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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Get Access To All JobsJOB OVERVIEW
The Associate Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting manufacturing processes and improving production efficiency. This position involves assisting in the development and implementation of manufacturing processes, troubleshooting production issues, and contributing to process optimization.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
- Collaborate and support manufacturing process improvements within area of responsibility.
- Assist with leading weekly improvement meetings focused on safety, quality, and productivity.
- Implement temporary and permanent countermeasures to address root cause.
- Design and manufacture internally unique improvement solutions (i.e. Jigs, fixtures, tools, etc.)
- Track improvement savings within the area of responsibility on a weekly/monthly basis.
- Develop and execute all required process change documentation to include safety, quality and production for implemented projects.
- Work with production to reduce or eliminate production flow impacts from ECNs and New Customers.
- Collaborate with design, engineering, drafting and materials to make process improvements.
- Participate as an active member in Safety and Quality problem solving teams.
- Participate in Kaizen teams and other Lean initiatives to improve business metrics.
- Participate as an active member of in an internal Safety System team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (General, Mechanical, or Electrical), or related field (required)
- Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing support role
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes
- Fundamental knowledge of solid modeling software (Creo preferred), 2D AutoCAD and MS Office Suite
- Practical application of engineering tools
- Hands-on problem-solving skills (Lean Manufacturing experience a plus)
- Demonstrated self-initiative while working independently and in a team environment
- Creativity in design and process development
- Ability to take work on multiple projects simultaneously
HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Hubbell creates critical infrastructure solutions that power our customers, communities, people and the planet. Our company is strategically aligned around enabling grid modernization and electrification. As more products plug in to an aging grid, Hubbell solutions enable the transition to a more reliable, resilient and efficient energy infrastructure. Founded in 1888 our innovation has made us a leading global manufacturer of high quality electrical and utility solutions enabling customers to operate critical infrastructure reliably and efficiently.
The company operates in two segments. Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control energy across utility applications and Hubbell Electrical Solutions (HES) are essential to managing power across a wide range of industries and applications. Our vertical market solutions can be applied to markets including Data Centers, Renewables, Commercial Buildings, Industrial, Telecom and Transportation. Supporting both of our business segments is our corporate and Hubbell Unified Business Solutions teams that provide consistent process, tools technologies across our businesses.
We are committed to operating sustainably and ethically while promoting an inclusive and supportive culture for our people to grow and develop in their careers. Our employees proudly work and serve our communities from our headquarters in Shelton, CT, across the United States and around the globe.
HUBBELL UTILITY SOLUTIONS
Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control energy across utility applications. HUS provides the critical components that allow the grid to reliably transmit and distribute energy, as well as the communications and controls technologies to make the grid smarter and more flexible.
Hubbell Incorporated, its subsidiaries and affiliates, is an EO Employer AA: M/F/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected class.
The above summary of position responsibilities and requirements is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of duties, skills, efforts, physical requirements, or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal position elements essential for making decisions related to position performance, employee development, and compensation.
JOB OVERVIEW
The Associate Manufacturing Engineer is responsible for supporting manufacturing processes and improving production efficiency. This position involves assisting in the development and implementation of manufacturing processes, troubleshooting production issues, and contributing to process optimization.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
- Collaborate and support manufacturing process improvements within area of responsibility.
- Assist with leading weekly improvement meetings focused on safety, quality, and productivity.
- Implement temporary and permanent countermeasures to address root cause.
- Design and manufacture internally unique improvement solutions (i.e. Jigs, fixtures, tools, etc.)
- Track improvement savings within the area of responsibility on a weekly/monthly basis.
- Develop and execute all required process change documentation to include safety, quality and production for implemented projects.
- Work with production to reduce or eliminate production flow impacts from ECNs and New Customers.
- Collaborate with design, engineering, drafting and materials to make process improvements.
- Participate as an active member in Safety and Quality problem solving teams.
- Participate in Kaizen teams and other Lean initiatives to improve business metrics.
- Participate as an active member of in an internal Safety System team.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (General, Mechanical, or Electrical), or related field (required)
- Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in a manufacturing support role
- Hands-on experience with manufacturing processes
- Fundamental knowledge of solid modeling software (Creo preferred), 2D AutoCAD and MS Office Suite
- Practical application of engineering tools
- Hands-on problem-solving skills (Lean Manufacturing experience a plus)
- Demonstrated self-initiative while working independently and in a team environment
- Creativity in design and process development
- Ability to take work on multiple projects simultaneously
HUBBELL INCORPORATED
Hubbell creates critical infrastructure solutions that power our customers, communities, people and the planet. Our company is strategically aligned around enabling grid modernization and electrification. As more products plug in to an aging grid, Hubbell solutions enable the transition to a more reliable, resilient and efficient energy infrastructure. Founded in 1888 our innovation has made us a leading global manufacturer of high quality electrical and utility solutions enabling customers to operate critical infrastructure reliably and efficiently.
The company operates in two segments. Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control energy across utility applications and Hubbell Electrical Solutions (HES) are essential to managing power across a wide range of industries and applications. Our vertical market solutions can be applied to markets including Data Centers, Renewables, Commercial Buildings, Industrial, Telecom and Transportation. Supporting both of our business segments is our corporate and Hubbell Unified Business Solutions teams that provide consistent process, tools technologies across our businesses.
We are committed to operating sustainably and ethically while promoting an inclusive and supportive culture for our people to grow and develop in their careers. Our employees proudly work and serve our communities from our headquarters in Shelton, CT, across the United States and around the globe.
HUBBELL UTILITY SOLUTIONS
Hubbell Utility Solutions (HUS) enable the grid to conduct, communicate and control energy across utility applications. HUS provides the critical components that allow the grid to reliably transmit and distribute energy, as well as the communications and controls technologies to make the grid smarter and more flexible.
Hubbell Incorporated, its subsidiaries and affiliates, is an EO Employer AA: M/F/Veteran/Disability. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other protected class.
The above summary of position responsibilities and requirements is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of duties, skills, efforts, physical requirements, or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of those principal position elements essential for making decisions related to position performance, employee development, and compensation.
See all 53+ OPT Manufacturing Associate Jobs
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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.