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 JobsNordson EFD , a global leader in Engineered Fluid Dispensing, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.
Summary of the role
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.
Job Summary
As part of a $70M+ manufacturer of surgical solutions for the medical industry, the Manufacturing Engineer I (Disposables) is responsible for supporting manufacturing processes across disposable product lines. This role is expected to independently complete assigned tasks on time, resolve daily production issues, and support engineering projects. The Engineer I works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure process stability, product quality, and equipment performance. During this stage, the engineer is developing the ability to lead larger initiatives and is actively learning the tools and systems used to deliver engineering solutions in a regulated medical device environment.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Sustain manufacturing processes for product lines, including day-to-day operations and supplier support.
- Provide engineering support for product design changes, equipment maintenance, and fixture/tooling updates needed to keep production running.
- Leverage expertise in clean-room assembly manufacturing, including PLCs, RF forming/welding, ultrasonic welding, automation, solvent and adhesive bonding and related techniques.
- Deliver on small to medium size cross-functional projects to resolve manufacturing challenges and improvement initiatives—defining scope, managing timelines and budgets, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support product design change activities by gathering input from clinical and manufacturing stakeholders, assisting in risk assessments, updating design documentation, executing test protocols, and helping coordinate the transfer of verified changes to production.
- Own and execute engineering projects and change orders, ensuring timely completion, accurate documentation, and effective coordination with cross-functional teams.
- Support Quality and Production for timely root cause analysis and corrective action implementations.
- Oversee IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ execution and documentation for new and existing production equipment and product design changes.
- Identify, justify, and implement equipment upgrades, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
- Learn and apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste, increase throughput, and meet safety and quality targets.
- Analyze data, perform statistical evaluations, and generate detailed technical reports to support decisions and compliance.
- Ensure manufacturing systems and processes comply with internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and provide design for manufacturing (DFM) input to ensure scalable, cost-effective production for new product introduction (NPI).
- Utilize tools such as SolidWorks, FEA, DOE, capability analysis, Minitab, and JMP to support product and process design, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Promote an owner’s mindset by ensuring that standardized work processes are followed.
- Apply elements of the NBS Next business model at the production floor level.
Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Biomedical Engineering, or related field required.
0–2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or regulated environment preferred.
Internship or co-op experience in medical device or cleanroom manufacturing is a plus.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently complete assigned tasks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and SolidWorks; exposure to statistical tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab) preferred.
- Working knowledge of root cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams.
- Familiarity with engineering documentation, validation principles, and production support tools.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and cross-functional collaboration.
- Eagerness to learn and take ownership of deliverables with growing independence.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
- May be required to sit, stand, or bend for extended periods.
- Regular use of a computer and communication tools.
- May require travel up to 10% to supplier or manufacturing sites.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Travel Required
Estimated <5%
Interested?
If you are interested in being a part of a team and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, please apply online with your CV.
About Nordson EFD
Nordson EFD is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of fluid dispensing systems and single-use fluid packaging. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life. Nordson EFD is a global team that works to create systems and consumables that improve the fluid dispensing process. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment. Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson EFD. We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career.
Nordson EFD , a global leader in Engineered Fluid Dispensing, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.
Summary of the role
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.
Job Summary
As part of a $70M+ manufacturer of surgical solutions for the medical industry, the Manufacturing Engineer I (Disposables) is responsible for supporting manufacturing processes across disposable product lines. This role is expected to independently complete assigned tasks on time, resolve daily production issues, and support engineering projects. The Engineer I works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure process stability, product quality, and equipment performance. During this stage, the engineer is developing the ability to lead larger initiatives and is actively learning the tools and systems used to deliver engineering solutions in a regulated medical device environment.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Sustain manufacturing processes for product lines, including day-to-day operations and supplier support.
- Provide engineering support for product design changes, equipment maintenance, and fixture/tooling updates needed to keep production running.
- Leverage expertise in clean-room assembly manufacturing, including PLCs, RF forming/welding, ultrasonic welding, automation, solvent and adhesive bonding and related techniques.
- Deliver on small to medium size cross-functional projects to resolve manufacturing challenges and improvement initiatives—defining scope, managing timelines and budgets, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support product design change activities by gathering input from clinical and manufacturing stakeholders, assisting in risk assessments, updating design documentation, executing test protocols, and helping coordinate the transfer of verified changes to production.
- Own and execute engineering projects and change orders, ensuring timely completion, accurate documentation, and effective coordination with cross-functional teams.
- Support Quality and Production for timely root cause analysis and corrective action implementations.
- Oversee IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ execution and documentation for new and existing production equipment and product design changes.
- Identify, justify, and implement equipment upgrades, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
- Learn and apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste, increase throughput, and meet safety and quality targets.
- Analyze data, perform statistical evaluations, and generate detailed technical reports to support decisions and compliance.
- Ensure manufacturing systems and processes comply with internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and provide design for manufacturing (DFM) input to ensure scalable, cost-effective production for new product introduction (NPI).
- Utilize tools such as SolidWorks, FEA, DOE, capability analysis, Minitab, and JMP to support product and process design, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Promote an owner’s mindset by ensuring that standardized work processes are followed.
- Apply elements of the NBS Next business model at the production floor level.
Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Biomedical Engineering, or related field required.
0–2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or regulated environment preferred.
Internship or co-op experience in medical device or cleanroom manufacturing is a plus.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently complete assigned tasks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and SolidWorks; exposure to statistical tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab) preferred.
- Working knowledge of root cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams.
- Familiarity with engineering documentation, validation principles, and production support tools.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and cross-functional collaboration.
- Eagerness to learn and take ownership of deliverables with growing independence.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
- May be required to sit, stand, or bend for extended periods.
- Regular use of a computer and communication tools.
- May require travel up to 10% to supplier or manufacturing sites.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Travel Required
Estimated <5%
Interested?
If you are interested in being a part of a team and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, please apply online with your CV.
About Nordson EFD
Nordson EFD is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of fluid dispensing systems and single-use fluid packaging. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life. Nordson EFD is a global team that works to create systems and consumables that improve the fluid dispensing process. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment. Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson EFD. We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career.
See all 1,434+ 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.