OPT Manufacturing Associate Jobs
Manufacturing Associate jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in industrial engineering, manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering, or supply chain management. Most roles qualify for STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of work authorization while you gain hands-on production and operations experience.
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Job Description 7AM-7PM / 223 Manufacturing Schedule
The Manufacturing Associate I/II will perform Upstream or Downstream production activities for early and late-phase Cell Culture programs in a GMP environment. Responsibilities include executing tasks per SOPs, batch records, and GMP/GDP/GLP standards, ensuring compliance and accuracy. The role involves various unit operations such as media/buffer preparation, bioreactor operations, aseptic techniques, chromatography, ultrafiltration, and drug substance filling. Candidates must maintain process ownership, facility upkeep, and thorough documentation review to ensure compliance.
The ideal candidate should have a basic understanding of cell culture, fermentation, or purification unit operations, with preference given to those experienced in single-use platform technology. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. The role requires an energetic, motivated, and dynamic individual who is highly organized and capable of maintaining efficiency and a positive demeanor in a fast-paced, multitasking environment.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Manufacture cell culture products according to manufacturing batch records while ensuring compliance with quality standards, company policies, and current regulations.
- Perform cleanroom operations, adhering to aseptic processing controls, including gowning and cleaning procedures.
- Document manufacturing procedures (e.g., SRs, EPRs, BRs) in compliance with Good Documentation Practices (GDP) at the time of execution.
- Ensure proper issuance and accountability of items used in manufacturing records (SR, EPR, BR).
- Demonstrate and apply knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) in daily tasks and responsibilities.
- Maintain and uphold 5S standards in the manufacturing environment.
- Operate and perform maintenance on equipment per applicable Standard Operating Procedures.
Minimum Requirements:
Manufacturing Associate I/II:
Bachelor's degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline with 0-2 years of GMP manufacturing experience; OR high school diploma with 3-5 years of related GMP manufacturing experience.
Manufacturing Associate II:
Bachelor's degree in a related scientific or engineering discipline with 2-5 years of GMP manufacturing experience; OR high school diploma with 4-6 years of related GMP manufacturing experience.
Basic knowledge of cell culture, fermentation or purification unit operations is preferred. Experience in single-use platform technology is preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
Energetic, motivated and dynamic individual.
Must be organized and able to focus in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment and maintain operational efficiency and positive demeanor.
Language Ability:
Fluent in English language both reading and writing. Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, batch and production records. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of organization.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
Math Ability:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret graphs.
Physical Demands:
Standing and sitting for long periods of time may be required at times. Lifting, pushing, and pulling may be required for stocking and movement of equipment. The use of ladder may be required when setting up bioreactors.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
There are particular working conditions associated with this position that should be noted (i.e., working environment, hours of work, workspace, etc.)
The job requires working 12-hour shifts which may include working overnight. The job requires working within a cGMP manufacturing biotechnology facility which requires clean room operations. Clean room operations require donning clean room attire when entering clean room areas and maintaining good personal hygiene.
While performing the duties of this job the employee regularly utilizes equipment and materials which include mechanical hazards, chemical hazards, electricity hazards, and tripping and falling hazards. The noise level in the environment is moderate to high.
KBI Biopharma, Inc. is an EEO/AA employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. Therefore, all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability or veteran status, are strongly encouraged to apply.
I understand that neither the completion of this application nor any other part of my consideration for employment establishes any obligation for KBI Biopharma, Inc. to hire me. If I am hired, I understand that either KBI Biopharma, Inc. or I can terminate my employment at any time and for any reason, with or without cause and without prior notice. I understand that no representative of KBI Biopharma, Inc. has the authority to make any assurance to the contrary.
I attest with my signature below that I have given to KBI Biopharma, Inc. true and complete information on this application. No requested information has been concealed. I authorize KBI Biopharma, Inc. to contact references provided for employment reference checks. If any information I have provided is untrue, or if I have concealed material information, I understand that this will constitute cause for the denial of employment or immediate dismissal.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Manufacturing Associate
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Manufacturing Associate roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering, manufacturing technology, or a related STEM field. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying to avoid surprises.
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship history
Large manufacturers like automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods companies sponsor H-1B visas far more often than smaller shops. Look for employers with consistent H-1B filing histories, which signals they have immigration infrastructure already in place.
Highlight process improvement and technical skills on your resume
Employers sponsoring OPT hires want demonstrable technical value. Emphasize Lean, Six Sigma, CAD, ERP systems, or quality control experience. Specific metrics, like reduced defect rates or improved cycle times, make your application significantly stronger.
Apply early relative to your OPT start date
Manufacturing roles often have structured onboarding tied to production schedules. Apply at least two to three months before your OPT start date so employers can plan around your authorization timeline without disrupting their operations.
Be upfront about your work authorization status
Disclose your OPT status early in conversations with recruiters. Many manufacturing employers are unfamiliar with OPT rules, so briefly explaining your authorization period and STEM extension eligibility reduces hesitation and speeds up the hiring decision.
Use Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly manufacturing employers
Not every manufacturing company is equipped to hire OPT students. Migrate Mate surfaces roles from employers already open to sponsoring international candidates, saving you from applying to positions where your authorization will be an automatic disqualifier.
Manufacturing Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Manufacturing Associate jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Manufacturing Associate positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree falls under an approved STEM CIP code, such as industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, or materials science. Your DSO can confirm your CIP code. If you qualify, you get up to three years of total work authorization, which makes you a much more attractive candidate for employers considering future H-1B sponsorship.
What types of employers hire OPT students for Manufacturing Associate roles?
Large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, electronics, medical devices, and consumer goods are the most likely to hire OPT students and sponsor future visas. These companies have HR teams familiar with work authorization and established immigration legal support. Smaller manufacturers or job shops often lack the infrastructure to navigate OPT paperwork. Migrate Mate focuses on employers already open to international candidates, which helps you avoid wasting applications on companies that will reject you at the authorization stage.
Can I work as a Manufacturing Associate on OPT if my degree is in supply chain or operations management?
Yes, supply chain and operations management degrees can support Manufacturing Associate roles on OPT, provided the job duties are related to your field of study. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major. A Manufacturing Associate role involving production planning, inventory control, or process coordination typically satisfies that requirement. Check with your DSO to confirm the connection between your specific degree and the job description before accepting an offer.
How do I handle the reporting requirements for OPT while working as a Manufacturing Associate?
During standard OPT, you must report your employer information to your DSO within 10 days of starting work. On STEM OPT extension, your employer must enroll in E-Verify, and you must submit a formal training plan using Form I-983. Manufacturing employers will need to document how the role provides hands-on training related to your degree. Keep your DSO updated on any employer changes, job title changes, or gaps in employment, since unemployment periods are capped at 90 days on OPT and 150 days on STEM OPT.
What should I look for in a Manufacturing Associate job posting to assess sponsorship likelihood?
Look for postings that explicitly mention OPT, CPT, or visa sponsorship, or that list E-Verify participation. Job descriptions requiring specific technical skills tied to engineering or manufacturing degrees are a positive sign, since they suggest the employer values specialized qualifications over simply hiring anyone. Avoid postings that list only soft skills or say "must be authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship." Migrate Mate filters for employers open to OPT candidates, so browsing there gives you a shortlist of positions worth pursuing.