OPT Maintenance Technician Jobs
Maintenance Technician roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial technology. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, property management, and facilities regularly hire through OPT.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
This position will perform troubleshooting and repair, and provide technical support for all phases of the operation. The position is a technical career position in Tyson Foods, Inc. This position requires proficiency in multiple skill clusters including a thorough understanding of electrical controls, fluid power, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes. The ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of management and operations is required.
REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Training beyond high school including either an Associate Degree in Electronic Technology or closely related technical field preferred, or a combination of education and experience which may include skilled trade programs, military training or other training as applicable.
Computer Skills:
Competent in Windows based software, such as Outlook, Excel and Word; strong skills in document organization and using document templates and creating simple queries. Must be proficient or become proficient in SAP Plant Maintenance.
Communication Skills:
Must be able to communicate both verbally and written; high level critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Certification:
Certifications in any technical field or techniques is a plus.
Special Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated skills in the area of AC/DC circuits, industrial electrical systems; experience in electrical safety and lock out tag out processes and procedures; knowledge in the theory and application of electronic devices such as industrial semi-conductors, solid state drives, and industrial control systems; experience in the operation of PLC systems and control and data collection instrumentation and transducers; working knowledge and skills in tools and components used in maintenance and repair of mechanical systems such as bearings, gears, clutches belts, and seals; ability to troubleshoot and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems.
Preferred Skills:
Possession of one or more of the skills is a plus - Basic Microcomputer skills necessary to understand the operation and interfacing characteristics of microprocessors; experience in PLC operation to include basic system configuration and hardware, relay equivalent instructions, timers/counters, data manipulation, data communications and advanced programming commands, as well as interfacing, troubleshooting and application and program development; demonstrated skills or training in electronic motor drive technologies including servo-motors, encoders, tachometers, electronic and mechanical brakes and clutches, closed loop systems, DC servo, AC variable frequency, AC servo and stepper systems.
Travel:
Minimum 1-5 trips per year outside of assigned location.
Resume required for consideration.
“This position is slated for candidates who are currently working at this facility. Priority consideration will be provided to these applicants first. If local Team Members are not selected, Team Members from other locations and external candidates will then be reviewed for consideration.”
Must submit a resume to be considered.
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Work Shift:
B Shift (United States of America)
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Hourly Applicants ONLY - You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.
If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.
SUMMARY
This position will perform troubleshooting and repair, and provide technical support for all phases of the operation. The position is a technical career position in Tyson Foods, Inc. This position requires proficiency in multiple skill clusters including a thorough understanding of electrical controls, fluid power, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes. The ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of management and operations is required.
REQUIREMENTS
Education and Experience:
Training beyond high school including either an Associate Degree in Electronic Technology or closely related technical field preferred, or a combination of education and experience which may include skilled trade programs, military training or other training as applicable.
Computer Skills:
Competent in Windows based software, such as Outlook, Excel and Word; strong skills in document organization and using document templates and creating simple queries. Must be proficient or become proficient in SAP Plant Maintenance.
Communication Skills:
Must be able to communicate both verbally and written; high level critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Certification:
Certifications in any technical field or techniques is a plus.
Special Skills:
Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated skills in the area of AC/DC circuits, industrial electrical systems; experience in electrical safety and lock out tag out processes and procedures; knowledge in the theory and application of electronic devices such as industrial semi-conductors, solid state drives, and industrial control systems; experience in the operation of PLC systems and control and data collection instrumentation and transducers; working knowledge and skills in tools and components used in maintenance and repair of mechanical systems such as bearings, gears, clutches belts, and seals; ability to troubleshoot and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems.
Preferred Skills:
Possession of one or more of the skills is a plus - Basic Microcomputer skills necessary to understand the operation and interfacing characteristics of microprocessors; experience in PLC operation to include basic system configuration and hardware, relay equivalent instructions, timers/counters, data manipulation, data communications and advanced programming commands, as well as interfacing, troubleshooting and application and program development; demonstrated skills or training in electronic motor drive technologies including servo-motors, encoders, tachometers, electronic and mechanical brakes and clutches, closed loop systems, DC servo, AC variable frequency, AC servo and stepper systems.
Travel:
Minimum 1-5 trips per year outside of assigned location.
Resume required for consideration.
“This position is slated for candidates who are currently working at this facility. Priority consideration will be provided to these applicants first. If local Team Members are not selected, Team Members from other locations and external candidates will then be reviewed for consideration.”
Must submit a resume to be considered.
Relocation Assistance Eligible:
No
Work Shift:
B Shift (United States of America)
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Hourly Applicants ONLY - You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.
If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.
Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.
See all 283+ OPT Maintenance Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Maintenance Technician
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Maintenance Technician roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree is in mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying to avoid surprises at the offer stage.
Target industries with high sponsorship rates
Manufacturing plants, commercial real estate firms, and hospital facilities departments hire maintenance technicians regularly and are accustomed to OPT work authorization. These employers tend to have HR processes already set up for international candidates, which speeds up onboarding.
Lead with your OPT timeline upfront
Mention your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility in your cover letter. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often assume international students are unavailable to start quickly. Clarity early prevents your application from being screened out before a recruiter reads your qualifications.
Highlight hands-on technical training and certifications
OSHA 10, EPA 608, and HVAC certifications signal job-readiness to hiring managers faster than a degree alone. List any lab work, internships, or campus facilities experience. Employers making OPT hires want confidence you can contribute from day one without extensive ramp-up.
Ask about the I-983 training plan during interviews
STEM OPT requires your employer to complete Form I-983, outlining how the role relates to your degree. Asking about this during interviews signals you understand the process and reassures employers that OPT compliance will not create unexpected administrative burden for their HR team.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Hiring timelines for maintenance roles can run four to eight weeks from application to offer. Start applying two to three months before graduation so your EAD card arrives before your first scheduled day and you avoid any gap between your program end and employment start.
Maintenance Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Maintenance Technicians in the United States?
Yes. F-1 students who have completed a qualifying degree can work as Maintenance Technicians during their OPT period. The role must be directly related to your field of study, such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Your employer does not need to file any petition with USCIS. You work on the strength of your EAD card alone during the standard 12-month OPT period.
Does a Maintenance Technician job qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or industrial technology, and the Maintenance Technician role relates to that field, you can apply for the 24-month extension. Your DSO must recommend the extension in SEVIS, and your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign Form I-983.
How do I find Maintenance Technician employers who are comfortable hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is designed specifically for F-1 OPT job seekers and filters for employers open to OPT and visa sponsorship, including Maintenance Technician roles across manufacturing, property management, and facilities. Searching there saves significant time compared to cold-applying and discovering late in the process that an employer does not work with international candidates.
Do Maintenance Technician roles typically lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Some do, particularly at larger manufacturing companies, hospital systems, and commercial real estate firms with established HR teams. The key factor is whether the role is classified as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree, which stronger candidates can argue for engineering-focused maintenance positions. Smaller employers or those hiring for general repair work are less likely to sponsor an H-1B visa petition.
What happens if my EAD card has not arrived before my start date?
You cannot legally begin working without your EAD card in hand, even if you have a job offer. Contact your DSO immediately if there is a delay. USCIS allows you to request expedited processing if you have documented economic necessity or a confirmed employment start date. Communicate transparently with your employer so they can adjust your start date rather than rescind the offer.