Equipment Maintenance Technician Jobs for OPT Students
Equipment Maintenance Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical engineering, industrial technology, or a related field. Your OPT work authorization must align with your degree, so document how hands-on maintenance work connects to your coursework before applying.
See All Equipment Maintenance Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 601+ Equipment Maintenance Technician jobs


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?


Have you applied for this role?
See all 601+ Equipment Maintenance Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Equipment Maintenance Technician roles.
Get Access To All Jobs
Job ID 4660847006
Date posted 03/25/2026
Founded in 1985, ATS is a company with a presence in the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom. We are professionals in Industrial Maintenance and we make factories run better.
Fundada en 1985, ATS es una empresa con presencia en los Estados Unidos, México y el Reino Unido. Somos profesionales en mantenimiento industrial y hacemos que las fábricas funcionen mejor.
Principal Duties/Responsibilities:
-
Performs mid to expert level break-fix & preventative maintenance. This includes but is not limited to: observing devises in operation to location root cause of problem; dismantling devices to gain access to and remove defective parts; examining parts to detect imperfections; adjustment of functional parts of devices and control instruments; repair and/or replacement of defective parts; testing of device to observe performance; and performing tests for electrical circuitry and mechanical systems; reconditioning and repairing machine tools.
-
Identifies and sources parts, supplies and repair items as necessary.
-
Independently performs maintenance as per industry standards.
-
May be required to setup and operate multiple machining operations including but not limited to: lathe, drill press, grinder, and other metalworking tools to make and repair parts. May perform welding tasks.
-
Complies with 5S and housekeeping standards.
-
Drives and participates in CI activities - processes, results and cost savings.
-
Updates records and reviews CMMS history.
-
Troubleshoots and analyzes control systems to resolve software/ hardware and configuration problems.
-
Utilizes predictive maintenance technologies to collect equipment performance data.
-
Provides assistance to lower level technicians and leadership to small teams. Performs more advanced functions as a part of training and development.
-
Completes on-the-job and technical self-study programs for career development.
-
Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions and guidelines. Situational awareness and identify unsafe behaviors and conditions.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Behaviors Required:
-
High School Graduate or equivalent (GED).
-
Associates degree with a Technical focus and 3 years of related experience in general industry; or 5 years of related experience in general industry or successful completion of the ATS Technician Progression Program.
-
Understands electrical, mechanical, fluid power and control systems. Can analyze problems and perform repairs.
-
Must be able to use basic hand tools and specialized tools as appropriate.
-
May be required to travel.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands/fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb, ascend/descend or balance to heights that may require a ladder or lift; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in confined spaces; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to use close vision and color vision. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. Work is typically performed in a factory environment and is usually very loud. In the factory environment, the employee may be exposed to hazardous materials and/or greasy or slippery factory floors.
ATS believes in fair and equitable pay. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. We also offer market leading benefit programs including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, PTO, a 401k retirement plans with employer matching, tuition reimbursement, and more.
Pay Range
$28.82—$36.85 USD
ATS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment to all applicants and employees without regard to age, color, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Review the privacy policy here.
ATS se compromete a brindar igualdad de oportunidades de empleo en todos los aspectos del empleo a todos los solicitantes y empleados, independientemente de su edad, color, raza, religión, sexo (incluido el embarazo, identidad de género y orientación sexual), origen nacional, discapacidad, estatus de veterano, información genética u otro estatus legalmente protegido. Revisión de la política de privacidad aquí.

Job ID 4660847006
Date posted 03/25/2026
Founded in 1985, ATS is a company with a presence in the United States, Mexico and the United Kingdom. We are professionals in Industrial Maintenance and we make factories run better.
Fundada en 1985, ATS es una empresa con presencia en los Estados Unidos, México y el Reino Unido. Somos profesionales en mantenimiento industrial y hacemos que las fábricas funcionen mejor.
Principal Duties/Responsibilities:
-
Performs mid to expert level break-fix & preventative maintenance. This includes but is not limited to: observing devises in operation to location root cause of problem; dismantling devices to gain access to and remove defective parts; examining parts to detect imperfections; adjustment of functional parts of devices and control instruments; repair and/or replacement of defective parts; testing of device to observe performance; and performing tests for electrical circuitry and mechanical systems; reconditioning and repairing machine tools.
-
Identifies and sources parts, supplies and repair items as necessary.
-
Independently performs maintenance as per industry standards.
-
May be required to setup and operate multiple machining operations including but not limited to: lathe, drill press, grinder, and other metalworking tools to make and repair parts. May perform welding tasks.
-
Complies with 5S and housekeeping standards.
-
Drives and participates in CI activities - processes, results and cost savings.
-
Updates records and reviews CMMS history.
-
Troubleshoots and analyzes control systems to resolve software/ hardware and configuration problems.
-
Utilizes predictive maintenance technologies to collect equipment performance data.
-
Provides assistance to lower level technicians and leadership to small teams. Performs more advanced functions as a part of training and development.
-
Completes on-the-job and technical self-study programs for career development.
-
Follows all safety related policies, rules, regulations, technical instructions and guidelines. Situational awareness and identify unsafe behaviors and conditions.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, & Behaviors Required:
-
High School Graduate or equivalent (GED).
-
Associates degree with a Technical focus and 3 years of related experience in general industry; or 5 years of related experience in general industry or successful completion of the ATS Technician Progression Program.
-
Understands electrical, mechanical, fluid power and control systems. Can analyze problems and perform repairs.
-
Must be able to use basic hand tools and specialized tools as appropriate.
-
May be required to travel.
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands/fingers to handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb, ascend/descend or balance to heights that may require a ladder or lift; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl in confined spaces; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to use close vision and color vision. The employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions and risk of electrical shock. Work is typically performed in a factory environment and is usually very loud. In the factory environment, the employee may be exposed to hazardous materials and/or greasy or slippery factory floors.
ATS believes in fair and equitable pay. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. We also offer market leading benefit programs including Medical, Dental and Vision plans, PTO, a 401k retirement plans with employer matching, tuition reimbursement, and more.
Pay Range
$28.82—$36.85 USD
ATS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment to all applicants and employees without regard to age, color, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or other legally protected status. Review the privacy policy here.
ATS se compromete a brindar igualdad de oportunidades de empleo en todos los aspectos del empleo a todos los solicitantes y empleados, independientemente de su edad, color, raza, religión, sexo (incluido el embarazo, identidad de género y orientación sexual), origen nacional, discapacidad, estatus de veterano, información genética u otro estatus legalmente protegido. Revisión de la política de privacidad aquí.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as an Equipment Maintenance Technician
Target manufacturers with large maintenance teams
Large manufacturing plants, food processing facilities, and semiconductor fabs employ dedicated maintenance technicians and are more likely to have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization. Smaller shops may be unfamiliar with the process and hesitant to proceed.
Lead with STEM OPT eligibility if it applies
If your degree is in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years total. Mentioning this upfront can significantly reduce employer hesitation about short authorization windows.
Get your credentials documented before applying
Gather your EAD card, I-20, and any relevant certifications such as OSHA 10 or equipment-specific training records. Employers in regulated industries often request these early in the process, and having them ready signals professionalism and preparation.
Address the authorization timeline proactively
OPT authorization windows concern employers who invest in training. Be ready to explain your current end date, your eligibility for extension, and the realistic path to H-1B sponsorship if relevant. Clarity early removes the biggest obstacle to an offer.
Emphasize reliability and technical certifications
Maintenance roles prioritize dependability and hands-on skill over academic credentials alone. Certifications in PLC programming, hydraulics, or preventive maintenance software like CMMS strengthen your application and signal that you can contribute from day one.
Equipment Maintenance Technician jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Equipment Maintenance Technician JobsSee all 601+ Equipment Maintenance Technician jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Equipment Maintenance Technician roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Equipment Maintenance Technician on OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a related field such as mechanical engineering, industrial technology, electromechanical engineering, or a similar discipline. USCIS requires that your OPT employment be directly related to your degree program. General maintenance roles that don't connect to your field of study would not qualify, so document the connection clearly with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Equipment Maintenance Technician jobs typically sponsor H-1B visas?
It depends on the employer. Large manufacturers, utilities, and aerospace companies are more likely to sponsor H-1B visas for technicians with specialized skills, particularly in roles involving PLC systems, robotics, or precision equipment. Smaller employers may not have the infrastructure for sponsorship. Use Migrate Mate to find Equipment Maintenance Technician roles from employers with a documented history of sponsoring work visas.
Does an Equipment Maintenance Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, depending on your degree. If you hold a degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, or another STEM-designated field, and your maintenance role is related to that degree, you may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO and verify employer E-Verify status before applying.
What should I do if an employer is unfamiliar with OPT work authorization?
This is common in manufacturing and industrial settings. Prepare a brief one-page summary explaining what OPT is, that your EAD card is your work authorization document, that no petition is required from the employer during the OPT period, and what a STEM extension involves. Framing OPT as straightforward for the employer, with no upfront legal costs, removes the most common objection from hiring managers and HR teams unfamiliar with F-1 status.
Are there specific industries where Equipment Maintenance Technician OPT jobs are more common?
Yes. Semiconductor manufacturing, food and beverage production, pharmaceutical facilities, and industrial automation companies regularly hire maintenance technicians and tend to have larger HR teams comfortable with international candidates. Aerospace and defense are also strong, though security clearance requirements may limit access for non-citizens. Roles tied to advanced equipment such as CNC machines, cleanroom systems, or automated assembly lines are especially well-suited for OPT students with engineering backgrounds.
See which Equipment Maintenance Technician employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Equipment Maintenance Technician Jobs