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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At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe.
Location/Division Specific Information: Grantsville, Utah
Hiring for multiple levels of Industrial Engineers on all shifts.
How will you make an impact?
The Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for overseeing quality, efficiency, and process performance for assigned production line(s). This position drives continuous improvement initiatives through process development, data analysis, root cause investigation, and structured problem-solving. By leveraging manufacturing systems and performance data, the Manufacturing Engineer identifies opportunities to improve throughput, reduce waste, enhance product quality, and support operational excellence.
What will you do?
- Continuously balance and optimize line throughput while minimizing changeover downtime through standardization and common setup practices.
- Monitor machine performance data to maximize equipment utilization and reduce machine-generated scrap.
- Identify and implement cost reduction opportunities through process and system improvements.
- Develop, create, and maintain wave soldering and reflow soldering profiles.
- Ensure process parameters remain within established tolerances and achieve solder quality requirements in accordance with IPC-A-610 and other applicable standards.
- Design, procure, and implement production tooling including stencils, vacuum plates, wave solder pallets, fixtures, and jigs.
- Coordinate production line reconfigurations, equipment moves, and installations while collaborating with support functions such as Machine Support, Facilities, and Information Systems.
- Verify completion of scheduled preventive maintenance activities on assigned manufacturing lines.
- Support New Product Introduction (NPI) activities including process development, line readiness assessments, and manufacturing documentation.
- Lead and support root cause analysis efforts utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies such as 5 Why, Fishbone, and DMAIC.
- Develop, review, and maintain work instructions, process documentation, and standard operating procedures.
- Collaborate with Quality, Production, and Supply Chain teams to resolve manufacturing issues and improve product yields.
- Analyze production data to identify trends, implement corrective actions, and drive continuous improvement projects.
- Ensure effective implementation of engineering change orders (ECOs) and validate process impacts.
- Support cost reduction initiatives through yield improvements, cycle time reduction, and waste elimination.
- Train and support operators and technicians on manufacturing equipment, processes, and best practices.
- Maintain compliance with ESD, environmental, health, and safety requirements.
- Promote open communication and collaboration across Manufacturing Engineering and other functional teams.
- Adhere to all company safety, security, and operational policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
How will you get here?
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field preferred; or
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant manufacturing engineering experience.
Experience:
- 1-2 years of manufacturing engineering or related experience preferred.
- Experience supporting manufacturing operations in a high-volume production environment preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of manufacturing processes, process controls, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ability to interpret production data and make data-driven recommendations.
- Strong attention to detail and process discipline.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functional teams.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other data analysis tools.
- Understanding of safety, ESD, and quality system requirements.
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on operational excellence.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in electronics manufacturing and Surface Mount Technology (SMT) processes.
- Familiarity with IPC-A-610, J-STD-001, and other applicable industry standards.
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles and tools, including 5S, Kaizen, and Value Stream Mapping.
- Experience working with automated assembly equipment and manufacturing process controls.
- Experience using data analysis tools such as Excel, Minitab, or similar software.
- Working knowledge of ERP and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).
- Experience supporting NPI activities and process qualification efforts.
What Can Jabil Offer You?
Along with growth, stability, and the opportunity to be challenged, Jabil offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance with HRA and HSA options
- 401K Match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
- Adoption Assistance
- Annual Merit Increases
- Community Volunteer Opportunities
BE AWARE OF FRAUD: When applying for a job at Jabil you will be contacted via correspondence through our official job portal with a jabil.com e-mail address; direct phone call from a member of the Jabil team; or direct e-mail with a jabil.com e-mail address. Jabil does not request payments for interviews or at any other point during the hiring process. Jabil will not ask for your personal identifying information such as a social security number, birth certificate, financial institution, driver’s license number or passport information over the phone or via e-mail. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations internet crime hotline (www.ic3.gov), the Federal Trade Commission identity theft hotline (www.identitytheft.gov) and/or your local police department. Any scam job listings should be reported to whatever website it was posted in.
Jabil, including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Accessibility Accommodation
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Jabil.com/Careers site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an e-mail to Always_Accessible@Jabil.com or calling 727-803-7988 with the nature of your request and contact information. Please do not direct any other general employment related questions to this e-mail or phone number. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.
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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.