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.
Find OPT Engineering Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 271+ Engineering Technician jobs










See all 271+ Engineering Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Engineering Technician roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Date: Sep 22, 2026
Location: Dayton, OH, US, 45420
Company: Kodak
Responsibilities
We are looking for a Manufacturing Engineering Technician to support the Supply Operations organization of Kodak’s Digital Print Division. The principal charter of this group is to provide engineering support to on-going product manufacturing in the Kodak Dayton Ohio facility. Technician candidate should be a highly motivated individual capable of undertaking independent activities as well as working in a team setting. Responsibilities include process improvements, equipment troubleshooting and maintenance, laboratory experimentation, manufacturing operations support, technical reporting and procedural documentation. The technician should have a good working knowledge of test instrumentation and measurement techniques and metrology methods for high precision and micron level tolerances. Additional responsibilities will include improvement of manufacturing processes to increase yields, collaborating with R&D in the transfer of new products to production, qualification of fixtures and tooling necessary for fabrication of high precision assemblies and any other required manufacturing support.
Scope of work requires the following:
- Process improvement/stabilization and production support to Operations
- Troubleshooting and maintenance of complex production equipment
- Support on-going operations to address assembly problems, supplier quality, in-process metrology, tooling and fixture issues
- Perform lab testing to assist in improvements or problem solving
- Prepare, ECO, and maintain up to date documentation (i.e. written procedures, test plans, etc.) for product build
- Support opportunities for Manufacturing Cost reductions
- Interface with the multi-functional teams including production, sustaining engineering and QA to address on-going manufacturing issues, supplier quality, and field problems
Minimum Requirements:
- Associates (2 yr.) degree in a technical field or 5 Years experience as an engineering technician
- Ability to troubleshoot, analyze, and solve complex problems
- Solid understanding of fundamental mechanical systems
- Experience with computer software tools for the engineering environment, i.e. Microsoft applications Excel/Word PC applications
- Must show initiative as a self-starter with a positive attitude
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment and across functional boundaries
- Quality conscious with an attention to detail and ability to follow through
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to work in a fast paced and changing environment
- (Desired) – Understanding and analyzing production quality measurement data using graphs and statistics including SPC
EOE Policy Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
Estimated Salary: $23.00 - $28.00
Experience Level: 0-5 Years
Requisition ID: 2241
See all 271+ OPT Engineering Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Engineering Technician Jobs.
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.