Machine Builder Jobs for OPT Students
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 petitions, giving you a realistic path beyond your initial OPT period.
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JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we’re always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Join JR Automation's Service and Support Division as a Machine Builder in Holland, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.
Location Type: This is an onsite position in Holland, MI
How You’ll Make an Impact:
- Build and assembly of mechanical and electromechanical assemblies and EOATs from engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
- Ensure that changes and problems get documented and communicated.
- Accurately track time, materials, and work completed.
- Carry out assigned tasks with minimum direct supervision.
- Execute ISO\Quality standards.
- Communicate with the supervisor on open issues and progress during the build or assembly process.
- Successful execution of assigned programs as they relate to cost, quality, timing, and customer satisfaction.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned work area.
- Support robot repair and refurbishment activities as necessary.
- Assist with preparing material for secondary processes (material finishing, heat treat, and deburring).
-
Effectively and safely operate:
-
Mill
- Drill press
- Surface Grinder
- Saws
- Shears
- Presses
Note: This list of responsibilities is by no means inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.
What You’ll Bring:
- Former JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry is strongly preferred.
- Highschool diploma, or equivalent certification.
- Related vocational education preferred.
- Basic computer skills.
- Intermediate proficiency reading part and assembly drawings.
- Proven mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and quality.
- Proven ability to accept direction and complete tasks as assigned while working as part of a team or individually.
- Ability to maintain a steady pace while bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and climbing onto and beneath machines.
- Ability to lift to 50 lbs. as required.
- Ability to obtain a Hi-Lo (Forklift), Aerial Platform and Overhead Crane license, along with Lock Out Tag Out training, while employed at JR.
- Ability to provide own hand tools and toolbox suitable for the job (a list of those recommended will be provided).
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time. This may include domestic and international travel depending on the project.
Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to jrcareers@jrautomation.com. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.
Description
JR Automation, a Hitachi Group Company, is driven to deliver customer success worldwide. We provide intelligent automated manufacturing and distribution technology solutions that transform how the world's leading manufacturers make and distribute products. Our strength is our people and we’re always looking to get stronger across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Join JR Automation's Service and Support Division as a Machine Builder in Holland, MI as we work together to bring innovative automation solutions to life.
Location Type: This is an onsite position in Holland, MI
How You’ll Make an Impact:
- Build and assembly of mechanical and electromechanical assemblies and EOATs from engineering drawings, schematics, and BOMs.
- Ensure that changes and problems get documented and communicated.
- Accurately track time, materials, and work completed.
- Carry out assigned tasks with minimum direct supervision.
- Execute ISO\Quality standards.
- Communicate with the supervisor on open issues and progress during the build or assembly process.
- Successful execution of assigned programs as they relate to cost, quality, timing, and customer satisfaction.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned work area.
- Support robot repair and refurbishment activities as necessary.
- Assist with preparing material for secondary processes (material finishing, heat treat, and deburring).
-
Effectively and safely operate:
-
Mill
- Drill press
- Surface Grinder
- Saws
- Shears
- Presses
Note: This list of responsibilities is by no means inclusive; however, it is intended to be a guideline for activities.
What You’ll Bring:
- Former JR Automation experience, or experience in the automation industry is strongly preferred.
- Highschool diploma, or equivalent certification.
- Related vocational education preferred.
- Basic computer skills.
- Intermediate proficiency reading part and assembly drawings.
- Proven mechanical aptitude with a focus on safety and quality.
- Proven ability to accept direction and complete tasks as assigned while working as part of a team or individually.
- Ability to maintain a steady pace while bending, kneeling, climbing ladders, and climbing onto and beneath machines.
- Ability to lift to 50 lbs. as required.
- Ability to obtain a Hi-Lo (Forklift), Aerial Platform and Overhead Crane license, along with Lock Out Tag Out training, while employed at JR.
- Ability to provide own hand tools and toolbox suitable for the job (a list of those recommended will be provided).
- Ability to travel up to 20% of the time. This may include domestic and international travel depending on the project.
Disclaimer: JR Automation requires candidates to successfully complete a 10-panel drug screen, physical examination, and background check.
Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
If you need a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job at JR Automation, please send the nature of request and contact information to jrcareers@jrautomation.com. Queries other than accommodation requests will not be responded to.
How to Get Visa 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 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.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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