OPT Maintenance Jobs
Maintenance roles in facilities management, manufacturing, and property operations regularly sponsor F-1 OPT students with engineering or technology degrees. Your 12-month OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives employers a meaningful runway to evaluate you before pursuing H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
Second Shift (Afternoons)
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
- Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
When you’re part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do challenging work that makes a real-world impact. Our Clinical Trials Division supports the development and delivery of life-changing therapies by ensuring high-quality, compliant manufacturing and packaging operations.
Time/Shift Hours:
10-hour Shift
Monday - Thursday
2:45pm - 1:30AM
Position Summary
The Equipment Maintenance Technician III is a senior-level technical role responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated manufacturing and packaging equipment in a GMP-regulated environment. This role supports equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency to ensure uninterrupted production of clinical trial materials.
This position requires hands-on technical expertise, the ability to work independently on routine and moderately complex issues, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance & Reliability
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues.
- Support root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Ensure equipment uptime and reliability meet operational performance targets.
Technical Troubleshooting & Systems Support
- Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLC-controlled systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, robotics (Fanuc preferred), and vision systems (Cognex).
- Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system diagrams to support troubleshooting and repairs.
- Escalate complex issues as needed while contributing to timely resolution.
Production Support
- Support equipment setup, changeovers, and line clearance activities in compliance with GMP requirements.
- Configure equipment for different products, packaging formats, and batch requirements.
- Provide real-time technical support during production to minimize downtime.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with cGMP and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Support deviation investigations, audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Follow Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO).
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
- Support Engineering in equipment upgrades, qualifications, and process improvements.
Collaboration
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Validation teams to ensure safe and compliant operations.
- Communicate technical issues, risks, and solutions effectively.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate degree or technical certification in Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Automation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience
- 2–4 years of experience in equipment maintenance within a manufacturing environment; pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device experience preferred.
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing or packaging equipment.
Technical Skills
- Experience troubleshooting PLC systems (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens).
- Familiarity with robotics (Fanuc preferred) and vision systems (Cognex preferred).
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilities.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation (schematics, diagrams, manuals).
Soft Skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Effective communication skills.
- Attention to detail with a focus on quality and compliance.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, and reaching.
- Work performed in GMP-controlled environments, including cleanrooms requiring gowning.
- Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, or overtime as needed to support production.
Why Join Us?
- Work on impactful projects that support patient health worldwide
- Opportunities for career growth and technical development
- Collaborative and safety-focused work environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
Work Schedule
Second Shift (Afternoons)
Environmental Conditions
- Able to lift 40 lbs. without assistance
- Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards
- Cleanroom: no hair products, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, perfume, exposed piercings, facial hair etc. allowed
- Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
When you’re part of Thermo Fisher Scientific, you’ll do challenging work that makes a real-world impact. Our Clinical Trials Division supports the development and delivery of life-changing therapies by ensuring high-quality, compliant manufacturing and packaging operations.
Time/Shift Hours:
10-hour Shift
Monday - Thursday
2:45pm - 1:30AM
Position Summary
The Equipment Maintenance Technician III is a senior-level technical role responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and optimizing automated manufacturing and packaging equipment in a GMP-regulated environment. This role supports equipment reliability, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency to ensure uninterrupted production of clinical trial materials.
This position requires hands-on technical expertise, the ability to work independently on routine and moderately complex issues, and effective collaboration with cross-functional teams including Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Equipment Maintenance & Reliability
- Perform preventive, predictive, and corrective maintenance on automated manufacturing and packaging equipment.
- Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and control system issues.
- Support root cause analysis (RCA) and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
- Ensure equipment uptime and reliability meet operational performance targets.
Technical Troubleshooting & Systems Support
- Diagnose and resolve issues involving PLC-controlled systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens), HMIs, robotics (Fanuc preferred), and vision systems (Cognex).
- Interpret electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, and system diagrams to support troubleshooting and repairs.
- Escalate complex issues as needed while contributing to timely resolution.
Production Support
- Support equipment setup, changeovers, and line clearance activities in compliance with GMP requirements.
- Configure equipment for different products, packaging formats, and batch requirements.
- Provide real-time technical support during production to minimize downtime.
Compliance & Documentation
- Maintain accurate documentation in accordance with cGMP and Good Documentation Practices (GDP).
- Support deviation investigations, audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Follow Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) procedures, including lockout/tagout (LOTO).
Continuous Improvement
- Participate in Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce downtime, and enhance product quality.
- Support Engineering in equipment upgrades, qualifications, and process improvements.
Collaboration
- Partner with Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, and Validation teams to ensure safe and compliant operations.
- Communicate technical issues, risks, and solutions effectively.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate degree or technical certification in Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Automation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
Experience
- 2–4 years of experience in equipment maintenance within a manufacturing environment; pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical device experience preferred.
- Experience supporting automated manufacturing or packaging equipment.
Technical Skills
- Experience troubleshooting PLC systems (Allen-Bradley and/or Siemens).
- Familiarity with robotics (Fanuc preferred) and vision systems (Cognex preferred).
- Strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting capabilities.
- Ability to read and interpret technical documentation (schematics, diagrams, manuals).
Soft Skills
- Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
- Ability to work independently and within a team environment.
- Effective communication skills.
- Attention to detail with a focus on quality and compliance.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks such as standing, bending, and reaching.
- Work performed in GMP-controlled environments, including cleanrooms requiring gowning.
- Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, or overtime as needed to support production.
Why Join Us?
- Work on impactful projects that support patient health worldwide
- Opportunities for career growth and technical development
- Collaborative and safety-focused work environment
- Competitive compensation and benefits package
See all 845+ OPT Maintenance Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Maintenance Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Maintenance
Target employers with in-house engineering teams
Large manufacturers, hospitals, universities, and commercial real estate firms maintain dedicated maintenance departments that regularly hire OPT workers. Smaller contractors often lack the HR infrastructure to manage work authorization paperwork reliably.
Align your degree to the job description
Maintenance roles in industrial or facilities settings often qualify for STEM OPT extension when your degree is in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field. Confirm the SOC code matches your EAD authorization before accepting an offer.
Clarify sponsorship intent before the final interview round
Ask directly whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visa workers in maintenance or engineering roles before. Employers with a track record of sponsorship are far more likely to follow through when your OPT authorization approaches its end date.
Highlight certifications that reduce employer risk
EPA Section 608 certification, OSHA 30, or a stationary engineer license signals that you meet compliance requirements independently. Employers weigh these credentials heavily when evaluating whether sponsoring an OPT worker is worth the administrative cost.
Report your employer through your DSO immediately after hiring
SEVIS requires you to report your employer name, address, and start date within 10 days of beginning work. Failing to update your record can jeopardize your OPT authorization even if your EAD card is still physically valid.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly maintenance openings
Migrate Mate surfaces maintenance and facilities roles from employers with documented sponsorship history. Filtering by work authorization type saves significant time compared to manually screening postings that rarely disclose sponsorship willingness upfront.
Maintenance OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do maintenance jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
They can, but it depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial technology appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, you may be eligible for the extension. The job must also relate directly to your field of study. Your DSO confirms eligibility and files the updated I-20.
Can I work as a maintenance technician on OPT if my degree is in engineering technology?
Yes, engineering technology degrees from accredited U.S. universities qualify for OPT. The key requirement is that your maintenance role must be directly related to your degree program. Facilities engineering, HVAC systems, and industrial maintenance positions typically satisfy this requirement for engineering technology graduates. Document the connection clearly when reporting employment to your DSO.
How do I find maintenance employers who are willing to sponsor OPT workers?
Migrate Mate is the most efficient option. The platform shows maintenance and facilities roles from employers with verified sponsorship activity, so you're not cold-applying to companies that won't support your work authorization. Government contractors, large manufacturers, and university facilities departments are among the employer types most consistently open to sponsoring OPT and eventual H-1B candidates.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from a maintenance position?
You enter a 60-day unemployment grace period, which counts against your total allowed unemployment days. On standard 12-month OPT, you're permitted up to 90 cumulative days of unemployment. STEM extension holders have the same 60-day grace period per extension period. You must actively seek new employment related to your degree and notify your DSO if you exceed the allowed unemployment limit.
Does working for a subcontractor or staffing agency count as valid OPT employment in maintenance?
It can count, but the relationship must be structured correctly. You must have a formal employment arrangement with the staffing agency, not just a work site placement agreement. The work itself must relate to your degree. Some staffing arrangements qualify; others do not. Consult your DSO before accepting a contract or agency-placed maintenance role to confirm your employment structure is compliant.