OPT Manufacturing Jobs
Manufacturing jobs are a strong fit for OPT students in engineering, industrial design, and supply chain fields. Many roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this sector regularly sponsor H-1B visas, making it a practical long-term path.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB DESCRIPTION
NPI Manufacturing Engineer
NPI ME’s focus on interfacing with Eng and ensure new design launch are efficient. Develops, implements and maintains methods, operation sequence and processes in the manufacture or fabrication of parts, components, sub‑assemblies and final assemblies. Interfaces with design engineering in coordinating the release of new products. Estimates manufacturing cost, determines time standards, and makes recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines. Maintains records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations.
Education/Experience:
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical or industrial engineering with 3-5 years of professional experience.
Job Details:
- Work with the design team to ensure manufacturing DFM/DFX’s are complete with a focus on Axcelis-specific Manufacturing processes for all projects following the Design Review process.
- Attend design reviews.
- Provide manufacturing and assembly insight at all steps from concept generation to production release. Push for use of error proof design. Ensure common specs are embedded into new designs.
- Support First Article builds for new designs.
- Develop preliminary work instructions and assembly process flows for newly released assemblies.
- Perform PFMEA for PCI and critical assemblies.
- Develop Control Plans as required.
- Review the original drawings prior to release for functional comprehension in a manufacturing environment.
- Minimize new parts release on new design. Maximize commonalities and emphasize the use of existing parts.
- Propose structural improvements to ensure the modularity of designs and correct Cell responsibilities.
- Ensure DFA principles are followed by assessing assembly operations broken into smaller tasks. The criteria for evaluation include shape, orientation, alignment, insertion direction, fastening processes, etc.
- Collaborate with Test Development to ensure that testing requirements for new designs are defined and communicated, and aid in the development of test fixturing as appropriate.
- Develop preliminary designs for build fixtures to aid in assembly on the floor.
- Review CT/CN’s for correct dispositions, BOM structuring, sufficient documentation and routing.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.
U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE
$79,447.21 - $119,170.81
This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.
Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role.
Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).
JOB DESCRIPTION
NPI Manufacturing Engineer
NPI ME’s focus on interfacing with Eng and ensure new design launch are efficient. Develops, implements and maintains methods, operation sequence and processes in the manufacture or fabrication of parts, components, sub‑assemblies and final assemblies. Interfaces with design engineering in coordinating the release of new products. Estimates manufacturing cost, determines time standards, and makes recommendations for tooling and process requirements of new or existing product lines. Maintains records and reporting systems for coordination of manufacturing operations.
Education/Experience:
Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical/electrical or industrial engineering with 3-5 years of professional experience.
Job Details:
- Work with the design team to ensure manufacturing DFM/DFX’s are complete with a focus on Axcelis-specific Manufacturing processes for all projects following the Design Review process.
- Attend design reviews.
- Provide manufacturing and assembly insight at all steps from concept generation to production release. Push for use of error proof design. Ensure common specs are embedded into new designs.
- Support First Article builds for new designs.
- Develop preliminary work instructions and assembly process flows for newly released assemblies.
- Perform PFMEA for PCI and critical assemblies.
- Develop Control Plans as required.
- Review the original drawings prior to release for functional comprehension in a manufacturing environment.
- Minimize new parts release on new design. Maximize commonalities and emphasize the use of existing parts.
- Propose structural improvements to ensure the modularity of designs and correct Cell responsibilities.
- Ensure DFA principles are followed by assessing assembly operations broken into smaller tasks. The criteria for evaluation include shape, orientation, alignment, insertion direction, fastening processes, etc.
- Collaborate with Test Development to ensure that testing requirements for new designs are defined and communicated, and aid in the development of test fixturing as appropriate.
- Develop preliminary designs for build fixtures to aid in assembly on the floor.
- Review CT/CN’s for correct dispositions, BOM structuring, sufficient documentation and routing.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
It is the policy of Axcelis to provide equal opportunity in all areas of employment for all persons free from discrimination based on race, sex, religion, age, color, national origin, disability status, medical condition (including pregnancy), veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Axcelis will provide reasonable accommodation necessary to enable a disabled candidate or employee to perform the essential functions of the position, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship for the Company.
U.S. BASE SALARY RANGE
$79,447.21 - $119,170.81
This base salary range reflects the typical compensation for this role across U.S. locations.
Our salary ranges are determined by role and level; individual pay is determined based on multiple factors, including job-related skills, experience, relevant education or training, work location, and internal equity. The range provides the opportunity for growth and progression as you develop within the role.
Base pay is one part of our U.S. total compensation package which includes eligibility in the Axcelis Team Incentive bonus plan, and comprehensive benefits package (for regular employees working 20+ hours a week).
See all 13,101+ OPT Manufacturing Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Manufacturing
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list before applying. Engineering, materials science, and industrial engineering degrees typically qualify, unlocking 24 additional months of work authorization beyond standard OPT.
Apply to manufacturers with H-1B track records
Large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, and electronics consistently file H-1B petitions. Prioritize companies with established immigration policies over smaller shops that may lack the infrastructure to sponsor visa transitions when your OPT period ends.
Highlight process improvement credentials
Certifications like Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, or OSHA training differentiate your application significantly. Employers view these as proof of practical, job-ready skills, which reduces hesitation about investing in OPT sponsorship for less experienced candidates.
Address your OPT timeline early in the process
Bring up your work authorization status before the offer stage, not after. Explaining your OPT end date, STEM extension eligibility, and H-1B cap timing gives hiring managers time to align internal approvals with your immigration calendar.
Pursue co-op or internship experience strategically
Manufacturing employers heavily favor candidates with hands-on production floor experience. Using CPT or pre-completion OPT for relevant internships signals genuine industry commitment and makes employers more confident sponsoring your long-term authorization.
Understand your employer's E-Verify obligation
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this before accepting an offer to avoid losing your extension eligibility. Most major manufacturers already participate, but smaller contract manufacturers may not.
Manufacturing OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do manufacturing jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many manufacturing roles do qualify, but it depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or materials science, you can apply for the 24-month STEM extension regardless of what your manufacturing employer calls your position. Confirm your CIP code on the STEM designation list before applying.
How do I find manufacturing employers who are willing to sponsor OPT students?
Browse Migrate Mate to filter manufacturing job listings by OPT sponsorship availability. Large employers in automotive, semiconductor, and aerospace manufacturing are the most consistent sponsors. Smaller contract manufacturers and job shops are less likely to have established immigration processes, so evaluating company size and industry segment matters when prioritizing your applications.
Can I work on a production floor or in a plant on OPT?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work in any role that is directly related to your field of study, including hands-on manufacturing, quality control, and plant engineering positions. Your work does not need to be office-based. The key requirement is that the role is tied to your degree field, which USCIS assesses based on job duties, not location or work environment.
What happens if my manufacturing employer cannot complete H-1B sponsorship before my OPT expires?
If you are on a STEM OPT extension and your employer files an H-1B petition before your authorization expires, you may be covered by cap-gap protection, which extends your OPT status through September 30 of that fiscal year. Planning your H-1B filing timeline with your employer well in advance, ideally 12 to 18 months before your OPT end date, is essential to avoid gaps in authorization.
Are contract or temporary manufacturing roles allowed under OPT?
OPT permits contract and temporary employment, including through staffing agencies, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. However, for STEM OPT extensions, you must have a formal employer of record enrolled in E-Verify, and self-employment does not qualify. Staffing arrangements can work if the agency, not just the end client, is your official employer on record with USCIS.