OPT Equipment Engineer Jobs
Equipment Engineer jobs are accessible on OPT, and many semiconductor, aerospace, and manufacturing employers are experienced sponsors. STEM OPT extensions apply here, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Strong hands-on experience with process tools or fab equipment significantly improves your sponsorship prospects.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout GlobalFoundries:
GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets.
Summary of Role:
This Equipment Engineering position is a 5/2 schedule supporting Metrology and CFM equipment on site at Fab 9 in Essex, VT in a cleanroom environment. Occasional nights and weekend support may be required, as needed. The Fab 9 Metrology module is seeking a motivated Sr. Equipment Engineer to become part of our 200mm Fabricator team in Essex Junction, VT. The candidate will be responsible for ownership of Metrology and CFM manufacturing equipment, supporting maintenance and driving tool availability and cost improvements.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Own and maintain CFM / Metrology equipment.
- Help expand maintenance team skills and document procedures.
- Drive tool installs / relocations as needed.
- Assist with tool sourcing / fleet upgrades as needed.
- Lead structured problem solving to identify root cause equipment failures and drive tool availability improvements.
- Provide Tool Status and coordinate planned maintenance as needed for capacity.
- Interface with other fab modules and other groups as needed.
- Provide second level support for CFM / Metrology equipment interfacing as needed with outside vendors.
- Maintain Vendor Maintenance agreements.
- Work with the third-party vendors / suppliers to enable continued tool support.
- Work with part planners to maintain and add spare parts for tools as needed.
- Maintain inventory for critical parts to ensure sufficient quantities on hand.
- Setup repair paths as needed to ensure continued part support and reduce support costs.
- Create requisitions for parts and service.
- Lead and support cost savings activities.
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements, and programs.
- Other duties as assigned by manager / supervisor.
Required Qualifications
- Education - BS degree in Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or closely related engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
- Experience - Minimum of 2+ years engineering or equipment maintenance experience on 200mm equipment in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
- Skills - Excellent interpersonal skills, energetic, motivated, and self-driven.
- Strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, able to react to shifting priorities to meet business needs, and the ability to meet deadlines and commitments.
- Fluency in English Language – both written & verbal.
Physical Capacity Demands – Must be able to work in a cleanroom environment per semiconductor industry and GlobalFoundries protocol requirements, wearing all required clean room protective clothing and equipment and lift a minimum of 30 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in relevant engineering or related field.
- Preferred 2+ years of Metrology specific engineering in semiconductor manufacturing industry.
- Understanding and knowledge of basic semiconductor/silicon processing, Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) and familiarity with 5S, 8D, FMEA.
- Coding experience in VBA, Python, C++, MATLAB, SQL or other coding language that can be applied to automation of tasks.
- Experience in using trace data analysis using FDC & OEM’s application (ex. E3, Equipment Realtime Charting etc.).
Expected Salary Range
$69,000.00 - $120,000.00
The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.
All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law.
About GlobalFoundries:
GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets.
Summary of Role:
This Equipment Engineering position is a 5/2 schedule supporting Metrology and CFM equipment on site at Fab 9 in Essex, VT in a cleanroom environment. Occasional nights and weekend support may be required, as needed. The Fab 9 Metrology module is seeking a motivated Sr. Equipment Engineer to become part of our 200mm Fabricator team in Essex Junction, VT. The candidate will be responsible for ownership of Metrology and CFM manufacturing equipment, supporting maintenance and driving tool availability and cost improvements.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Own and maintain CFM / Metrology equipment.
- Help expand maintenance team skills and document procedures.
- Drive tool installs / relocations as needed.
- Assist with tool sourcing / fleet upgrades as needed.
- Lead structured problem solving to identify root cause equipment failures and drive tool availability improvements.
- Provide Tool Status and coordinate planned maintenance as needed for capacity.
- Interface with other fab modules and other groups as needed.
- Provide second level support for CFM / Metrology equipment interfacing as needed with outside vendors.
- Maintain Vendor Maintenance agreements.
- Work with the third-party vendors / suppliers to enable continued tool support.
- Work with part planners to maintain and add spare parts for tools as needed.
- Maintain inventory for critical parts to ensure sufficient quantities on hand.
- Setup repair paths as needed to ensure continued part support and reduce support costs.
- Create requisitions for parts and service.
- Lead and support cost savings activities.
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements, and programs.
- Other duties as assigned by manager / supervisor.
Required Qualifications
- Education - BS degree in Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, or closely related engineering discipline or equivalent experience.
- Experience - Minimum of 2+ years engineering or equipment maintenance experience on 200mm equipment in the semiconductor manufacturing industry.
- Skills - Excellent interpersonal skills, energetic, motivated, and self-driven.
- Strong organizational skills; demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, able to react to shifting priorities to meet business needs, and the ability to meet deadlines and commitments.
- Fluency in English Language – both written & verbal.
Physical Capacity Demands – Must be able to work in a cleanroom environment per semiconductor industry and GlobalFoundries protocol requirements, wearing all required clean room protective clothing and equipment and lift a minimum of 30 pounds.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s Degree in relevant engineering or related field.
- Preferred 2+ years of Metrology specific engineering in semiconductor manufacturing industry.
- Understanding and knowledge of basic semiconductor/silicon processing, Statistical Process Control (SPC) and Design of Experiments (DOE) and familiarity with 5S, 8D, FMEA.
- Coding experience in VBA, Python, C++, MATLAB, SQL or other coding language that can be applied to automation of tasks.
- Experience in using trace data analysis using FDC & OEM’s application (ex. E3, Equipment Realtime Charting etc.).
Expected Salary Range
$69,000.00 - $120,000.00
The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.
All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law.
See all 71+ OPT Equipment Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Equipment Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs
Equipment Engineer roles typically fall under STEM-eligible CIP codes, qualifying you for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your degree program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to maximize your work authorization window.
Focus on semiconductor and aerospace employers
Companies like Intel, Applied Materials, and Lockheed Martin routinely sponsor equipment engineers. These industries have established immigration infrastructure and understand OPT timelines, making them more receptive to F-1 candidates than smaller manufacturers.
Highlight specific tool experience in your resume
Employers hiring for equipment engineering want hands-on familiarity with specific systems, such as CVD, PVD, or lithography tools. Naming the exact equipment you've operated signals immediate productivity and reduces perceived sponsorship risk.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Equipment engineer roles often involve onboarding timelines of four to eight weeks. Starting your job search at least three months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough runway to complete hiring without rushing sponsorship decisions.
Address OPT duration proactively with recruiters
When asked about work authorization, frame your STEM OPT extension clearly: you have up to three years of authorization without employer petition costs. This removes a common objection before it becomes a reason to deprioritize your application.
Pursue roles in fab or R&D environments
Cleanroom and R&D equipment roles at universities, national labs, and semiconductor fabs carry higher sponsorship rates. These environments depend on specialized technical talent and are structurally more comfortable hiring and eventually sponsoring international engineers.
Equipment Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Equipment Engineer on OPT?
Yes, Equipment Engineer roles qualify for OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field, typically mechanical, electrical, or materials engineering. If your degree carries a STEM CIP code, you're also eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization after graduation.
Do Equipment Engineer employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Sponsorship rates are relatively strong in semiconductor fabrication, aerospace, and industrial automation, where specialized equipment knowledge is hard to replace. Larger employers in these sectors, including chip manufacturers and defense contractors, have dedicated immigration teams and routinely file H-1B visa petitions for equipment engineers who perform well during OPT. Smaller contract manufacturers are less consistent.
What degree fields qualify an Equipment Engineer role for STEM OPT?
Degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, and engineering physics are the most common qualifying fields. Your specific CIP code, not just your degree title, determines STEM OPT eligibility. Confirm the designation with your international student office before assuming the extension applies to your situation.
How do I find Equipment Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles open to F-1 OPT and STEM OPT candidates, which eliminates the time spent screening out positions that require permanent authorization upfront. Equipment engineer listings on Migrate Mate include sponsorship history and employer context relevant to international candidates, making it a more targeted starting point than general job boards.
Does equipment engineering experience at a university lab count toward OPT employment?
Yes, paid work in a university research lab or cleanroom facility qualifies as valid OPT employment if it's directly related to your degree field. You must be receiving compensation, as volunteer work does not satisfy OPT employment requirements. Report the position to your DSO and ensure it's documented in SEVIS within the required reporting window.