OPT Forklift Mechanic Jobs
Forklift Mechanic jobs on OPT require employers who can support your F-1 work authorization. These roles fall under skilled trades and industrial maintenance, making STEM OPT extension eligibility a key factor to confirm before applying. Your 12-month OPT clock starts the moment you begin work.
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The Industrial Forklift Operator is responsible for unloading and loading all inbound and outbound products, along with moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting product within and throughout the warehouse.
Essential Functions/Key Deliverables
- Inspect the technical condition of the Forklift and other handling equipment before starting work to determine the need for repairs to safely operate machinery.
- Record pre-use checks in the provided system or the vehicle logbook as required.
- Report any faults and/or breakdowns of the Forklift Lead.
- Check the delivered quantities and condition of the goods recording data on the receiving form accurately.
- Unload goods, packaging, raw materials and other from incoming vehicles and stack them to assigned places using FLT.
- Complete orders for distribution, work to quality standards and provided instructions.
- Ensure each product pallet is secured for transit and labelled correctly.
- Load goods or other materials onto the truck for transportation in accordance with work security regulations/instructions using forklift.
- Move stock/goods using forklift throughout the warehouse according to instructions.
- Use the SAP RFID scanning system equipment correctly following set orders and assigned tasks to ensure accuracy of inventory. Coordinate to ensure RF monitors are in good working order.
- Transport materials to the production department complying with FIFO procedures.
- Operate low-lift pallet truck whenever there is a need for loading e.g. sea containers.
- Clean fork-Lift-Trucks and other handling equipment in accordance with ISO and BRC standards.
- Responsible for general warehouse duties when the forklift is not required. This will include general housekeeping, etc. within the warehouse and surrounding grounds.
- Select/sort packaging materials when required and assist with stock take.
- Assist with the implementation and maintenance of CP systems, including performing internal audits as required.
- Safely exchange fork truck gas cylinders, refill fuel tank, or replace, re-charge batteries (whichever applies).
- Must adhere to all plant GMP and BRC requirements.
- Perform any other duty reasonable corresponding with the role.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
- Engineering or Technical Degree preferred.
- Must have 2 or more years forklift experience - preferred propane, gas, or diesel experience.
- Ability to operate a forklift is required.
- Ability to read and write English.
- Ability to perform basic math functions.
- A basic working knowledge of computer systems, Microsoft Office, SAP.
- Ability to function both independently and as part of a team; must be flexible and excited to grow with the organization.
Physical Demands
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
- Lift/Carry 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Push/Pull 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Stand F
- Walk F
- Sit F
- Manually Manipulate O
- Reach Outward O
- Reach Above Shoulder O
- Climb O
- Crawl O
- Squat or Kneel O
- Bend O
Other Physical Requirements
- Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth)
- Sense of Sound - Ability to understand conversational speaking
- Sense of Touch
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - per safety guidelines
- Mobility to cover expansive manufacturing environment
Work Environment
Ability to work in an environment that can become very hot (temperature) depending on the weather.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Grupa CANPACK dokłada wszelkich starań, aby zapewnić równe szanse zatrudnienia wszystkim kandydatom i pracownikom. Decyzje o zatrudnieniu opierają się na względach zawodowych, niezależnie od narodowości, koloru skóry, religii, wieku, płci, orientacji seksualnej, tożsamości płciowej, pochodzenia, niepełnosprawności lub innego statusu chronionego prawem, chyba że ewentualne rozróżnienie jest wymagane prawem.
Position Summary
The Industrial Forklift Operator is responsible for unloading and loading all inbound and outbound products, along with moving, locating, relocating, stacking, and counting product within and throughout the warehouse.
Essential Functions/Key Deliverables
- Inspect the technical condition of the Forklift and other handling equipment before starting work to determine the need for repairs to safely operate machinery.
- Record pre-use checks in the provided system or the vehicle logbook as required.
- Report any faults and/or breakdowns of the Forklift Lead.
- Check the delivered quantities and condition of the goods recording data on the receiving form accurately.
- Unload goods, packaging, raw materials and other from incoming vehicles and stack them to assigned places using FLT.
- Complete orders for distribution, work to quality standards and provided instructions.
- Ensure each product pallet is secured for transit and labelled correctly.
- Load goods or other materials onto the truck for transportation in accordance with work security regulations/instructions using forklift.
- Move stock/goods using forklift throughout the warehouse according to instructions.
- Use the SAP RFID scanning system equipment correctly following set orders and assigned tasks to ensure accuracy of inventory. Coordinate to ensure RF monitors are in good working order.
- Transport materials to the production department complying with FIFO procedures.
- Operate low-lift pallet truck whenever there is a need for loading e.g. sea containers.
- Clean fork-Lift-Trucks and other handling equipment in accordance with ISO and BRC standards.
- Responsible for general warehouse duties when the forklift is not required. This will include general housekeeping, etc. within the warehouse and surrounding grounds.
- Select/sort packaging materials when required and assist with stock take.
- Assist with the implementation and maintenance of CP systems, including performing internal audits as required.
- Safely exchange fork truck gas cylinders, refill fuel tank, or replace, re-charge batteries (whichever applies).
- Must adhere to all plant GMP and BRC requirements.
- Perform any other duty reasonable corresponding with the role.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
- Engineering or Technical Degree preferred.
- Must have 2 or more years forklift experience - preferred propane, gas, or diesel experience.
- Ability to operate a forklift is required.
- Ability to read and write English.
- Ability to perform basic math functions.
- A basic working knowledge of computer systems, Microsoft Office, SAP.
- Ability to function both independently and as part of a team; must be flexible and excited to grow with the organization.
Physical Demands
N (Not Applicable) Activity is not applicable to this position.
O (Occasionally) Position requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently) Position requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly) Position requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
- Lift/Carry 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Push/Pull 10 lbs or less F
-
11-25 lbs F
-
Stand F
- Walk F
- Sit F
- Manually Manipulate O
- Reach Outward O
- Reach Above Shoulder O
- Climb O
- Crawl O
- Squat or Kneel O
- Bend O
Other Physical Requirements
- Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth)
- Sense of Sound - Ability to understand conversational speaking
- Sense of Touch
- Ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) - per safety guidelines
- Mobility to cover expansive manufacturing environment
Work Environment
Ability to work in an environment that can become very hot (temperature) depending on the weather.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Grupa CANPACK dokłada wszelkich starań, aby zapewnić równe szanse zatrudnienia wszystkim kandydatom i pracownikom. Decyzje o zatrudnieniu opierają się na względach zawodowych, niezależnie od narodowości, koloru skóry, religii, wieku, płci, orientacji seksualnej, tożsamości płciowej, pochodzenia, niepełnosprawności lub innego statusu chronionego prawem, chyba że ewentualne rozróżnienie jest wymagane prawem.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Forklift Mechanic
Confirm your CIP code before applying
STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree's CIP code. Industrial technology, mechanical engineering technology, and similar programs often qualify. Verify with your DSO before applying so you know upfront whether you can extend beyond 12 months.
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large manufacturing companies, logistics firms, and equipment dealerships hire forklift mechanics at scale and are more likely to have HR teams familiar with OPT work authorization requirements. Smaller independent shops may need more education on the process.
Lead with your EAD card timeline in applications
Employers in skilled trades often confuse OPT with visa sponsorship. Clarify upfront that your EAD card is already approved and you can start work immediately. This removes a major hesitation before it becomes a rejection.
Highlight certifications that transfer immediately
OSHA forklift certification, diesel engine repair credentials, and hydraulic systems training are valued universally. Listing these prominently signals you are job-ready from day one, which matters more in trades roles than academic credentials alone.
Ask about H-2B or H-1B conversion paths early
Some manufacturing and logistics employers sponsor skilled trades workers for long-term visas. Asking about their history with visa sponsorship during interviews helps you assess the employer's immigration readiness before investing time in the hiring process.
Time your application around your OPT start date
Employers need confidence you can work legally before making an offer. Apply two to four weeks after your OPT EAD is approved and in hand, so you can provide a clear start date and avoid delays caused by authorization uncertainty.
Forklift Mechanic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Forklift Mechanic on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. Forklift Mechanic positions typically align with degrees in mechanical engineering technology, industrial technology, or automotive technology. Your DSO must confirm the connection between your degree and the job before you begin work on your EAD.
Does a Forklift Mechanic role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If you graduated from a qualifying STEM program such as mechanical engineering technology or industrial engineering, and the employer meets the E-Verify requirement, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months. Confirm eligibility with your DSO.
How do I find Forklift Mechanic employers who are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by OPT-friendly employers. Searching there saves time compared to applying broadly and encountering employers unfamiliar with work authorization. Focus on larger logistics companies, equipment dealers, and fleet maintenance operations, which tend to have more experience hiring on OPT.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm laid off from a Forklift Mechanic job?
You have a 90-day unemployment limit across your entire OPT period. If you lose your job, that clock continues running. You do not need to notify USCIS immediately, but your DSO must update your SEVIS record when your employment status changes. Finding a new qualifying role quickly is important to staying within the limit.
Do Forklift Mechanic employers need to sponsor me for OPT?
No. OPT is authorized by USCIS through your school, not by your employer. Your employer does not file any petition or pay any government fees on your behalf. They simply hire you and verify your EAD, just as they would any other work-authorized employee. This is a common misconception that causes unnecessary hesitation from employers.