OPT Industrial Technician Jobs
Industrial Technician roles on OPT typically fall under STEM-designated programs in engineering or applied technology, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, energy, and automation regularly hire OPT candidates for hands-on technical roles. Your EAD card is your work authorization document, no additional employer filing is required to start.
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Get Access To All JobsPLC Programmer & Industrial Technician
Job Id: 13097
City:
Yakima, Washington, United States
Department: Sales and Service
Function: Sales & Commercial
Employee Type: Permanent Full Time
Seniority Level: Associate
About DECCO: DECCO, an Advanta company is the global leader in providing postharvest solutions to reduce food waste and enhance the freshness of fresh fruits and vegetables all along the food supply chain. DECCO delivers value every day to packers, shippers, supermarkets and consumers with customized coating, decay control, sanitization and disinfection products, application technology, on-site service and almost 90 years of postharvest expertise. Our 200+ dedicated DECCO employees operate in over 40 countries. Our purpose is to enable more and better Fresh Food for the world. More. Beautiful. Fresh.
Job Summary: The PLC Programmer will lead the creation and management of PLC programs for Decco industrial automation systems and be a key part of implementing our digital transformation for both internal and external customers. As an Industrial Technician, the role is aimed to support with innovation, design, building, installation, and maintenance of DECCO equipment and control systems. Utilize personal skills and aptitude to enhance Decco deliverables to customers and improve digitalization excellence.
Job Responsibilities:
PLC Programming:
- Develop, write, and implement PLC software using ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagrams. Ability to learn multiple platforms as needed.
PLC Support:
- Test systems for efficiency, reliability, and safety. Troubleshoot and debug PLC systems to resolve operational issues. Proficiency in interpreting and creating electrical schematics.
Performance Metrics:
- Success will be measured by system uptime, error rates, timely project completion, and effectiveness of PLC programs in meeting operational goals. Continuous learning and staying up to date with current trends and practices.
Collaboration/Support:
- Collaborate with technicians, managers, and customers to integrate PLC systems into production processes. Provide technical support and training to clients and internal teams to properly operate equipment.
Innovation/Strategy:
- Identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement. Drive continual improvement by supporting the design, development, and deployment of updated equipment and technological systems. Contribute to the development of strategies for the organization and able to incorporate equipment and service in the strategic agenda.
Fabrication/Maintenance:
- Help with the construction, assembly, and proper use of all equipment and controls. Assist with maintaining all systems in good working order and functional for their designed purpose.
Documentation:
- Provide design schematics, program documentation, installation protocols, and troubleshooting guides.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Industrial Technology, or a related field;
- OR 1–3 years of experience in electrical systems, controls, automation, or related technical work.
- Foundational knowledge of PLC concepts or basic exposure to programming (coursework, projects, or work experience).
- Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn new platforms and technologies.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with standard computer applications.
- Valid driver’s license.
PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Industrial Networking
- HMI/SCADA Development
- Database Integration
- Process Control
Reports to: Industrial Technology Manager & Service Lead
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Number of direct reports – 0
- Number of indirect reports – 0
- Budget responsibilities – Aligned with Business Unit
Travel: Occasional travel to support customers, call on prospects, attend industry events and company meetings.
Location: Yakima, WA or Wenatchee, WA areas
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- CUSTOMER FOCUS – Ability to building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
- CULTIVATES INNOVATION – Thinks creatively and implements solutions for everyday problems; Strives to continually improve own processes and areas of business; Puts forward proposals and develops strategic implementation plans to introduce new and improved ways of operating.
- RESOURCEFULNESS – Identifying, Securing & Deploying resources effectively & efficiently (People, funds, infrastructure) to accomplish business goals.
PLC Programmer & Industrial Technician
Job Id: 13097
City:
Yakima, Washington, United States
Department: Sales and Service
Function: Sales & Commercial
Employee Type: Permanent Full Time
Seniority Level: Associate
About DECCO: DECCO, an Advanta company is the global leader in providing postharvest solutions to reduce food waste and enhance the freshness of fresh fruits and vegetables all along the food supply chain. DECCO delivers value every day to packers, shippers, supermarkets and consumers with customized coating, decay control, sanitization and disinfection products, application technology, on-site service and almost 90 years of postharvest expertise. Our 200+ dedicated DECCO employees operate in over 40 countries. Our purpose is to enable more and better Fresh Food for the world. More. Beautiful. Fresh.
Job Summary: The PLC Programmer will lead the creation and management of PLC programs for Decco industrial automation systems and be a key part of implementing our digital transformation for both internal and external customers. As an Industrial Technician, the role is aimed to support with innovation, design, building, installation, and maintenance of DECCO equipment and control systems. Utilize personal skills and aptitude to enhance Decco deliverables to customers and improve digitalization excellence.
Job Responsibilities:
PLC Programming:
- Develop, write, and implement PLC software using ladder logic, structured text, and function block diagrams. Ability to learn multiple platforms as needed.
PLC Support:
- Test systems for efficiency, reliability, and safety. Troubleshoot and debug PLC systems to resolve operational issues. Proficiency in interpreting and creating electrical schematics.
Performance Metrics:
- Success will be measured by system uptime, error rates, timely project completion, and effectiveness of PLC programs in meeting operational goals. Continuous learning and staying up to date with current trends and practices.
Collaboration/Support:
- Collaborate with technicians, managers, and customers to integrate PLC systems into production processes. Provide technical support and training to clients and internal teams to properly operate equipment.
Innovation/Strategy:
- Identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement. Drive continual improvement by supporting the design, development, and deployment of updated equipment and technological systems. Contribute to the development of strategies for the organization and able to incorporate equipment and service in the strategic agenda.
Fabrication/Maintenance:
- Help with the construction, assembly, and proper use of all equipment and controls. Assist with maintaining all systems in good working order and functional for their designed purpose.
Documentation:
- Provide design schematics, program documentation, installation protocols, and troubleshooting guides.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Automation, Industrial Technology, or a related field;
- OR 1–3 years of experience in electrical systems, controls, automation, or related technical work.
- Foundational knowledge of PLC concepts or basic exposure to programming (coursework, projects, or work experience).
- Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn new platforms and technologies.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with standard computer applications.
- Valid driver’s license.
PREFERRED SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND EXPERIENCE:
- Industrial Networking
- HMI/SCADA Development
- Database Integration
- Process Control
Reports to: Industrial Technology Manager & Service Lead
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Number of direct reports – 0
- Number of indirect reports – 0
- Budget responsibilities – Aligned with Business Unit
Travel: Occasional travel to support customers, call on prospects, attend industry events and company meetings.
Location: Yakima, WA or Wenatchee, WA areas
KEY COMPETENCIES:
- CUSTOMER FOCUS – Ability to building strong customer relationships and delivering customer-centric solutions
- CULTIVATES INNOVATION – Thinks creatively and implements solutions for everyday problems; Strives to continually improve own processes and areas of business; Puts forward proposals and develops strategic implementation plans to introduce new and improved ways of operating.
- RESOURCEFULNESS – Identifying, Securing & Deploying resources effectively & efficiently (People, funds, infrastructure) to accomplish business goals.
See all 144+ OPT Industrial Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Industrial Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Industrial Technician
Target STEM OPT-eligible degree fields
Industrial Technician roles most often qualify under engineering technology or mechanical engineering CIP codes. Confirm your degree program is on the STEM OPT list before applying, so you can offer employers a full 36-month authorization window rather than just 12.
Apply to manufacturers with established OPT hiring
Large manufacturers and automation companies hire OPT students more consistently than small shops. Companies with existing international workforces and HR teams familiar with EAD cards move faster through onboarding and are less likely to withdraw offers over authorization questions.
Address your OPT timeline upfront in applications
State your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility directly in your cover letter. Hiring managers in industrial roles often assume work authorization is more complicated than it is. Removing that uncertainty early keeps your application moving forward.
Highlight hands-on coursework and certifications
Industrial Technician roles are skills-focused. PLC programming, hydraulics, pneumatics, or electrical systems certifications carry real weight. List lab work, capstone projects, and any industry credentials alongside your degree to compete with candidates who have direct work experience.
Track your OPT reporting obligations during employment
While working as an Industrial Technician on OPT, report any employer or address changes to your DSO within 10 days. Gaps in reporting can jeopardize your STEM extension eligibility, so keep your SEVP portal records current throughout your authorization period.
Start your STEM extension application 90 days early
USCIS allows you to file your STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your current EAD expires. Industrial roles often involve multi-month onboarding and training cycles, so uninterrupted authorization matters. Filing early protects you if USCIS processing runs longer than expected.
Industrial Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Industrial Technician roles qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Most Industrial Technician positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in engineering technology, mechanical engineering, or a related applied science field. The role itself must also be directly related to your degree. Confirm the CIP code with your DSO before applying, since the degree program determines eligibility rather than the job title alone.
Do employers need to file any paperwork to hire me as an Industrial Technician on OPT?
For standard 12-month OPT, your employer does not file anything with USCIS. Your EAD card is sufficient work authorization. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan with your school. Most mid-size and large manufacturers already participate in E-Verify, so this is rarely a barrier in industrial sectors.
How do I find Industrial Technician employers that are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-status job seekers, so the Industrial Technician roles listed there are from employers already open to hiring candidates on work authorization. Searching on Migrate Mate filters out the friction of applying to companies unfamiliar with OPT, which is a practical time-saver when your authorization window is limited.
Can I work for a staffing agency or on a contract basis as an Industrial Technician on OPT?
Yes, contract and staffing agency placements are permitted on OPT as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. The staffing agency becomes your employer of record, so your EAD must list the correct authorization category. For STEM OPT, the end client where you physically work must be enrolled in E-Verify, not just the staffing agency.
What happens to my OPT if I get laid off from my Industrial Technician job?
F-1 students on OPT have a cumulative 90-day unemployment limit during the standard 12-month period, and an additional 60 days during the STEM extension. Losing your Industrial Technician job starts the clock on that unemployment window. Notify your DSO immediately and begin searching for a new qualifying position. Exceeding the limit terminates your OPT authorization regardless of EAD card expiration date.