OPT Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs
Continuous Improvement Manager roles on OPT require employers to sponsor H-1B visa or other work visas after your authorization period ends. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations under engineering or business operations, making them a strong fit for STEM OPT extensions if your degree is in industrial engineering, operations research, or a related field.
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Get Access To All JobsAt ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Your role and responsibilities
In this role as a Continuous Improvement, you will drive improvements in production of Instrument Transformers and Indoor & Outdoor products production in ELDS in Pinetops, North Carolina, USA.
The work model for the role is: #LI- Onsite
This role is contributing to our Electrification Distribution Solutions Operation in Pinetops, NC.
Your Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, modify, and install mechanical and electromechanical solutions including fixtures, tools, ergonomic assists, poke‑yoke devices, workstations, carts, safety mechanisms, and prototype equipment.
- Collaborate with operators and team members to translate improvement ideas into safe, effective, and durable working solutions.
- Lead or support Kaizen with a focus on layout optimization, workstation design, tooling improvements, ergonomic enhancements, and material/production flow.
- Provide hands‑on build, set‑up, and commissioning of new or improved equipment, fixtures, and processes.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including CAD models, mechanical or electrical drawings, work instructions, and training materials.
- Train operators, maintenance personnel, and indirect staff during process changes or new equipment startups.
- Ensure all improvement solutions meet OSHA safety requirements and ergonomic standards.
Your Background
- Associate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electromechanical Technology (or related field).
- Minimum 4 years of experience in fabrication, electromechanical design, maintenance, machining, welding, integration, or related technical fields.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and experience with 3D printing for prototyping.
- Strong hands‑on capability to design, build, wire, assemble, and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems.
- Understanding of production processes, quality requirements, material flow, and lean manufacturing concepts.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.
- High attention to detail, willingness to learn new technologies, and strong problem‑solving mindset.
- Candidates must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.
What's in it for you
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner. #LI-Onsite
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Your role and responsibilities
In this role as a Continuous Improvement, you will drive improvements in production of Instrument Transformers and Indoor & Outdoor products production in ELDS in Pinetops, North Carolina, USA.
The work model for the role is: #LI- Onsite
This role is contributing to our Electrification Distribution Solutions Operation in Pinetops, NC.
Your Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, modify, and install mechanical and electromechanical solutions including fixtures, tools, ergonomic assists, poke‑yoke devices, workstations, carts, safety mechanisms, and prototype equipment.
- Collaborate with operators and team members to translate improvement ideas into safe, effective, and durable working solutions.
- Lead or support Kaizen with a focus on layout optimization, workstation design, tooling improvements, ergonomic enhancements, and material/production flow.
- Provide hands‑on build, set‑up, and commissioning of new or improved equipment, fixtures, and processes.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including CAD models, mechanical or electrical drawings, work instructions, and training materials.
- Train operators, maintenance personnel, and indirect staff during process changes or new equipment startups.
- Ensure all improvement solutions meet OSHA safety requirements and ergonomic standards.
Your Background
- Associate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electromechanical Technology (or related field).
- Minimum 4 years of experience in fabrication, electromechanical design, maintenance, machining, welding, integration, or related technical fields.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and experience with 3D printing for prototyping.
- Strong hands‑on capability to design, build, wire, assemble, and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems.
- Understanding of production processes, quality requirements, material flow, and lean manufacturing concepts.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.
- High attention to detail, willingness to learn new technologies, and strong problem‑solving mindset.
- Candidates must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.
What's in it for you
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner. #LI-Onsite
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
See all 79+ OPT Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Continuous Improvement Manager
Highlight your Lean and Six Sigma credentials upfront
Certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt signal immediate value to hiring managers. List them prominently on your resume and mention your OPT status alongside them so employers see your credentials before the visa conversation begins.
Target manufacturers and logistics companies first
Industries like automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and supply chain rely heavily on continuous improvement and have established visa sponsorship infrastructure. These employers are far more likely to have HR teams experienced with OPT and H-1B visa processes than early-stage startups.
Quantify your process improvement results with numbers
Employers evaluating OPT candidates weigh demonstrated impact heavily. Include metrics like cycle time reductions, defect rates improved, or cost savings achieved. Concrete numbers make your case for sponsorship much easier when HR escalates your application internally.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility early in conversations
If your degree is in industrial engineering, systems engineering, or operations research, you likely qualify for a 24-month STEM extension. This gives employers a three-year window before H-1B sponsorship is needed, which significantly reduces their perceived risk.
Frame visa sponsorship as a long-term investment discussion
Continuous Improvement Managers build institutional knowledge over time. During interviews, emphasize your long-term commitment to the role and organization. Employers who see you as a retention investment are more willing to initiate sponsorship conversations proactively.
Use Migrate Mate to focus your search on sponsoring employers
Searching broadly wastes your limited OPT time. Migrate Mate filters for employers who actively sponsor OPT and visa candidates, so every application you send targets a company already open to your work authorization situation.
Continuous Improvement Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Continuous Improvement Manager role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's or master's is in industrial engineering, systems engineering, operations research, or a related STEM field, your role will likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Business administration or management degrees typically do not qualify, even if the job involves data-heavy process analysis.
Do Continuous Improvement Manager jobs typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Most do, because the role generally requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field such as industrial engineering or operations management, meeting the specialty occupation standard. However, if the job description is vague about degree requirements, USCIS may push back during adjudication. Look for postings that specify a relevant engineering or technical degree as a requirement, not just a preference.
How do I find Continuous Improvement Manager jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. Rather than applying blindly and discovering mid-process that a company won't sponsor, Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers with a track record of OPT and visa sponsorship. This is especially important for Continuous Improvement roles, where smaller companies may want to hire but lack the HR infrastructure to support sponsorship.
What degree fields are most relevant for OPT students applying to Continuous Improvement Manager roles?
Industrial engineering is the strongest match and the most commonly listed degree requirement in job postings. Operations research, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and systems engineering are also well-aligned. Some employers accept supply chain management or business analytics degrees, but those typically won't support a STEM OPT extension, so confirm eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer.
What should I include in my resume as an OPT student applying for Continuous Improvement Manager positions?
Lead with certifications like Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, then quantify your project outcomes with specific metrics such as percentage reductions in defect rates or lead times. Include your OPT work authorization status and STEM extension eligibility clearly so recruiters don't screen you out unnecessarily. Employers in manufacturing and operations move quickly, so a concise, results-focused resume gets more traction than a generic one.