OPT Engineering Technician Jobs
Engineering Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical, mechanical, or industrial engineering technology. Most positions qualify as STEM-designated, giving you access to the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in manufacturing, defense, and utilities regularly hire OPT candidates for hands-on technical support roles.
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Process Engineering Technician (Night Shift)
Facility: Engineering & Technical
Location: Clayton, NC, US
About the Department
At Novo Nordisk, we want to make a difference. For more than 100 years, we have led the way in diabetes care. Being part of Novo Nordisk allows our employees to embark on the opportunity to help improve the quality of life for millions of people around the world.
In NC, we operate three pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities that are responsible for fulfilling different steps in our injectable and oral treatment supply chains. Our Product Supply Aseptic Manufacturing (PS AM) facility in Clayton, NC is a 457,000 square foot aseptic "fill and finish" site that is responsible for producing innovative, injectable diabetes and obesity treatments. At PS AM, you’ll join a global network of manufacturing professionals who are passionate about what they do.
What we offer you:
- Leading pay and annual performance bonus for all positions
- All employees enjoy generous paid time off including 14 paid holidays
- Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance – effective day one
- Guaranteed 8% 401K contribution plus individual company match option
- Family Focused Benefits including 14 weeks paid parental & 6 weeks paid family medical leave
- Free access to Novo Nordisk-marketed pharmaceutical products
- Tuition Assistance
- Life & Disability Insurance
- Employee Referral Awards
At Novo Nordisk, you will find opportunities, resources, and mentorship to help grow and build your career. Are you ready to realize your potential? Join Team Novo Nordisk and help us make what matters.
The Position
Improve & support systems/equipment reliability & performance in core processes. Support Process Engineers in process performance & reliability improvements. Based on assigned site and department, will either support the assigned local site or travel globally to other aseptic manufacturing sites to support shutdown activities.
Relationships
Reports to Manager/Senior Manager.
Essential Functions
- Event & process analysis via root cause analysis (RCA) tools & techniques
- Implement / maintain reliability centered maintenance (RCM) within core processes
- Development & implementation of equipment reliability improvement projects
- Maintain standards for procedures & maintenance plans
- Design / Re-design / Evaluation / Optimization of systems & equipment
- Support and/or execution of Engineering studies, testing (FAT’s, SAT’s) & validation protocols
- Coaching Process Maintenance Technicians
- Systems trainer
- Other accountabilities as assigned
- Execute shutdown activities (preventive maintenance, overhauling stations, support return to operation)
- Follow all safety & environmental requirements in the performance of duties
- Other duties as assigned
Physical Requirements
Moves equipment &/or supplies weighing up to 33 pounds within the facility using various body positions. Routinely operates & inspects manufacturing equipment using hands. Strap & unstrap pallets using hands. Must be able to be on your feet for up to a 12-hour shift. May require corrected vision to 20/20 or 20/25 based on role. May require color vision based on role. Occasionally ascends/descends a ladder. May be required to work at elevated heights. Occasionally works around odorous &/or hazardous materials. May be required to wear latex gloves. May perform critical job functions in extremely cold work environments depending on site. May position oneself within confined spaces for inspection if required of the role. Ability to work in loud noise environments with hearing protection. May be required to secure a motorized vehicle license & operate a motorized vehicle based on the role. Ability to travel up to 10% for site assigned role. Ability to travel up to 50% for global support assigned role.
Qualifications
- Associate's Degree in a relevant technical field of study from an accredited university with a minimum of two (2) years of related technical experience required
- In lieu of an Associate’s Degree with a minimum of two years of (2) experience, may consider a High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of four (4) years of related technical experience required
- Proven practical experience in both equipment maintenance & process improvements required
- Experience with engineering, validation, manufacturing/pharma manufacturing and/or experience in formulation preferred
- Experience in LEAN and/or Six Sigma preferred
- Demonstrates knowledge in the following systems: Instrument & electrical, mechanical, process improvement methodologies, pharmaceutical utilities, process development, product transfer & chemical properties preferred
- Knowledgeable in controls & control systems, e.g. SCADA, PLC, PCS & BMS preferred
- Experience with MS Office applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc. preferred
- Proven expertise in planning/organization/execution of maintenance/production/process activities, following up on results & revising the work plan for complex problems being resolved by cross functional teams preferred
- Proven experience with project planning, execution & management preferred
We commit to an inclusive recruitment process and equality of opportunity for all our job applicants.
At Novo Nordisk, we're not chasing quick fixes – we're creating lasting change for long-term health. For over 100 years, we've been driven by a single purpose: to defeat serious chronic diseases and help millions of people live healthier lives. This dedication fuels our constant curiosity and inspires us to push the boundaries of what's possible in healthcare. We embrace diverse perspectives, seek out bold ideas, and build partnerships rooted in shared purpose. Together, we're making healthcare more accessible, treating and defeating diseases, and pioneering solutions that create change spanning generations. When you join us, you become part of something bigger – a legacy of impact that reaches far beyond today.
Novo Nordisk is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal laws, rules or regulations.
If you are interested in applying to Novo Nordisk and need special assistance or an accommodation to apply, please call us at 1-855-411-5290. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Engineering Technician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Engineering technology programs at accredited U.S. universities are typically on the STEM OPT designated degree program list. Verify your specific CIP code with your DSO before applying, since the extension depends on it.
Target employers with existing OPT or H-1B track records
Companies that have previously hired OPT students or filed H-1B visa petitions are far more likely to understand the process. Search OFLC disclosure data to identify engineering firms with active sponsorship histories before sending applications.
Apply before your OPT EAD expires, not after
Hiring timelines for technical roles can run six to ten weeks. Start your job search at least three months before your OPT end date so authorization gaps don't force you to decline offers mid-process.
Highlight hands-on lab and equipment experience prominently
Engineering Technician roles prioritize demonstrated technical skills over academic credentials alone. List specific instruments, testing equipment, software platforms, and calibration procedures you've used. Concrete technical detail shortens the evaluation process for hiring managers.
Address OPT authorization proactively in your cover letter
Many employers assume international candidates require complex sponsorship immediately. Stating clearly that you're currently authorized to work on OPT with a STEM extension available removes a common early-stage objection before it becomes a rejection.
Focus on industries with consistent OPT hiring patterns
Defense contractors, semiconductor manufacturers, utilities, and aerospace firms hire Engineering Technicians regularly and tend to have dedicated HR processes for work authorization. These sectors sponsor significantly more OPT and H-1B holders than general manufacturing.
Engineering Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Engineering Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Engineering Technician roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree falls under a STEM-designated CIP code such as electrical engineering technology or mechanical engineering technology. The role itself must also involve work directly related to your field of study. Confirm both conditions with your DSO before applying, since approval depends on the degree program, not just the job title.
How do I find Engineering Technician employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters Engineering Technician jobs specifically for OPT-eligible candidates, removing the guesswork of identifying sponsorship-friendly employers. Beyond that, reviewing OFLC H-1B disclosure data shows which engineering firms have a demonstrated history of hiring international workers, which is a reliable proxy for OPT openness. Defense contractors, semiconductor companies, and large manufacturers tend to have the most established international hiring processes.
Can I work as an Engineering Technician if my degree is in engineering, not engineering technology?
Yes. A bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, civil, or industrial engineering fully satisfies the educational requirement for Engineering Technician roles. The field of study must relate directly to the job duties for OPT authorization to apply. In most cases, a four-year engineering degree is considered more than sufficient, and your DSO can confirm the connection between your degree and the specific position.
What should I know about the 60-day grace period as an Engineering Technician on OPT?
If your Engineering Technician position ends before your OPT EAD expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. During the grace period you are not authorized to work. Because technical hiring cycles can take four to eight weeks, starting your job search before employment ends gives you the most practical runway.
Do Engineering Technician roles require H-1B sponsorship, or can I stay on OPT long-term?
OPT provides 12 months of work authorization, extendable to 36 months total with a STEM extension for qualifying degrees. Staying beyond that requires transitioning to a sponsored visa, most commonly the H-1B. Engineering Technician positions do qualify as specialty occupations under the H-1B standard when a degree in a directly related field is required. Discussing the employer's long-term sponsorship willingness early in the process helps you avoid accepting a role with no viable path forward.