OPT CNC Machinist Jobs

CNC Machinist roles qualify for F-1 OPT when tied to a manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or precision machining degree. Most positions offer direct STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years of work authorization without an immediate H-1B visa requirement.

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Overview

Open Jobs79+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type97% On-site
Median Salary$21K
Top LocationCoon Valley, WI
Most JobsARCH Medical Solutions

Showing 5 of 79+ CNC Machinist jobs

Crane Instrumentation & Sampling Pft Corp.
CNC Machinist Intern
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Crane Instrumentation & Sampling Pft Corp.
Added 1w ago
CNC Machinist Intern
Crane Instrumentation & Sampling Pft Corp.
Auburn, California
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
CNC Operator
$48,840 - $52,000/yr
On-Site
Associate's

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Regal Rexnord Corporation
CNC Machinist II - Lathe (medium) - 2nd Shift
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Regal Rexnord Corporation
Added 1w ago
CNC Machinist II - Lathe (medium) - 2nd Shift
Regal Rexnord Corporation
Simi Valley, California
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
Quality Control
CNC Operator
$52,000 - $64,500/yr
On-Site
Associate's

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Viant Medical
CNC Machinist - Chucker
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Viant Medical
Added 1w ago
CNC Machinist - Chucker
Viant Medical
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Manufacturing Operations
Skilled Trades
CNC Operator
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
High School
5,001-10,000

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Amplitude HR
CNC Machinist/Bridgeport Operator
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Amplitude HR
Added 2w ago
CNC Machinist/Bridgeport Operator
Amplitude HR
Troy, Michigan
$25/hr - $30/hr
On-Site
None

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Kennametal
CNC Machinist Sales and Application Engineer
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Kennametal
Added 2w ago
CNC Machinist Sales and Application Engineer
Kennametal
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Sales
Partnerships & Business Development
Customer Service & Support
Business Development
Hybrid
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 79+ CNC Machinist Jobs

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See all 79+ OPT CNC Machinist Jobs

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in CNC Machinist

Target manufacturers with established visa programs

Large aerospace, automotive, and defense manufacturers like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Raytheon regularly sponsor skilled machinists. They have dedicated HR processes for work authorization and are far more likely to support OPT and future H-1B visa filing than smaller shops.

Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension

CNC Machinist roles most reliably qualify for the 24-month STEM extension when your degree is in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, or industrial technology. Check your program's CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to confirm extension eligibility.

Lead with your technical certifications

NIMS credentials, Mastercam certification, or Fanuc training signal employer-ready skills that reduce onboarding cost. Employers weighing OPT paperwork overhead are more likely to proceed when a candidate demonstrably shortens time-to-productivity on the shop floor.

Apply before your OPT start date whenever possible

Many manufacturers run multi-week hiring cycles with technical assessments and background checks. Starting your job search two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives you enough runway to clear the process without gaps in work authorization status.

Address OPT timing transparently in interviews

Bring up your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early. Explain that your authorization covers the role for up to three years and that H-1B sponsorship, if needed, is a standard next step for qualifying manufacturing employers.

Focus on contract manufacturers and precision shops open to OPT

Not all sponsoring employers are household names. Contract manufacturers producing components for aerospace, medical devices, or defense often need skilled machinists urgently and are willing to work through OPT authorization for candidates with strong GD&T and multi-axis machining experience.

CNC Machinist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Does a CNC Machinist job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

It depends on your degree, not just the job title. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or a related STEM field listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, and the role is directly related to that field, you can apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension through your DSO. A general machining or vocational credential typically does not qualify.

Do CNC Machinist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?

Some do, particularly large aerospace, defense, and automotive manufacturers that rely on specialized machining talent. Smaller job shops are less likely to sponsor because of the cost and administrative burden. Your best approach is to target employers with a track record of H-1B filings, which you can filter for on Migrate Mate, and to raise the sponsorship conversation once you have demonstrated value during your OPT period.

Can I work as a CNC Machinist on OPT if my degree is in a non-engineering field?

You can work any job on standard 12-month OPT regardless of degree field, so a CNC Machinist role is permissible. However, if your degree is not in a STEM field, you won't qualify for the 24-month STEM extension, which means your authorization is capped at 12 months. You would need employer-sponsored status change, such as H-1B, before that period ends to continue working legally.

What documentation should I give a CNC Machinist employer to verify my OPT work authorization?

Provide your Employment Authorization Document (EAD card) and your I-20 with the OPT authorization page. The employer enters your EAD details into Form I-9 to complete employment eligibility verification. If you're on a STEM extension, your updated I-20 and the employer's E-Verify enrollment are both required. Keep copies of all documents and monitor your EAD expiration date closely to avoid authorization gaps.

How do I find CNC Machinist jobs where employers are open to OPT students?

Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and lists CNC Machinist roles from employers who understand and accept OPT work authorization. Filtering by OPT-friendly employers saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering late in the process that a company won't proceed with international candidates. Browse current listings on Migrate Mate to find roles matched to your authorization status.