Forklift Mechanic Jobs for OPT Students
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 Lilly Company, established in 1919, is a leading provider in the material handling industry across the southeastern region. We specialize in offering innovative forklift solutions, parts, service, and rentals to help businesses operate efficiently and smoothly. This position is located in our Jonesboro, AR location.
Job Overview
We are seeking a skilled Forklift Mechanic to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a wide range of industrial equipment, including forklifts, heavy machinery, and farm equipment. Your expertise will ensure our fleet remains reliable and safe for daily operations, supporting our commitment to delivering top-tier service to our customers.
Duties
- Perform inspections and diagnostics on forklifts and heavy equipment using schematics and OEM manuals
- Repair and maintain transmissions, hydraulics, brakes, suspensions, and electrical systems on various machinery
- Conduct fabrication and welding tasks to modify or repair equipment components
- Troubleshoot mechanical issues on diesel engines, HVAC systems, and power tools
- Replace tires, perform alignments, and conduct heavy lifting repairs to ensure optimal equipment performance
- Utilize hand tools and power tools for assembly, disassembly, and repairs of industrial machinery
- Maintain detailed service records and ensure all repairs meet safety standards
Skills
- Proven experience with dealership or OEM equipment repair preferred
- Strong mechanical knowledge of forklifts, excavators, cranes, tractors, and farm machinery
- Ability to read schematics and electrical diagrams accurately
- Skilled in welding, soldering, fabrication, and use of hand tools and power tools
- Knowledge of hydraulics, transmissions, air brakes, suspension systems, and HVAC systems
- Experience with automotive diagnostics and heavy equipment operation
- Excellent customer service skills with a proactive approach to maintenance issues
- Ability to perform heavy lifting safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Join us as a Forklift Mechanic to keep our fleet running smoothly! Your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and efficiency of operations while providing top-notch service to our valued customers. We’re committed to supporting your growth with comprehensive training opportunities in all aspects of industrial equipment repair.
The Lilly Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Fuel card
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Prescription drug insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
Heavy Equipment Mechanic: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Driver's License with clean record (Required)
Work Location: In person
Company Overview
The Lilly Company, established in 1919, is a leading provider in the material handling industry across the southeastern region. We specialize in offering innovative forklift solutions, parts, service, and rentals to help businesses operate efficiently and smoothly. This position is located in our Jonesboro, AR location.
Job Overview
We are seeking a skilled Forklift Mechanic to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will be responsible for diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining a wide range of industrial equipment, including forklifts, heavy machinery, and farm equipment. Your expertise will ensure our fleet remains reliable and safe for daily operations, supporting our commitment to delivering top-tier service to our customers.
Duties
- Perform inspections and diagnostics on forklifts and heavy equipment using schematics and OEM manuals
- Repair and maintain transmissions, hydraulics, brakes, suspensions, and electrical systems on various machinery
- Conduct fabrication and welding tasks to modify or repair equipment components
- Troubleshoot mechanical issues on diesel engines, HVAC systems, and power tools
- Replace tires, perform alignments, and conduct heavy lifting repairs to ensure optimal equipment performance
- Utilize hand tools and power tools for assembly, disassembly, and repairs of industrial machinery
- Maintain detailed service records and ensure all repairs meet safety standards
Skills
- Proven experience with dealership or OEM equipment repair preferred
- Strong mechanical knowledge of forklifts, excavators, cranes, tractors, and farm machinery
- Ability to read schematics and electrical diagrams accurately
- Skilled in welding, soldering, fabrication, and use of hand tools and power tools
- Knowledge of hydraulics, transmissions, air brakes, suspension systems, and HVAC systems
- Experience with automotive diagnostics and heavy equipment operation
- Excellent customer service skills with a proactive approach to maintenance issues
- Ability to perform heavy lifting safely and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
Join us as a Forklift Mechanic to keep our fleet running smoothly! Your expertise will directly contribute to the safety and efficiency of operations while providing top-notch service to our valued customers. We’re committed to supporting your growth with comprehensive training opportunities in all aspects of industrial equipment repair.
The Lilly Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Fuel card
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Prescription drug insurance
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
Heavy Equipment Mechanic: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
Driver's License with clean record (Required)
Work Location: In person
How to Get Visa 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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