Manufacturing Jobs for OPT Students
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 JobsJOIN THE TEAM THAT’S POWERING PROGRESS
Building cities. Driving commerce. Fueling Progress. For over 100 years, Allison has powered the vehicles and technology that move our world forward. What powers us? Our employees. From the first person hired by James Allison in 1915 to the thousands across the globe who work for Allison today, we're driving progress everywhere because we employ top talent worldwide. In both the Allison Transmission and Allison Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems business units, our team strives to Improve the Way the World Works. Learn more about this role and how you can begin driving your career forward!
Benefits
The below list features some of the benefits currently available. Eligibility may be subject to the terms and conditions of governing documents and available benefits may be subject to change at the company’s discretion.
- Choice of medical plans with prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Employer HSA contribution
- 401K with generous Company match
- Paid parental leave
- Short & Long-Term Disability
- Accrued Vacation Time
- 14 Paid Holidays in 2025
- Robust employee wellness program
- Tuition assistance program
- Dependent scholarship program
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity in Indianapolis, IN for a Manufacturing Position. Learn more about this role and how you can begin driving your career forward!
Summary
Employees in this position could support a variety of functions within one of our facilities, such as: Machining, Assembly, Material Handler, Manufacturing Support, Warehouse, etc. Actual placement of role and shift will be determined at orientation and will be based on current operational needs. Starting hourly wage is $20/hour. Wage increases follow a pre-determined step progression with the initial increase occurring as soon as 6 months to 1 year. Employee benefits include but not limited to company paid premium for medical, dental and vision, employer HSA contribution, 401K, paid vacation that is eligible after 90 days. Below is a summary of potential job responsibilities. Actual job responsibilities could vary based on assignment.
Responsibilities
- Performs repetitive, complex assembly work on a variety of ordnance and commercial transmission, converters, subassemblies, etc.
- Operates a variety of numerical controlled machine tools to turn, drill, tap, bore, mill, ream, spot face, etc.
- Operates and maintains a wide variety of production machines
- Uses a variety of general hand tools and precision measuring gages
- Unpacks, segregates and checks incoming and outgoing material for quantity, condition, part numbers, etc.
- Disburses a wide variety of parts and sub-assemblies
- Fits, aligns and adjust a variety of standard parts and sub-assemblies
- Uses hand held and overhead tools such as: hoist, torque, wrenches, impact guns, etc.
- Handles parts manually or with the aid of material handling equipment
- Performs general labor and cleaning duties inside factory to keep the facility, and equipment in clean orderly condition
- Makes tool changes, adjustment and visual checks of equipment
- Supports cell rotation
- Loading and unloading trucks – which requires a careful operator to avoid damage to commercial vehicles as well as plant equipment
- May require warehouse work
- May be required to do heavy lifting
Experience
- High school diploma or GED
- Advanced training in manufacturing or machining strongly preferred. Examples include MSSC, CNC, NIMS, etc. Preference will be given to candidates who have this training or experience.
- Upon offer, candidates must pass a physical assessment, background check and drug screen.
Physical Requirements
- Must have the ability to understand, speak, and read English
- Walking
- Standing for at least 2 hours at a time
- Lifting to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently (25” to 60” vertical)
- Carrying up to 32 pounds
- Reaching (25” to 60” vertical)
- Pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently
- Climbing stairs occasionally
- Use of hands and fingers to include holding, seizing, grasping, turning to hold and operate tools
- Must be able to communicate with peers and supervisors and conduct yourself in a safe manner within a manufacturing/machining/assembly environment.
- Must be able to drive company vehicles such as forklifts, carts, etc. Company will provide training.
- Must weigh less than 310 pounds with clothing and equipment.
- Ability to work at varying heights. All employees who will need to be on the shop floor will be required to have hard-toed shoes (steel, composite, or alloy). New hires will be loaned toe caps for use during orientation, but we recommend they have their hard-toed shoes on their first day for their own comfort. Allison will provide them with $250 to get a new pair after they reach 90 days of employment.
Please note that Allison Transmission will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Allison Transmission will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.
Allison Transmission is an equal opportunity employer. We have opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran requiring assistance and/or reasonable accommodations reviewing any of the careers information, please contact us at ati+ask4max@service-now.com.
Please note that Allison Transmission will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Allison Transmission will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.
JOIN THE TEAM THAT’S POWERING PROGRESS
Building cities. Driving commerce. Fueling Progress. For over 100 years, Allison has powered the vehicles and technology that move our world forward. What powers us? Our employees. From the first person hired by James Allison in 1915 to the thousands across the globe who work for Allison today, we're driving progress everywhere because we employ top talent worldwide. In both the Allison Transmission and Allison Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems business units, our team strives to Improve the Way the World Works. Learn more about this role and how you can begin driving your career forward!
Benefits
The below list features some of the benefits currently available. Eligibility may be subject to the terms and conditions of governing documents and available benefits may be subject to change at the company’s discretion.
- Choice of medical plans with prescription, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Employer HSA contribution
- 401K with generous Company match
- Paid parental leave
- Short & Long-Term Disability
- Accrued Vacation Time
- 14 Paid Holidays in 2025
- Robust employee wellness program
- Tuition assistance program
- Dependent scholarship program
Job Description
This is an exciting opportunity in Indianapolis, IN for a Manufacturing Position. Learn more about this role and how you can begin driving your career forward!
Summary
Employees in this position could support a variety of functions within one of our facilities, such as: Machining, Assembly, Material Handler, Manufacturing Support, Warehouse, etc. Actual placement of role and shift will be determined at orientation and will be based on current operational needs. Starting hourly wage is $20/hour. Wage increases follow a pre-determined step progression with the initial increase occurring as soon as 6 months to 1 year. Employee benefits include but not limited to company paid premium for medical, dental and vision, employer HSA contribution, 401K, paid vacation that is eligible after 90 days. Below is a summary of potential job responsibilities. Actual job responsibilities could vary based on assignment.
Responsibilities
- Performs repetitive, complex assembly work on a variety of ordnance and commercial transmission, converters, subassemblies, etc.
- Operates a variety of numerical controlled machine tools to turn, drill, tap, bore, mill, ream, spot face, etc.
- Operates and maintains a wide variety of production machines
- Uses a variety of general hand tools and precision measuring gages
- Unpacks, segregates and checks incoming and outgoing material for quantity, condition, part numbers, etc.
- Disburses a wide variety of parts and sub-assemblies
- Fits, aligns and adjust a variety of standard parts and sub-assemblies
- Uses hand held and overhead tools such as: hoist, torque, wrenches, impact guns, etc.
- Handles parts manually or with the aid of material handling equipment
- Performs general labor and cleaning duties inside factory to keep the facility, and equipment in clean orderly condition
- Makes tool changes, adjustment and visual checks of equipment
- Supports cell rotation
- Loading and unloading trucks – which requires a careful operator to avoid damage to commercial vehicles as well as plant equipment
- May require warehouse work
- May be required to do heavy lifting
Experience
- High school diploma or GED
- Advanced training in manufacturing or machining strongly preferred. Examples include MSSC, CNC, NIMS, etc. Preference will be given to candidates who have this training or experience.
- Upon offer, candidates must pass a physical assessment, background check and drug screen.
Physical Requirements
- Must have the ability to understand, speak, and read English
- Walking
- Standing for at least 2 hours at a time
- Lifting to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 20 pounds frequently (25” to 60” vertical)
- Carrying up to 32 pounds
- Reaching (25” to 60” vertical)
- Pushing and/or pulling up to 50 pounds occasionally and up to 30 pounds frequently
- Climbing stairs occasionally
- Use of hands and fingers to include holding, seizing, grasping, turning to hold and operate tools
- Must be able to communicate with peers and supervisors and conduct yourself in a safe manner within a manufacturing/machining/assembly environment.
- Must be able to drive company vehicles such as forklifts, carts, etc. Company will provide training.
- Must weigh less than 310 pounds with clothing and equipment.
- Ability to work at varying heights. All employees who will need to be on the shop floor will be required to have hard-toed shoes (steel, composite, or alloy). New hires will be loaned toe caps for use during orientation, but we recommend they have their hard-toed shoes on their first day for their own comfort. Allison will provide them with $250 to get a new pair after they reach 90 days of employment.
Please note that Allison Transmission will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Allison Transmission will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.
Allison Transmission is an equal opportunity employer. We have opportunities for all qualified applicants regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, creed, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or veteran status. If you are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran requiring assistance and/or reasonable accommodations reviewing any of the careers information, please contact us at ati+ask4max@service-now.com.
Please note that Allison Transmission will make an offer of employment only to individuals who have applied for a position using our official application. Be on alert for possible fraudulent offers of employment. Allison Transmission will not solicit money or banking information from applicants.
How to Get Visa 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.
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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
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