurement, or quality inspection to strengthen your application and show practical readiness.
Understand your reporting obligations
OPT students must report employer changes to their DSO within 10 days. For Assembly Technician roles, also confirm the position is directly related to your field of study before accepting an offer, as unrelated work can jeopardize your OPT status.
Ask about E-Verify enrollment upfront
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Raise this early in the interview process, not after receiving an offer. Most large manufacturers are already enrolled, but smaller contract manufacturers may not be.
Use your OPT period to build toward H-1B sponsorship
Assembly Technician roles at larger manufacturers often lead to H-1B sponsorship for candidates who demonstrate strong performance. Use your OPT period to build a track record and have a direct conversation with HR about long-term sponsorship timelines.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Assembly Technician jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
They can, but it depends on your degree. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or mechatronics, and the Assembly Technician role directly applies that knowledge, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO before applying.
How do I know if an Assembly Technician role is directly related to my degree?
USCIS requires OPT employment to be directly related to your major field of study. For Assembly Technician positions, this means your role should involve applying engineering principles, quality systems, or technical knowledge from your degree program. Roles focused purely on manual labor with no connection to your academic training may not qualify. Review the job description carefully and consult your DSO if you're unsure.
Where can I find Assembly Technician jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate surfaces Assembly Technician roles from employers who are actively open to OPT candidates, which saves you from applying to positions where your authorization will be an immediate disqualifier.
Can I work as an Assembly Technician on OPT before my STEM extension is approved?
Yes. If you apply for the STEM OPT extension before your initial 12-month OPT expires, you receive an automatic 180-day extension of work authorization while USCIS processes your application. You can continue working in your Assembly Technician role during this bridge period as long as your employer is E-Verify enrolled and your DSO has submitted the updated I-20.
Do Assembly Technician employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
It varies by employer size and role classification. Large aerospace and electronics manufacturers such as Boeing, Raytheon, and Jabil have established H-1B sponsorship programs and regularly sponsor technician-level roles that require specialized engineering knowledge. Smaller contract manufacturers are less consistent. During the interview process, ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas for similar roles in the past.
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