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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Get Access To All JobsEssential Duties and Responsibilities
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Independently perform preventive maintenance of basic complexity on manufacturing equipment.
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Perform basic troubleshooting and repair of issues found during preventive maintenance and reactive calls.
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Work under the guidance of Supervisor and Tech IIs and IIIs to complete tasks.
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Enter and maintain accurate entries in the equipment maintenance database.
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Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
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Understand. Create. Simplify.
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Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Associates degree in electronic technology or equivalent experience
Basic understanding of electronic, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic technology and theory
Experience maintaining and performing preventive maintenance on production equipment
Basic knowledge of analog and digital electronics
Basic knowledge of modern test equipment used to diagnose equipment failures
Expertise in Excel, Word, and Access
Ability to accept and understand direction, learn new skills and assume new responsibilities with a positive attitude
Ability to perform assigned tasks under direct guidance
Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
Background check results satisfactory to SEL
Negative drug test result(s)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience troubleshooting and maintaining automated manufacturing equipment, including analog, digital, and microprocessor circuits as well as vision and robotics systems.
Basic knowledge of programming automated production equipment.
Basic knowledge of printed circuit board assembly, mechanical assembly, and cable assembly processes
Physical Requirements
Lift and maneuver 40 pounds
Pull weight from high/low shelves
Reach
Bend
Grip
Twist
Sit and/or stand at least 8 hours
Fine finger dexterity
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
-
Independently perform preventive maintenance of basic complexity on manufacturing equipment.
-
Perform basic troubleshooting and repair of issues found during preventive maintenance and reactive calls.
-
Work under the guidance of Supervisor and Tech IIs and IIIs to complete tasks.
-
Enter and maintain accurate entries in the equipment maintenance database.
-
Follow and apply SEL Values, Principles of Operations, and World Class Manufacturing Principles.
-
Understand. Create. Simplify.
-
Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
Associates degree in electronic technology or equivalent experience
Basic understanding of electronic, electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic technology and theory
Experience maintaining and performing preventive maintenance on production equipment
Basic knowledge of analog and digital electronics
Basic knowledge of modern test equipment used to diagnose equipment failures
Expertise in Excel, Word, and Access
Ability to accept and understand direction, learn new skills and assume new responsibilities with a positive attitude
Ability to perform assigned tasks under direct guidance
Strong writing, documentation, and speaking skills
Ability to learn new skills and assume new responsibilities
Ability to work cooperatively in a team environment
Background check results satisfactory to SEL
Negative drug test result(s)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience troubleshooting and maintaining automated manufacturing equipment, including analog, digital, and microprocessor circuits as well as vision and robotics systems.
Basic knowledge of programming automated production equipment.
Basic knowledge of printed circuit board assembly, mechanical assembly, and cable assembly processes
Physical Requirements
Lift and maneuver 40 pounds
Pull weight from high/low shelves
Reach
Bend
Grip
Twist
Sit and/or stand at least 8 hours
Fine finger dexterity
Competitive pay. Superior benefits. Inspiring work.
People are at the core of our company and we hire employee-owners. We welcome you to learn more about how we support employees.
- We’re 100% employee owned. Retirement benefits include an employer funded stock ownership plan (ESOP) and personal 401(k) options.
- We offer top tier medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
- We recognize the importance of a healthy life balance and offer: 10 paid holidays, annual vacation accrual starting at 12 days, 9 paid sick days, and paid family and medical leave that covers 90% of your pay.
- We foster growth and development of our employees through avenues such as STEM courses, apprenticeships, tuition assistance, and engineering development programs.
- Ask our team about other benefits including wellness, fertility, adoption, and flexible spending benefits.
Communication with Applicants
We communicate with all applicants. If you do not receive a response about your application, please check your SPAM filter or reach out to us at careers@selinc.com.
SEL is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Vets/Disabled.
See all 150+ OPT Equipment Maintenance Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Equipment Maintenance Technician Jobs.
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.