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 JobsCurrent Starting Pay: $27.74/hr
About Miller Industries:
Miller Industries makes the coolest, the biggest, and the baddest towing and recovery vehicles in the world! You’ve seen our vehicles on such television shows as “Highway Thru Hell”, “Wrecked”, and “Hustle and Tow”. We’re extremely proud of the work we do and the quality of product we produce - this is why we hire only the best people. Do you have what it takes to be part of the World’s Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment?
From the beginning we’ve been innovators; we’re constantly finding ways to improve our product, grow our company, and make the Miller experience better! At Miller we have your back, you’ll quickly learn that you’re part of something special. When you see one of our towing and recovery vehicles rolling down the road, you’ll feel pride for the work you’re a part of.
We are currently looking for driven individuals that share our vision. Some of the specific things that sets us apart from the rest include:
- Climate controlled work environments
- Bonus eligibility (twice a year) dependent on company and plant performance
- Regular performance evaluations
- Regular merit increases
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development programs
- Career Advancement opportunities
- Family Day Outings
- Free on-site Annual Health & Wellness Screenings
- Regular two-way communication sessions with leadership
Summary: The Automation Programmer is responsible for programming and maintaining operating procedures for automation equipment and site-specific fabrication systems to ensure efficient and high-quality part production. The Automation Programmer may support standardization initiatives and assist other facilities with automation projects as required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain operational records regarding automation equipment.
- Create and modify programs for assigned automation equipment.
- Work in collaboration with engineering and operations to develop and improve tooling and automation processes.
- Develop and maintain programming documentation, operating procedures, and work instructions related to assigned automation equipment.
- Support department standardization efforts including programming practices, operating procedures, and automation documentation.
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment performance.
- Participate in designing and developing future production capacities by attending team meetings.
- Operate automated machines to test equipment and ensure proper programming techniques.
- Understand specifications of tasks and desired results by reading blueprints, mechanical drawings, and related documentation.
- Support on-site automation personnel with programming-related issues and provide technical assistance related to assigned automation equipment when capacity and expertise allow.
- Prepare and load raw materials and parts onto machines to perform test runs.
- Inspect and measure finished products to ensure they meet requirements.
- Fully utilize and embrace all technology, including PCs, software programs, simulation software, and proprietary systems.
- Utilize offline programming and simulation software to minimize production downtime.
- Work a flexible schedule and travel for training as required.
- Some travel between plants may be required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
- Associate degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of technical training, certifications, and relevant experience.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical documentation.
- Experience with automation equipment, robotic systems, fabrication equipment, or related manufacturing technologies preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work overtime and weekends when required.
Benefits: (Beginning on 91st day one of employment unless stated otherwise)
- Day Shift M-F
- Overtime available
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Company Matched 401(k)
- AD&D, Disability & Basic Life – no cost to you
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development programs
- Career Advancement opportunities
- Regular Performance Evaluations
- Earn additional time off with perfect attendance
- 1 unpaid excused absence per year
- 40 hours Paid Vacation Time after 1 year
- 9 paid holidays each year
- Quarterly gifts and PTO for perfect attendance
- Birthday Lunches
- Annual Company Picnic Day at local Amusement Park – you and family members free!
We don’t just give lip service to our innovation in the recovery industry; in 2019 we unveiled the FIRST & ONLY Rotator in the world capable of lifting 200,000 lbs. To watch how this amazing vehicle came to be please click on the following link: The Century M100.
Current Starting Pay: $27.74/hr
About Miller Industries:
Miller Industries makes the coolest, the biggest, and the baddest towing and recovery vehicles in the world! You’ve seen our vehicles on such television shows as “Highway Thru Hell”, “Wrecked”, and “Hustle and Tow”. We’re extremely proud of the work we do and the quality of product we produce - this is why we hire only the best people. Do you have what it takes to be part of the World’s Largest Manufacturer of Towing and Recovery Equipment?
From the beginning we’ve been innovators; we’re constantly finding ways to improve our product, grow our company, and make the Miller experience better! At Miller we have your back, you’ll quickly learn that you’re part of something special. When you see one of our towing and recovery vehicles rolling down the road, you’ll feel pride for the work you’re a part of.
We are currently looking for driven individuals that share our vision. Some of the specific things that sets us apart from the rest include:
- Climate controlled work environments
- Bonus eligibility (twice a year) dependent on company and plant performance
- Regular performance evaluations
- Regular merit increases
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development programs
- Career Advancement opportunities
- Family Day Outings
- Free on-site Annual Health & Wellness Screenings
- Regular two-way communication sessions with leadership
Summary: The Automation Programmer is responsible for programming and maintaining operating procedures for automation equipment and site-specific fabrication systems to ensure efficient and high-quality part production. The Automation Programmer may support standardization initiatives and assist other facilities with automation projects as required.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Maintain operational records regarding automation equipment.
- Create and modify programs for assigned automation equipment.
- Work in collaboration with engineering and operations to develop and improve tooling and automation processes.
- Develop and maintain programming documentation, operating procedures, and work instructions related to assigned automation equipment.
- Support department standardization efforts including programming practices, operating procedures, and automation documentation.
- Identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment performance.
- Participate in designing and developing future production capacities by attending team meetings.
- Operate automated machines to test equipment and ensure proper programming techniques.
- Understand specifications of tasks and desired results by reading blueprints, mechanical drawings, and related documentation.
- Support on-site automation personnel with programming-related issues and provide technical assistance related to assigned automation equipment when capacity and expertise allow.
- Prepare and load raw materials and parts onto machines to perform test runs.
- Inspect and measure finished products to ensure they meet requirements.
- Fully utilize and embrace all technology, including PCs, software programs, simulation software, and proprietary systems.
- Utilize offline programming and simulation software to minimize production downtime.
- Work a flexible schedule and travel for training as required.
- Some travel between plants may be required.
- Other duties as assigned.
Other duties may be assigned.
Qualifications:
- Associate degree in a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of technical training, certifications, and relevant experience.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and technical documentation.
- Experience with automation equipment, robotic systems, fabrication equipment, or related manufacturing technologies preferred.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work overtime and weekends when required.
Benefits: (Beginning on 91st day one of employment unless stated otherwise)
- Day Shift M-F
- Overtime available
- Medical Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Company Matched 401(k)
- AD&D, Disability & Basic Life – no cost to you
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Professional Development programs
- Career Advancement opportunities
- Regular Performance Evaluations
- Earn additional time off with perfect attendance
- 1 unpaid excused absence per year
- 40 hours Paid Vacation Time after 1 year
- 9 paid holidays each year
- Quarterly gifts and PTO for perfect attendance
- Birthday Lunches
- Annual Company Picnic Day at local Amusement Park – you and family members free!
We don’t just give lip service to our innovation in the recovery industry; in 2019 we unveiled the FIRST & ONLY Rotator in the world capable of lifting 200,000 lbs. To watch how this amazing vehicle came to be please click on the following link: The Century M100.
See all 53+ 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.