Industrial Painter Jobs for OPT Students
Industrial Painter jobs on OPT are most common in manufacturing, aerospace, and construction sectors, where employers regularly hire for hands-on production roles. Your OPT work authorization is employer-specific, so each new position requires a valid offer before you start. STEM OPT extension does not apply to this role.
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Get Access To All JobsWho will you be working with?
L&M Radiator, Inc. is a global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of MESABI cooling and heat transfer solutions that are custom-made for heavy equipment in the mining, oil, gas, construction and heavy industrial industries. We are looking for an individual to join our Paint Department. This position will work directly with other painters and the Paint Supervisor on a daily basis to ensure production goals are met. This role may also work with our Research and Development department as well as our Engineering department to test equipment, tools, and products.
How will you make a difference?
As a member of the team, you will be responsible for painting products, using customer specifications for paint colors. This paint is unique as different customers require different paints for their products to ensure the paint does not chip or rust in the weather conditions. In this role you will also be responsible for changing paint filters, keeping track of paint supplies, and letting your supervisor, Quality, and Purchasing know what needs to be ordered. This role has opportunities to work with many tools including, but not limited to industrial paint guns, pressure washer, scissor lift, overhead crane, sandblasters, and more! The position reports directly to the Paint Supervisor.
This is a part time position, Monday - Friday, 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Extended hours are possible depending on production needs.
What do we want to know about you?
- 18 years or older.
- Valid driver’s license.
- High school diploma or GED with 1 year of work experience.
- Industrial Painting skills.
What will your typical day look like?
- Ensure accuracy and quality, following company procedures and specifications.
- Maintain an accurate timekeeping record.
- Report problems to supervisor.
- Maintain a clean and safe work area.
- Maintain inventory.
- Prepare parts for painting.
- Follow SP for customer product.
- Maintain and clean spray gun.
- Assist in other areas of production as needed if qualified.
- Perform work in a safe manner and follow all safety guidelines and procedures.
- Domestic and international travel possible depending on the project.
- Perform related work or job duties as required by supervisor.
What about the physical demands of the job?
- Wear correct PPE – earplugs, protective eye wear, steel-toed boots, and work provided uniform (gloves when necessary).
- Wear a paint suit, a hood, respirator, and gloves.
- Keep a clean-shaven face.
- Lift a minimum of 50lbs.
- Stand on concrete for 8-10 hours.
- Work in high heat conditions.
- Use power tools while standing, twisting, crouching, standing on step ladder, or holding them above your head.
- Practice and maintain safe work conditions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for Entry Level:
- Regular and reliable attendance.
- Ability to use mil thickness gauge.
- Knowledge of painting and spraying.
- Ability to use hand and power tools.
- Ability to communicate, in English, effectively and clearly by both written and verbal means.
- Physical strength sufficient to perform job duties.
- Ability to understand and carry out simple oral and written instructions.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Required to wear a respirator and PPE uniform.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment written math test, physical, drug and background test.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1 of year painting experience.
- Knowledge of Epicor or similar ERP system.
- Experience in Lean Manufacturing.
You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
This role is also eligible for a performance bonus.
More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, is available at mywabtecbenefits.com.
Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen and fitness for duty test.
The hourly range for this role is between $20.00 - $28.00. The actual hourly rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands, and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $20.00 - 28.00. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
Who will you be working with?
L&M Radiator, Inc. is a global designer, manufacturer, and distributor of MESABI cooling and heat transfer solutions that are custom-made for heavy equipment in the mining, oil, gas, construction and heavy industrial industries. We are looking for an individual to join our Paint Department. This position will work directly with other painters and the Paint Supervisor on a daily basis to ensure production goals are met. This role may also work with our Research and Development department as well as our Engineering department to test equipment, tools, and products.
How will you make a difference?
As a member of the team, you will be responsible for painting products, using customer specifications for paint colors. This paint is unique as different customers require different paints for their products to ensure the paint does not chip or rust in the weather conditions. In this role you will also be responsible for changing paint filters, keeping track of paint supplies, and letting your supervisor, Quality, and Purchasing know what needs to be ordered. This role has opportunities to work with many tools including, but not limited to industrial paint guns, pressure washer, scissor lift, overhead crane, sandblasters, and more! The position reports directly to the Paint Supervisor.
This is a part time position, Monday - Friday, 12:00pm - 4:00pm. Extended hours are possible depending on production needs.
What do we want to know about you?
- 18 years or older.
- Valid driver’s license.
- High school diploma or GED with 1 year of work experience.
- Industrial Painting skills.
What will your typical day look like?
- Ensure accuracy and quality, following company procedures and specifications.
- Maintain an accurate timekeeping record.
- Report problems to supervisor.
- Maintain a clean and safe work area.
- Maintain inventory.
- Prepare parts for painting.
- Follow SP for customer product.
- Maintain and clean spray gun.
- Assist in other areas of production as needed if qualified.
- Perform work in a safe manner and follow all safety guidelines and procedures.
- Domestic and international travel possible depending on the project.
- Perform related work or job duties as required by supervisor.
What about the physical demands of the job?
- Wear correct PPE – earplugs, protective eye wear, steel-toed boots, and work provided uniform (gloves when necessary).
- Wear a paint suit, a hood, respirator, and gloves.
- Keep a clean-shaven face.
- Lift a minimum of 50lbs.
- Stand on concrete for 8-10 hours.
- Work in high heat conditions.
- Use power tools while standing, twisting, crouching, standing on step ladder, or holding them above your head.
- Practice and maintain safe work conditions.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required for Entry Level:
- Regular and reliable attendance.
- Ability to use mil thickness gauge.
- Knowledge of painting and spraying.
- Ability to use hand and power tools.
- Ability to communicate, in English, effectively and clearly by both written and verbal means.
- Physical strength sufficient to perform job duties.
- Ability to understand and carry out simple oral and written instructions.
- Strong mechanical aptitude.
- Required to wear a respirator and PPE uniform.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment written math test, physical, drug and background test.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1 of year painting experience.
- Knowledge of Epicor or similar ERP system.
- Experience in Lean Manufacturing.
You may also be asked to perform other duties outside of your function or trade, for which adequate training will be provided if necessary.
This role is also eligible for a performance bonus.
More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, is available at mywabtecbenefits.com.
Wabtec will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen and fitness for duty test.
The hourly range for this role is between $20.00 - $28.00. The actual hourly rate offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands, and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $20.00 - 28.00. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Industrial Painter
Target manufacturing and aerospace employers directly
Large manufacturers and aerospace contractors hire industrial painters at scale and are more accustomed to OPT paperwork than small shops. Focus your search on employers with dedicated HR teams who understand work authorization requirements.
Clarify your OPT authorization timeline upfront
Tell employers your OPT end date during early conversations. Most industrial painting roles are full-time permanent positions, so employers need enough lead time to plan before your authorization expires. Transparency avoids wasted interviews.
Emphasize relevant certifications prominently
SSPC, NACE, or confined space certifications signal job-readiness to employers. Listing these on your resume early reduces hesitation about hiring OPT candidates, since certified painters are harder to find and worth the authorization paperwork.
Understand that OPT does not require H-1B sponsorship
Many employers assume hiring international students means H-1B sponsorship. Clarify that OPT is pre-existing authorization requiring no employer petition, no lottery, and no upfront cost. This removes the most common hiring objection you will face.
Look for union shops and large contractors
Unionized painting contractors and large industrial facilities process more hires annually and have established onboarding procedures. They are more likely to have handled OPT documentation before, making the authorization process smoother for both sides.
Report your employment to your DSO promptly
Once you accept an industrial painter role, report the employer details to your Designated School Official immediately. Your DSO must update your SEVIS record to reflect active employment, which is a legal requirement under OPT regulations.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an industrial painter on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Industrial painter roles qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization as long as the position is directly related to your field of study and you have a valid EAD card before starting work. Confirm the connection between your degree field and the role with your DSO if you are unsure.
Does an industrial painter role qualify for a STEM OPT extension?
Not typically. Industrial painter positions are classified under skilled trades, not STEM-designated fields. If your degree is in a STEM field such as materials science or engineering, you would need a different qualifying role to use your 24-month STEM extension. Consult your DSO to confirm eligibility for your specific situation.
How do I find industrial painter employers who accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists industrial painter jobs from employers open to OPT candidates, so you can filter by authorization type rather than guessing which companies will consider you. Searching broadly and then cold-filtering by OPT acceptance wastes time. Start with a platform built for your situation.
What happens to my OPT status if my industrial painter contract ends early?
You enter a 60-day grace period from your last day of employment. During that window you can find a new qualifying position, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. You cannot work during the grace period itself. Report any employment gaps to your DSO as soon as they occur.
Do industrial painter employers need to file any paperwork to hire me on OPT?
No employer petition or government filing is required. Your EAD card is your work authorization document, and employers simply verify it through the standard I-9 process. There is no H-1B lottery, no USCIS filing fee, and no waiting period on the employer side, which makes OPT straightforward for employers willing to hire you.
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