OPT CNC Machine Operator Jobs
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 family: Manufacturing
Business area: Pulp & Paper Service
Contract location: Lancaster, OH, US
Working location: Lancaster, OH, US
Location type: Office Location / Office-based
Contract type: Permanent
Every day, ANDRITZ continues to deliver successful innovative solutions to our customers globally. Why are we so successful? Because we are passionate and love what we do! We are at the forefront of future engineering technologies, with solutions that ensure the success of our clients in key industries that are shaping the future of the world we live in.
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Sets up and operates CNC lathes.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT:
- CNC lathes
- Related tools
- Measuring devices and inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, verniers, gages, etc.
- Overhead crane, bench drill, hand grinder and deburr equipment, etc.
MATERIALS:
- Carbon and alloy steel and non-ferrous materials in such forms as rough and semi-finished castings, forgings, weldments, bar stock, burn-outs, etc.
- Packaging and protective coating materials.
SOURCE OF SUPERVISION: Supervisor
DIRECTION EXERCISED: None
WORKING PROCEDURE:
- Receives work instructions from supervisor
- Loads prepared program into machine, set up and loads fixturing, tooling and parts following set-up sheets and using operator control panel as required.
- Generates equipment sequence for metal removal operations utilizing conversational programming features.
- Burr, clean and protect parts as required. Inspects and gages own work in process, stamps and identifies parts, records production data, etc., as required. Checks and maintains oil levels, cutting oils and coolants on a daily basis to provide continuous operation.
- May set up and/or operate multiple CNC lathes, checks operation of companion machines requiring alertness for malfunctions and responsibility for continuity or production.
- Works with minimum supervision on standard or repetitive work; guidance and direction available.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Requisition ID: 21081
Job family: Manufacturing
Business area: Pulp & Paper Service
Contract location: Lancaster, OH, US
Working location: Lancaster, OH, US
Location type: Office Location / Office-based
Contract type: Permanent
Every day, ANDRITZ continues to deliver successful innovative solutions to our customers globally. Why are we so successful? Because we are passionate and love what we do! We are at the forefront of future engineering technologies, with solutions that ensure the success of our clients in key industries that are shaping the future of the world we live in.
PRIMARY FUNCTION: Sets up and operates CNC lathes.
TOOLS & EQUIPMENT:
- CNC lathes
- Related tools
- Measuring devices and inspection equipment including micrometers, calipers, verniers, gages, etc.
- Overhead crane, bench drill, hand grinder and deburr equipment, etc.
MATERIALS:
- Carbon and alloy steel and non-ferrous materials in such forms as rough and semi-finished castings, forgings, weldments, bar stock, burn-outs, etc.
- Packaging and protective coating materials.
SOURCE OF SUPERVISION: Supervisor
DIRECTION EXERCISED: None
WORKING PROCEDURE:
- Receives work instructions from supervisor
- Loads prepared program into machine, set up and loads fixturing, tooling and parts following set-up sheets and using operator control panel as required.
- Generates equipment sequence for metal removal operations utilizing conversational programming features.
- Burr, clean and protect parts as required. Inspects and gages own work in process, stamps and identifies parts, records production data, etc., as required. Checks and maintains oil levels, cutting oils and coolants on a daily basis to provide continuous operation.
- May set up and/or operate multiple CNC lathes, checks operation of companion machines requiring alertness for malfunctions and responsibility for continuity or production.
- Works with minimum supervision on standard or repetitive work; guidance and direction available.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Requisition ID: 21081
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Start your OPT application 90 days before graduation
USCIS recommends filing your OPT application up to 90 days before your program end date. CNC job searches take time, so beginning early gives you the most job-search runway before your EAD card arrives and employment authorization begins.
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.
CNC Machine Operator OPT: Frequently 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.