OPT Machine Builder Jobs
Machine Builder jobs on OPT require hands-on work with assembly, mechanical systems, and precision tools, which aligns well with engineering and manufacturing degrees that qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Many employers in this field actively file H-1B visa petitions, giving you a realistic path beyond your initial OPT period.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Ignite your career at Builders FirstSource, America’s largest supplier of building materials, value-added components and building services to the professional market. The #1 name in our industry, we help make the dream of home ownership more achievable every day. At BFS, you’ll be equipped with all the tools, training, and resources you need, and you’ll be empowered to try new things, gain new experiences, and build a career with unlimited horizons.
SUMMARY
Operates specialized machines such as door router, stair router, welder, plate cutter, table saws, planer jointer and component cutter to perform such operations as routing, boring, rip sawing, cross cutting, beveling, grooving, and mitering of lumber or wood stock.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Selects and sets proper machine control settings/part(s) wherever appropriate, such as placing correct disk on saw, setting guides, etc., according to type of work order and specification of cut.
- Selects material to be machined (i.e., beams, headers, studs, fire blocking, plates, blocks, doors, lumber).
- Starts machine, places wood stock on table against proper guides, and pushes stock against saw or machine for cutting.
- Measures cut stock with ruler, caliper rule, or square to verify dimensions against specifications, or sets proper dimensions on automated machine settings.
- Starts machine and cuts, routes, bores, etc. the wood stock material or product (doors) according to the written or computer specifications on lengths or angles or dimensions.
- Writes correct label (numbers and/or letters) on cut stock/prepared product.
- Removes cut stock from machine and places on job carts. Deliver carts to proper location or team member for shipment or further work.
- Maintains production count by marking completed work on correct work order and delivering paperwork to team leader or manager.
- Prepare cut inventory for future use.
- Clean equipment, floors and work areas according to safety procedures.
EQUIPMENT, MACHINES OR VEHICLES USED IN THIS POSITION
Air nail gun, Stair Router Machine, Drills, Planer Jointer, Saws: Miter, table, panel, double trim, hand, whirlwind, band, Forklift, Door Routing Machine, Shaper Tools: hammer, nails, handsaw, square level, screwdriver, wrench, wood chisel, tape measure, router, speed square, belt sander, Flatbed, dump or tractor trailer.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED), plus 1-year prior experience and/or training in related millwork, construction or lumber industries; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 6 months prior experience working on machines and good mechanical aptitude is required. Understanding of products and components used for mill production is essential. Must have attention to quality, quantity and safety.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
CDL A or B may be required. Forklift Certification may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift up 100 pounds of weight. The employee is occasionally required to stand.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Environment may be very loud (examples: jack hammer work, etc.).
At BFS, we want you and your career to be greater than what you ever could have expected. Our supportive, people-first culture will build you up and empower you to do more, be more, and become better every day. Join us and see what’s possible when you can rise to new challenges, learn new skills, and add to your career tool belt every day.
At Builders FirstSource, we offer competitive, affordable benefits designed to make life better for you and the people you love. Our goal is simple — provide great plans that help you and your family to live happier, healthier and more secure lives. To view all our benefit offerings click here www.bldrbenefits.com.
Builders FirstSource is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Builders FirstSource, please call (214) 765-3990 or email: ADA.Accommodation@bldr.com. Please do not send resumes to this email address - it is intended only to be used to request an accommodation in submitting an application for a job opening.
Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about the status of your application.
INTRODUCTION
Ignite your career at Builders FirstSource, America’s largest supplier of building materials, value-added components and building services to the professional market. The #1 name in our industry, we help make the dream of home ownership more achievable every day. At BFS, you’ll be equipped with all the tools, training, and resources you need, and you’ll be empowered to try new things, gain new experiences, and build a career with unlimited horizons.
SUMMARY
Operates specialized machines such as door router, stair router, welder, plate cutter, table saws, planer jointer and component cutter to perform such operations as routing, boring, rip sawing, cross cutting, beveling, grooving, and mitering of lumber or wood stock.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
- Selects and sets proper machine control settings/part(s) wherever appropriate, such as placing correct disk on saw, setting guides, etc., according to type of work order and specification of cut.
- Selects material to be machined (i.e., beams, headers, studs, fire blocking, plates, blocks, doors, lumber).
- Starts machine, places wood stock on table against proper guides, and pushes stock against saw or machine for cutting.
- Measures cut stock with ruler, caliper rule, or square to verify dimensions against specifications, or sets proper dimensions on automated machine settings.
- Starts machine and cuts, routes, bores, etc. the wood stock material or product (doors) according to the written or computer specifications on lengths or angles or dimensions.
- Writes correct label (numbers and/or letters) on cut stock/prepared product.
- Removes cut stock from machine and places on job carts. Deliver carts to proper location or team member for shipment or further work.
- Maintains production count by marking completed work on correct work order and delivering paperwork to team leader or manager.
- Prepare cut inventory for future use.
- Clean equipment, floors and work areas according to safety procedures.
EQUIPMENT, MACHINES OR VEHICLES USED IN THIS POSITION
Air nail gun, Stair Router Machine, Drills, Planer Jointer, Saws: Miter, table, panel, double trim, hand, whirlwind, band, Forklift, Door Routing Machine, Shaper Tools: hammer, nails, handsaw, square level, screwdriver, wrench, wood chisel, tape measure, router, speed square, belt sander, Flatbed, dump or tractor trailer.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
High school diploma or general education degree (GED), plus 1-year prior experience and/or training in related millwork, construction or lumber industries; or equivalent combination of education and experience. 6 months prior experience working on machines and good mechanical aptitude is required. Understanding of products and components used for mill production is essential. Must have attention to quality, quantity and safety.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:
CDL A or B may be required. Forklift Certification may be required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to lift up 100 pounds of weight. The employee is occasionally required to stand.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Environment may be very loud (examples: jack hammer work, etc.).
At BFS, we want you and your career to be greater than what you ever could have expected. Our supportive, people-first culture will build you up and empower you to do more, be more, and become better every day. Join us and see what’s possible when you can rise to new challenges, learn new skills, and add to your career tool belt every day.
At Builders FirstSource, we offer competitive, affordable benefits designed to make life better for you and the people you love. Our goal is simple — provide great plans that help you and your family to live happier, healthier and more secure lives. To view all our benefit offerings click here www.bldrbenefits.com.
Builders FirstSource is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability.
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Builders FirstSource, please call (214) 765-3990 or email: ADA.Accommodation@bldr.com. Please do not send resumes to this email address - it is intended only to be used to request an accommodation in submitting an application for a job opening.
Please note that due to the volume of applications received, we are unable to respond to individual inquiries about the status of your application.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Machine Builder
Verify your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Machine Builder roles typically fall under manufacturing or mechanical engineering. Confirm your degree is on the DHS STEM designated degree list before applying, so you can offer employers the full 36-month OPT authorization window rather than just 12 months.
Target manufacturers with established HR infrastructure
Large-scale manufacturers and industrial equipment companies are more likely to have immigration counsel on retainer and prior H-1B visa filing experience. Smaller shops may be willing but lack the infrastructure to process OPT documentation without significant guidance from you.
Lead with your authorization period upfront
When contacting hiring managers, state clearly that you have 36 months of work authorization available through STEM OPT. Employers often assume OPT means 12 months, and correcting that assumption early removes a common reason for early rejection.
Emphasize specialized technical skills that are hard to fill
CNC operation, pneumatic system assembly, and PLC programming are skills with persistent shortages in the U.S. Framing your application around these gaps makes sponsorship feel like a practical business decision rather than a favor the employer is doing for you.
Ask about E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer
STEM OPT employers must be E-Verify participants. Confirming this before the offer stage saves you from investing time in interviews with a company that cannot legally employ you under the STEM OPT extension requirements, regardless of their hiring intent.
File your STEM OPT extension well before your initial OPT expires
USCIS recommends filing at least 90 days before your OPT end date. Machine Builder roles often involve onboarding timelines tied to production schedules, so gaps in authorization can disrupt both you and the employer at a critical project stage.
Machine Builder OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Machine Builder on OPT with a non-engineering degree?
It depends on how your degree relates to the role. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. A degree in industrial technology, manufacturing systems, or mechatronics would clearly qualify. A degree in an unrelated field likely would not, and misrepresenting the connection can jeopardize your status.
Do Machine Builder employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes, though it varies by employer size and hiring volume. Large industrial manufacturers, automation companies, and equipment OEMs with recurring technical hiring needs are the most consistent H-1B sponsors in this field. Smaller machine shops may sponsor in exceptional cases but rarely do so regularly. Migrate Mate is a good place to find Machine Builder roles specifically from employers open to visa sponsorship.
Does Machine Builder work qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It can, provided your underlying degree is on the DHS STEM designated degree list and the role is directly related to that field of study. Mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and industrial engineering degrees would typically support a STEM OPT extension for this role. Your DSO at your university must authorize the extension before USCIS approves it.
What does the employer training plan requirement mean for STEM OPT in this role?
Under STEM OPT, your employer must complete Form I-983, which documents the training objectives, supervision structure, and how the work develops your STEM skills. For Machine Builder roles, this typically means outlining how you're developing competencies in areas like precision assembly, systems integration, or quality control. Your employer must also evaluate your progress every six months.
Can I work at multiple job sites or on contract assignments as a Machine Builder on OPT?
OPT requires that employment be with a qualifying employer, not through informal arrangements. Contract or third-party placement can be permitted, but only if the training plan and supervisory relationship requirements are met, which is complex under STEM OPT. Working across multiple sites is common in this industry, but each arrangement needs to stay within the structure your DSO and USCIS have authorized.