OPT Entry Level Jobs
Entry-level roles are the most common starting point for OPT students, and a growing number of employers actively recruit new graduates specifically because the OPT period gives both sides time to evaluate fit before long-term sponsorship becomes a conversation. Targeting companies with established new graduate programs and a history of H-1B visa filings gives you the clearest path from your first role to long-term work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Junior Material Flow Engineer for a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a contractor position based in Troy, MI that requires on-site presence. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.
PURPOSE:
This role is responsible for supporting the development, documentation, and field verification of material flow solutions and material handling layouts for an automotive manufacturing launch. The position supports senior engineers in the design and implementation of efficient production material flow concepts while gaining hands-on experience with CAD layouts, equipment documentation, and on-site installation activities.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain 2D material flow and line-side layout drawings using AutoCAD.
- Support equipment tracking, PFEP (Plan for Every Part) inputs, and material classification documentation.
- Conduct on-site field checks to verify equipment placement, installation progress, and alignment with engineering requirements.
- Support installation activities by coordinating with contractors and escalating issues to senior engineering teams.
- Assist with engineering documentation, including RFQ exhibits, equipment specifications, and layout packages.
- Perform data analysis and maintain project documentation using Microsoft Excel and related tools.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with Material Flow, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations, and contractor teams to support successful equipment implementation and production readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Early-career engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level professional experience.
- Experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing projects, or engineering activities is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D with the ability to create, interpret, and redline equipment and construction drawings.
- Basic understanding of material flow concepts, manufacturing processes, and production layouts.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data tracking, documentation, and reporting.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Indiana for on-site project support.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Experience with automotive manufacturing launches or greenfield plant projects.
- Exposure to PFEP development and material planning processes.
- Familiarity with 3D CAD tools and manufacturing layout software.
- Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or contractor coordination.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.
Physical Requirements:
- Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.
FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:
- Location: Troy, MI
- Schedule: Fulltime
- Overtime: as required
- Assignment Start: ASAP
DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.
SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
INTRODUCTION
SWJ Technologie specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking a Junior Material Flow Engineer for a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a contractor position based in Troy, MI that requires on-site presence. If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.
PURPOSE:
This role is responsible for supporting the development, documentation, and field verification of material flow solutions and material handling layouts for an automotive manufacturing launch. The position supports senior engineers in the design and implementation of efficient production material flow concepts while gaining hands-on experience with CAD layouts, equipment documentation, and on-site installation activities.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain 2D material flow and line-side layout drawings using AutoCAD.
- Support equipment tracking, PFEP (Plan for Every Part) inputs, and material classification documentation.
- Conduct on-site field checks to verify equipment placement, installation progress, and alignment with engineering requirements.
- Support installation activities by coordinating with contractors and escalating issues to senior engineering teams.
- Assist with engineering documentation, including RFQ exhibits, equipment specifications, and layout packages.
- Perform data analysis and maintain project documentation using Microsoft Excel and related tools.
- Drive cross-functional collaboration with Material Flow, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, Operations, and contractor teams to support successful equipment implementation and production readiness.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Early-career engineering experience in an automotive manufacturing environment through internships, co-op programs, or entry-level professional experience.
- Experience supporting plant operations, manufacturing projects, or engineering activities is preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS:
- Proficiency in AutoCAD 2D with the ability to create, interpret, and redline equipment and construction drawings.
- Basic understanding of material flow concepts, manufacturing processes, and production layouts.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel for data tracking, documentation, and reporting.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical documentation.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to Indiana for on-site project support.
PREFERRED SKILLS:
- Experience with automotive manufacturing launches or greenfield plant projects.
- Exposure to PFEP development and material planning processes.
- Familiarity with 3D CAD tools and manufacturing layout software.
- Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, or contractor coordination.
- Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in cross-functional engineering teams.
Physical Requirements:
- Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
- Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.
FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:
- Location: Troy, MI
- Schedule: Fulltime
- Overtime: as required
- Assignment Start: ASAP
DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.
SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
See all 9,841+ OPT Entry Level Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsEntry Level OPT Job Search Tips
Look for structured graduate programs at larger companies
Large companies with formal graduate hiring programs are often more experienced with OPT students than smaller employers. These programs typically have dedicated HR teams who understand the EAD, E-Verify, and STEM OPT extension process.
Be upfront about your OPT authorization in applications
Employers at the entry level sometimes confuse OPT with visa sponsorship. Clarifying early that OPT is an existing work authorization and doesn’t require any action from them removes a common barrier and speeds up the hiring process.
Prioritize E-Verify employers for long-term flexibility
Entry level roles at E-Verify employers keep your STEM OPT extension option open. That extra 24 months can make a significant difference in your path to H-1B visa sponsorship and long-term career stability in the U.S.
Factor in your OPT start date when negotiating start dates
If you haven’t yet received your EAD, coordinate your offer timeline carefully. Most employers will wait a reasonable amount of time for authorization to come through, but it helps to set expectations early and keep them updated.
Target industries with high OPT hiring rates
Technology, engineering, finance, and healthcare are among the sectors that hire the most OPT students at the entry level. These industries also tend to have more employers who are familiar with the OPT process, which makes for a smoother onboarding experience.
Ask about the company’s H-1B history if you’re planning to stay long-term
Entry level roles can lead to H-1B sponsorship, but only if the employer has done it before. Companies with a track record of filing H-1B petitions are more likely to support you through that process when the time comes.
Entry Level OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
What entry level jobs are most accessible for OPT students?
Technology, finance, consulting, and engineering have the highest volume of entry-level roles with employers experienced with OPT hiring. Software engineering, data analysis, financial analysis, and business analyst positions are among the most commonly filled by new OPT graduates. Industries with persistent talent shortages, including healthcare technology and cybersecurity, are also strong areas for entry-level OPT hiring.
How early should I start applying for entry level jobs on OPT?
Starting your job search three to six months before your OPT start date gives you the best timeline. USCIS processing for the EAD card can take several weeks, and many employers need lead time to complete hiring before your authorized start date. Applying early also means you have time to be selective rather than accepting the first offer under time pressure.
Do entry level employers care that I will need H-1B sponsorship later?
Employers with established OPT-to-H1B conversion programs factor this in from the start and plan ahead. The key is targeting employers who have sponsored before, since they understand the timeline and are not caught off guard when the H-1B registration window approaches. Smaller employers without prior sponsorship experience may be willing but need more time to prepare, so having that conversation early in the process is always better than late.
Can I negotiate salary at an entry level OPT job the same as any other candidate?
Yes, your visa status does not limit your ability to negotiate. On STEM OPT, your employer must pay you wages commensurate with similarly situated U.S. workers, which means there is a fairness standard built into the arrangement. Researching market rates for your role and location before negotiating puts you in the same position as any other entry-level candidate.
What happens if I can't find a job before my OPT unemployment limit?
On standard post-completion OPT, you are allowed up to 90 days of unemployment before your F-1 status is at risk. Staying proactive, applying broadly across your qualifying field, and working with your DSO on options gives you the best chance of staying within the limit. Some students use this window to accept internships, part-time roles, or volunteer positions in their field to maintain compliance while continuing their full-time job search.