OPT Equipment Technician Jobs
Equipment Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related technical field. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Hands-on lab or manufacturing experience strengthens your application significantly.
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Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
Second Shift (Afternoons)
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
- Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
When you’re part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do challenging work that makes a real-world impact. Our Clinical Trials Division supports the development and delivery of life-changing therapies by ensuring high-quality, compliant manufacturing and packaging operations.
Time/Shift Hours:
10-hour Shift
Monday - Thursday
2:45pm - 1:30AM
Position Summary
The Equipment Maintenance Technician III is a senior-level technical role responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated manufacturing and packaging equipment in a GMP-regulated environment. This role supports equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency to ensure uninterrupted production of clinical trial materials.
This position requires hands-on technical expertise, the ability to work independently on routine and moderately complex issues, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance & Reliability
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues.
- Support root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Ensure equipment uptime and reliability meet operational performance targets.
Technical Troubleshooting & Systems Support
- Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLC-controlled systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, robotics (Fanuc preferred), and vision systems (Cognex).
- Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system diagrams to support troubleshooting and repairs.
- Escalate complex issues as needed while contributing to timely resolution.
Production Support
- Support equipment setup, changeovers, and line clearance activities in compliance with GMP requirements.
- Configure equipment for different products, packaging formats, and batch requirements.
- Provide real-time technical support during production to minimize downtime.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with cGMP and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Support deviation investigations, audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Follow Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO).
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
- Support Engineering in equipment upgrades, qualifications, and process improvements.
Collaboration
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Validation teams to ensure safe and compliant operations.
- Communicate technical issues, risks, and solutions effectively.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate degree or technical certification in Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Automation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience
- 2–4 years of experience in equipment maintenance within a manufacturing environment; pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device experience preferred.
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing or packaging equipment.
Technical Skills
- Experience troubleshooting PLC systems (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens).
- Familiarity with robotics (Fanuc preferred) and vision systems (Cognex preferred).
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilities.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation (schematics, diagrams, manuals).
Soft Skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Effective communication skills.
- Attention to detail with a focus on quality and compliance.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, and reaching.
- Work performed in GMP-controlled environments, including cleanrooms requiring gowning.
- Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, or overtime as needed to support production.
Why Join Us?
- Work on impactful projects that support patient health worldwide
- Opportunities for career growth and technical development
- Collaborative and safety-focused work environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
Work Schedule
Second Shift (Afternoons)
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
- Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
When you’re part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do challenging work that makes a real-world impact. Our Clinical Trials Division supports the development and delivery of life-changing therapies by ensuring high-quality, compliant manufacturing and packaging operations.
Time/Shift Hours:
10-hour Shift
Monday - Thursday
2:45pm - 1:30AM
Position Summary
The Equipment Maintenance Technician III is a senior-level technical role responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated manufacturing and packaging equipment in a GMP-regulated environment. This role supports equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency to ensure uninterrupted production of clinical trial materials.
This position requires hands-on technical expertise, the ability to work independently on routine and moderately complex issues, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance & Reliability
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues.
- Support root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Ensure equipment uptime and reliability meet operational performance targets.
Technical Troubleshooting & Systems Support
- Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLC-controlled systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, robotics (Fanuc preferred), and vision systems (Cognex).
- Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system diagrams to support troubleshooting and repairs.
- Escalate complex issues as needed while contributing to timely resolution.
Production Support
- Support equipment setup, changeovers, and line clearance activities in compliance with GMP requirements.
- Configure equipment for different products, packaging formats, and batch requirements.
- Provide real-time technical support during production to minimize downtime.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with cGMP and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Support deviation investigations, audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Follow Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO).
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
- Support Engineering in equipment upgrades, qualifications, and process improvements.
Collaboration
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Validation teams to ensure safe and compliant operations.
- Communicate technical issues, risks, and solutions effectively.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate degree or technical certification in Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Automation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience
- 2–4 years of experience in equipment maintenance within a manufacturing environment; pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device experience preferred.
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing or packaging equipment.
Technical Skills
- Experience troubleshooting PLC systems (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens).
- Familiarity with robotics (Fanuc preferred) and vision systems (Cognex preferred).
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilities.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation (schematics, diagrams, manuals).
Soft Skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Effective communication skills.
- Attention to detail with a focus on quality and compliance.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, and reaching.
- Work performed in GMP-controlled environments, including cleanrooms requiring gowning.
- Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, or overtime as needed to support production.
Why Join Us?
- Work on impactful projects that support patient health worldwide
- Opportunities for career growth and technical development
- Collaborative and safety-focused work environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
See all 74+ OPT Equipment Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Equipment Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Equipment Technician
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Equipment Technician positions typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering, physics, or a related field. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to avoid authorization gaps.
Target employers with an active E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Before applying, confirm the company participates in E-Verify. Manufacturers, semiconductor firms, and defense contractors are common Equipment Technician employers that already meet this requirement.
Highlight hands-on technical experience in your resume
Employers sponsoring OPT students for Equipment Technician roles want evidence of practical skills. List specific equipment you have operated, calibrated, or maintained. Lab coursework, internships, and co-op placements all count as relevant experience worth featuring.
Submit your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days early
USCIS recommends filing your Form I-983 and STEM OPT extension no later than 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Late filing can leave you without valid work authorization, which forces a job to pause or end.
Negotiate a formal training plan with your employer
STEM OPT requires a completed Form I-983 training plan signed by your employer. Discuss this early in the offer process. Equipment Technician roles align well with structured plans covering equipment operations, safety protocols, and diagnostic procedures.
Focus your search on industries with high OPT sponsorship rates
Semiconductor manufacturing, medical device companies, aerospace, and industrial automation firms hire Equipment Technicians frequently and have established OPT and H-1B visa pipelines. Browse Migrate Mate to filter roles from employers with proven sponsorship track records.
Equipment Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Equipment Technician role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Equipment Technician positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or applied physics. The job itself must involve applying STEM knowledge in a meaningful way. Confirm eligibility with your DSO and review the official STEM CIP code list before accepting an offer.
What does an Equipment Technician employer need to provide for STEM OPT?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must complete Form I-983, the STEM OPT training plan, with you. The plan should describe how the role provides practical training related to your degree field. Equipment Technician roles map well to this requirement because they typically involve systematic diagnostic, calibration, and maintenance work tied to engineering principles.
How early should I start looking for Equipment Technician OPT jobs?
Start at least four to six months before your program end date. OPT applications take up to 90 days to process, and you want an authorized start date that aligns with your employment. Browse Equipment Technician listings on Migrate Mate early so you can identify employers familiar with OPT and avoid last-minute authorization gaps.
Can I work as an Equipment Technician while waiting for my STEM OPT extension to be approved?
Yes, as long as you filed your STEM OPT extension application before your initial OPT expired, you receive an automatic 180-day cap-gap authorization that lets you continue working. Keep your receipt notice on hand, as your employer may need to verify your continued work authorization status during this period.
What type of degree do I need to get an Equipment Technician job on OPT?
Most Equipment Technician roles require a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, mechatronics, or a closely related discipline. Some employers accept associate degrees combined with relevant hands-on experience, though those positions may not qualify for STEM OPT. Roles at semiconductor fabs, research labs, and medical device manufacturers tend to have the strongest alignment with engineering degree requirements.