OPT CNC Operator Jobs
CNC Operator jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with a degree in manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in aerospace, automotive, and precision manufacturing actively hire OPT candidates with hands-on machining experience.
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Get Access To All JobsCNC Operator
Farmington Hills, MI
1st shift
The CNC Machinist will be responsible for the precision cutting and fabrication of counter top material.
Responsibilities:
- Operate vertical/horizontal band saws to prepare specimens for testing as dictated in customer specifications
- Use saw to cut test specimens according to prescribed spec or work order
- Accurately use basic measuring devices, including tape measure, caliper, and micrometer
- Operate CNC Mills and Lathes in the machining of steel and aluminum specimens for tensile and impact sharpy testing according to customer specs
- Gathers and records dimensions in accordance with quality assurance requirements
Skills / Qualifications:
- HS diploma or GED certificate preferred; College or vocational school coursework welcomed
- Understanding of specimen preparation preferred
- Programming experience a plus
- Understanding related to machining concepts, measuring instruments and dimensional concepts
- Working knowledge of machine shop safety protocol
- Strong computer skills a plus
CNC Operator
Farmington Hills, MI
1st shift
The CNC Machinist will be responsible for the precision cutting and fabrication of counter top material.
Responsibilities:
- Operate vertical/horizontal band saws to prepare specimens for testing as dictated in customer specifications
- Use saw to cut test specimens according to prescribed spec or work order
- Accurately use basic measuring devices, including tape measure, caliper, and micrometer
- Operate CNC Mills and Lathes in the machining of steel and aluminum specimens for tensile and impact sharpy testing according to customer specs
- Gathers and records dimensions in accordance with quality assurance requirements
Skills / Qualifications:
- HS diploma or GED certificate preferred; College or vocational school coursework welcomed
- Understanding of specimen preparation preferred
- Programming experience a plus
- Understanding related to machining concepts, measuring instruments and dimensional concepts
- Working knowledge of machine shop safety protocol
- Strong computer skills a plus
See all 133+ OPT CNC Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT CNC Operator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in CNC Operator
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM OPT
CNC Operator positions typically fall under SOC codes tied to manufacturing and production engineering. Verify your specific job title maps to an approved STEM CIP-SOC combination before accepting an offer to protect your 36-month extension eligibility.
Highlight hands-on machine experience clearly
Employers screening OPT candidates move quickly. List specific machines you've operated, such as Haas, Mazak, or Fanuc-controlled equipment, directly in your resume summary so hiring managers can assess your qualifications without reading the full document.
Target industries with established OPT hiring pipelines
Aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturers hire CNC Operators on OPT regularly. These industries have dedicated HR processes for work authorization, making them more likely to extend an offer without lengthy internal approval delays.
Address OPT early in the application process
Disclosing your OPT status in your cover letter removes ambiguity and builds trust. Briefly explain your remaining authorization window and eligibility for the STEM extension so employers can assess sponsorship feasibility before the interview stage.
Obtain your EAD card before your start date
Your employer cannot legally place you on the production floor without a valid Employment Authorization Document in hand. Apply for your EAD at least 90 days before your program end date to avoid gaps between graduation and your first day.
Get your I-983 training plan signed promptly
For STEM OPT, your employer must complete and sign Form I-983 before your extension is approved. Bring this up early with your supervisor or HR contact so bureaucratic delays on the employer's side don't compress your remaining work authorization window.
CNC Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as CNC Operators?
Yes. CNC Operator roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study, such as mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, or industrial engineering. You'll need a valid EAD card before starting work. If your degree is in a qualifying STEM field, you may also be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Does a CNC Operator job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree and how the employer classifies the role. CNC Operator positions are often mapped to SOC codes under production and manufacturing engineering, which can qualify for STEM OPT. Your degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and willing to sign Form I-983 as your training plan.
How do I find CNC Operator employers willing to hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job searches, so you can filter CNC Operator listings by employers who actively hire international students. Aerospace, defense, and precision manufacturing companies tend to have the most established processes for OPT hires, so prioritizing those sectors when browsing will save significant time.
What should I tell a CNC Operator employer about my OPT status?
Be straightforward and factual. Explain that you have work authorization through OPT, state your EAD expiration date, and mention whether you're eligible for the STEM extension. Provide the exact number of months remaining on your authorization. Employers in manufacturing are used to managing shift schedules and deadlines, and they'll appreciate a clear timeline rather than vague answers.
Can I switch CNC Operator employers while on OPT?
Yes, but the new role must still be directly related to your field of study. On standard OPT, you can change employers as long as you report the change to your DSO within 10 days and update your SEVIS record. On STEM OPT, switching employers requires a new Form I-983 signed by the incoming employer before you begin working there.