OPT Equipment Maintenance Technician Jobs
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.
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TITLE: EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN
B SHIFT: MONDAY THRU WEDNESDAY AND EVERY OTHER THURSDAY 6:00 PM TO 6:00 AM
D SHIFT: WEDNESDAY THRU FRIDAY AND EVERY OTHER THURSDAY 6:00 PM TO 6:00 AM
FLSA STATUS: NON-EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR
*Must be willing to train on E shift (Monday thru Wednesday and every other Thursday 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM) for a minimum of two months before moving to assigned shift.
SUMMARY
Under the direction of the Equipment Maintenance Supervisor, the Equipment Maintenance Technician is responsible for performing routine and preventative maintenance on semiconductor tool sets; ensuring that tools are performing at optimum levels by adhering to the established maintenance schedule; resolving tool issues quickly and efficiently in the areas of plating, CMP, photo, and vacuum; partnering with engineering or other groups to improve tool reliability, minimize downtime, and resolve yield issues; supporting continuous improvement activities; reviewing, updating, and documenting routine maintenance guides; and preparing for pass down meetings as needed. This position is located in Milpitas, California.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Performs routine and preventative maintenance on tool sets; ensures tools are performing at optimum levels and within specification
- Troubleshoots and resolves tool issues quickly and efficiently to ensure optimum tool up time
- Partners with engineering, vendors, or other groups to improve tool reliability, reduce Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), increase Mean Time to Preventative Maintenance (MTTPM), and resolve yield issues
- Prepares data or documentation for daily/weekly pass down meetings
- Reads and interprets schematics, mechanical drawings, manuals, and tool repair guides
- Recommends improvements or changes to existing processes in support of continuous improvement initiatives
- Responds to inquiries from other team members, managers, or departments
- Works scheduled and unscheduled overtime as required
- Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Associate’s degree in electronics, industrial manufacturing, and/or equivalent relevant experience
- Two years of hands-on experience working in equipment maintenance in the semiconductor or high volume manufacturing industry
- Strong foundation in pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical disciplines
- Hands-on experience servicing vacuum tool sets and using hand tools
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge and ability to perform routine and preventative maintenance on various semiconductor tools and tool sets
- Knowledge and ability to read complex schematics, mechanical drawings, vacuum diagrams and flow charts, OEM manuals, instructions, and tool guides
- Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to follow written or verbal instructions with minimal supervision
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of contractors, consultants, employees, and management
- Able to work productively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management
- Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
- Able to comply with all clean room protocols and procedures
- Demonstrated ability to resolve equipment maintenance issues quickly and efficiently
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Demonstrated analytical and critical thinking skills
- Flexible and able to prioritize
The hourly rate for this full-time position is between $30.00-$55.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range, the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The hourly pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Equipment Maintenance Technician works primarily in an indoor environment on a rotating schedule on B shift which is Monday thru Wednesday and every other Thursday 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM or D shift which is Friday thru Sunday and every other Thursday 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Work hours may be altered from time-to-time contingent on business needs. Works in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer manufacturing facility; wears a cleanroom (bunny) suit, including hood, gloves, safety glasses, booties, and mask. May be exposed to hazardous conditions, chemicals, fumes, and/or gases during the course of work day; may be exposed to loud noise; may work in close proximity to moving mechanical parts. Stands and walks, bends, twists, and crawls; may occasionally be required to work in crawl spaces, shafts, or other areas that could cause claustrophobia; wears a respirator in order to accommodate safety requirements. Performs various fine grasping movements; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment; may occasionally push, pull, or lift up to 50 pounds.
Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required, but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.
TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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 visa 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 OPT: Frequently 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.