CNC Machine Operator Jobs for OPT Students
CNC Machine Operator roles on OPT typically fall under STEM-designated programs in manufacturing engineering or mechanical engineering technology, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in precision manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive production regularly hire OPT workers for hands-on machining roles.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description
MUST BE AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE USA
SECOND SHIFT POSITION
Competitive Shift Differential
Operate various CNC machines in compliance with the corporate mission and values, and department financial objectives.
Essential Functions
- Mill, turn, drill, tap, deburr, mold and all bench operations and inspections as required
- Detect and report defective materials or questionable conditions to supervisor or trainer
- Follow prescribed safety regulations and equipment tag-out procedures
- Comply with Global Harmonized System (GHS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and hazardous waste labeling requirements
- Execute proper spill response procedures
- Perform prescribed preventative maintenance on machines as required
- Keep equipment and work area clean and in order
- Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in an effective manner with customers, coworkers, clients and supervisors
- Work in a safe and conscientious manner
- Assist other employees in the performance of their duties as necessary
- Perform other job duties as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
- Three months of CNC machine operations or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision and as a team member
- Read and speak English
- Experience in structural steel operations (preferred)
- HS Diploma (preferred)
Additional Information
Company Description
Canam Bridges designs, manufactures and installs steel bridges for major infrastructure contractors across North America. Canam Bridges is a member of Canam Group, which has over 5,100 employees and operates 22 plants in North America, as well as engineering offices in Canada, Romania, India and the Philippines.
Physical Demands
Regularly required to stand; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. Frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
Job Description
MUST BE AUTHORIZED TO WORK IN THE USA
SECOND SHIFT POSITION
Competitive Shift Differential
Operate various CNC machines in compliance with the corporate mission and values, and department financial objectives.
Essential Functions
- Mill, turn, drill, tap, deburr, mold and all bench operations and inspections as required
- Detect and report defective materials or questionable conditions to supervisor or trainer
- Follow prescribed safety regulations and equipment tag-out procedures
- Comply with Global Harmonized System (GHS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and hazardous waste labeling requirements
- Execute proper spill response procedures
- Perform prescribed preventative maintenance on machines as required
- Keep equipment and work area clean and in order
- Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in an effective manner with customers, coworkers, clients and supervisors
- Work in a safe and conscientious manner
- Assist other employees in the performance of their duties as necessary
- Perform other job duties as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications
- Three months of CNC machine operations or training; or the equivalent combination of education and experience
- Ability to work independently without direct supervision and as a team member
- Read and speak English
- Experience in structural steel operations (preferred)
- HS Diploma (preferred)
Additional Information
Company Description
Canam Bridges designs, manufactures and installs steel bridges for major infrastructure contractors across North America. Canam Bridges is a member of Canam Group, which has over 5,100 employees and operates 22 plants in North America, as well as engineering offices in Canada, Romania, India and the Philippines.
Physical Demands
Regularly required to stand; use hands and fingers, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Frequently required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. Frequently lift and/or move up to 60 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in CNC Machine Operator
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
CNC roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM extension if your degree is in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, or a related STEM field. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Target manufacturers with existing OPT hiring history
Aerospace, automotive, and precision machining companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and automotive Tier 1 suppliers regularly hire OPT workers. Focusing on these industries increases your chances of finding an employer familiar with work authorization requirements.
Frame your machining certifications prominently
NIMS credentials, G-code programming experience, and CAM software proficiency like Mastercam or Fusion 360 signal job-ready skills. Employers sponsoring OPT workers want candidates who reduce onboarding time, so front-load technical qualifications in your resume.
Clarify your authorization timeline with hiring managers early
Manufacturing hiring managers often have firm production start dates. Be direct about your OPT start date, EAD receipt timeline, and whether you qualify for STEM extension. This prevents mismatched expectations and keeps your application moving forward.
Use your university's industry connections in manufacturing
Engineering and technology programs frequently have partnerships with local manufacturers for internships and full-time placements. Career services offices often have contacts at companies already comfortable with OPT hiring, making them a practical first stop in your search.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as CNC Machine Operators in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students who have completed a degree in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, or a related field can work as CNC Machine Operators on OPT. Your employment must be directly related to your degree program. Standard OPT provides 12 months of work authorization, and STEM-eligible graduates can apply for a 24-month extension, giving up to three years total.
Does CNC Machine Operator qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated program such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or manufacturing engineering technology, and your CNC role is directly related to that degree, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your DSO can confirm whether your specific CIP code qualifies before you apply.
Do CNC Machine Operator employers need to sponsor my OPT?
OPT does not require employer sponsorship in the traditional sense. You already have work authorization through your EAD card. However, STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and to sign a formal training plan. Confirming E-Verify enrollment early in the interview process prevents delays when you need to file your STEM extension.
Where can I find CNC Machine Operator jobs that accept OPT workers?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and filters jobs by visa sponsorship compatibility. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on manufacturers and engineering firms that have demonstrated willingness to hire OPT workers, saving time you would otherwise spend filtering out employers unfamiliar with international student work authorization.
What happens to my OPT if my CNC Machine Operator job ends before my EAD expires?
Standard OPT allows up to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during your authorization period. If your job ends, that unemployment clock starts immediately. STEM OPT allows up to 150 cumulative days. Finding a new role with qualifying duties before hitting those limits is critical to maintaining valid F-1 status, so starting your search quickly after separation is important.
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