OPT Manufacturing Engineer Jobs
Manufacturing Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT positions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in automotive, aerospace, medical devices, and electronics regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Job Overview
Own, develop, and continuously improve large assembly processes for heavy equipment at CMO. The Manufacturing Engineer translates product and production requirements into safe, repeatable, quality-controlled assembly methods; establishes standard work and labor standards; balances work across stations; and implements the tooling, equipment, layouts, and digital controls needed to achieve production targets. The role provides hands-on technical support to Operations and leads process readiness for engineering changes, new models, and capacity changes.
Key Job Responsibilities
-
Develop, validate, release and maintain assembly process sheets, standard work, visual instructions, drawings, specifications, and change documentation. Ensure the defined process accurately reflects the product design, bill of material, assembly sequence, quality controls, tooling, and safety requirements.
-
Conduct direct observations, time studies, work sampling, and cycle-time analysis. Establish labor standards; evaluate takt time, station loading, staffing, process flow, and man-machine utilization; and create balanced work plans that support production volume and delivery requirements.
-
Provide shop-floor technical support for assembly for assembly issues, defects, downtime, and nonstandard work. Lead structure root-cause analysis and corrective actions, verify results with data, and update process controls and documentation to prevent recurrence.
-
Plan and execute assembly readiness for new products, model introductions, design changes, and production trials. Identify process risks, confirm station capability, coordinate build support, close readiness gaps, and ensure lessons learned are incorporated before production release.
-
Specify, design, source, test, and improve assembly fixtures, lifting devices, torque-controlled tools, error-proofing, operator-assist equipment, and material presentation. Apply ergonomic and safety principles to reduce risk and improve repeatability.
-
Develop requirements and business justification for assembly equipment, facilities, and technology. Coordinate suppliers, purchasing, installation, commissioning, acceptance, training, and turnover while managing scope, schedule, cost, safety, and production impact.
-
Lead improvement activities that reduce labor hours, defects, rework, downtime, material waste, and operating cost. Define the baseline, quantify expected benefits, implement countermeasures, and confirm sustained results.
-
Communicate process requirements and technical information across functions and with global Komatsu operations. Train and support production associates, supervisors, and technical personnel on new or revised assembly processes.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
One to three years of manufacturing engineering or related production-support experience is required. Direct experience supporting large, complex, low-volume or mixed-model assembly operations is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of assembly sequencing, standard work, time study, line balancing, takt and cycle time, labor planning, capacity analysis, workstation design, tooling, torque applications, error-proofing, and ergonomic risk reduction.
Ability to analyze defects, process variation, downtime, and productivity losses using structured root-cause and corrective-action methods. Experience with PFMEA, control plans, layered process reviews, or comparable process-control methods is preferred.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, bills of materials, and engineering changes and convert them into clear manufacturing processes and work instructions.
Ability to develop or review layouts, workstation concepts, and tooling drawings using CAD or equivalent tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis is required. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is a plus. 3D product data, Power BI, Power Apps, databases, scripting, or other digital manufacturing tools is a plus.
Ability to define requirements, justify investments, evaluate proposals, coordinate vendors, manage implementation schedules, and verify equipment or process acceptance.
Ability to work effectively with management, engineering, production associates, skilled trades, support functions, suppliers, and global partners. Must communicate technical information clearly, spend significant time on the production floor, manage changing priorities, and drive actions to closure.
Additional Information
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work is performed in office and active manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the assembly floor, use of required personal protective equipment, and compliance with plant safety rules.
The role may require standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and manipulating light to medium weights of 1 to 40 pounds.
Hand-eye coordination, dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to communicate in a production environment are required.
Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required for production support, installations, trials, or critical process issues.
Travel may be required for supplier visits, equipment acceptance, training, or coordination with other Komatsu locations. Specific travel expectations and any required certifications will be established based on assigned responsibilities.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.
Company Information
Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!
Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!
Job Overview
Own, develop, and continuously improve large assembly processes for heavy equipment at CMO. The Manufacturing Engineer translates product and production requirements into safe, repeatable, quality-controlled assembly methods; establishes standard work and labor standards; balances work across stations; and implements the tooling, equipment, layouts, and digital controls needed to achieve production targets. The role provides hands-on technical support to Operations and leads process readiness for engineering changes, new models, and capacity changes.
Key Job Responsibilities
-
Develop, validate, release and maintain assembly process sheets, standard work, visual instructions, drawings, specifications, and change documentation. Ensure the defined process accurately reflects the product design, bill of material, assembly sequence, quality controls, tooling, and safety requirements.
-
Conduct direct observations, time studies, work sampling, and cycle-time analysis. Establish labor standards; evaluate takt time, station loading, staffing, process flow, and man-machine utilization; and create balanced work plans that support production volume and delivery requirements.
-
Provide shop-floor technical support for assembly for assembly issues, defects, downtime, and nonstandard work. Lead structure root-cause analysis and corrective actions, verify results with data, and update process controls and documentation to prevent recurrence.
-
Plan and execute assembly readiness for new products, model introductions, design changes, and production trials. Identify process risks, confirm station capability, coordinate build support, close readiness gaps, and ensure lessons learned are incorporated before production release.
-
Specify, design, source, test, and improve assembly fixtures, lifting devices, torque-controlled tools, error-proofing, operator-assist equipment, and material presentation. Apply ergonomic and safety principles to reduce risk and improve repeatability.
-
Develop requirements and business justification for assembly equipment, facilities, and technology. Coordinate suppliers, purchasing, installation, commissioning, acceptance, training, and turnover while managing scope, schedule, cost, safety, and production impact.
-
Lead improvement activities that reduce labor hours, defects, rework, downtime, material waste, and operating cost. Define the baseline, quantify expected benefits, implement countermeasures, and confirm sustained results.
-
Communicate process requirements and technical information across functions and with global Komatsu operations. Train and support production associates, supervisors, and technical personnel on new or revised assembly processes.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
One to three years of manufacturing engineering or related production-support experience is required. Direct experience supporting large, complex, low-volume or mixed-model assembly operations is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of assembly sequencing, standard work, time study, line balancing, takt and cycle time, labor planning, capacity analysis, workstation design, tooling, torque applications, error-proofing, and ergonomic risk reduction.
Ability to analyze defects, process variation, downtime, and productivity losses using structured root-cause and corrective-action methods. Experience with PFMEA, control plans, layered process reviews, or comparable process-control methods is preferred.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, bills of materials, and engineering changes and convert them into clear manufacturing processes and work instructions.
Ability to develop or review layouts, workstation concepts, and tooling drawings using CAD or equivalent tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis is required. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is a plus. 3D product data, Power BI, Power Apps, databases, scripting, or other digital manufacturing tools is a plus.
Ability to define requirements, justify investments, evaluate proposals, coordinate vendors, manage implementation schedules, and verify equipment or process acceptance.
Ability to work effectively with management, engineering, production associates, skilled trades, support functions, suppliers, and global partners. Must communicate technical information clearly, spend significant time on the production floor, manage changing priorities, and drive actions to closure.
Additional Information
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work is performed in office and active manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the assembly floor, use of required personal protective equipment, and compliance with plant safety rules.
The role may require standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and manipulating light to medium weights of 1 to 40 pounds.
Hand-eye coordination, dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to communicate in a production environment are required.
Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required for production support, installations, trials, or critical process issues.
Travel may be required for supplier visits, equipment acceptance, training, or coordination with other Komatsu locations. Specific travel expectations and any required certifications will be established based on assigned responsibilities.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.
Company Information
Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!
See all 1,482+ OPT Manufacturing Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Manufacturing Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Manufacturing Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list before applying. Manufacturing and industrial engineering degrees almost always qualify, unlocking 24 additional months beyond your initial 12-month OPT period.
Focus on industries with strong sponsorship track records
Automotive, aerospace, semiconductor, and medical device manufacturers file H-1B petitions for manufacturing engineers at high rates. Targeting employers in these sectors gives you the best odds of converting OPT into long-term work authorization.
Highlight process improvement credentials
Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and CAD proficiency signal immediate value to hiring managers. Employers who see a clear return on sponsorship investment are more likely to commit. Certifications also differentiate you from candidates without OPT constraints.
Apply to manufacturers with existing H-1B history
Companies that have sponsored manufacturing engineers before understand the process and are far less likely to walk away when sponsorship comes up. Search employer LCA disclosure data through the Department of Labor to verify past filings before you apply.
Start your job search early
Manufacturing Engineer roles often involve security clearances, background checks, or onboarding timelines that extend beyond 60 days. Starting your search three to four months before OPT begins gives you enough runway to clear those hurdles without a gap.
Be upfront about your OPT timeline in interviews
Telling employers your exact OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility removes ambiguity and builds trust. Most manufacturing employers who sponsor visas appreciate candidates who understand their own authorization window and can plan around it clearly.
Manufacturing Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Manufacturing Engineer jobs qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in nearly all cases. Manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering are all STEM-designated fields under DHS guidelines. That means if your degree is in one of those programs, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization.
How do I find Manufacturing Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT on Migrate Mate?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-eligible candidates, so every role you see is posted by an employer open to candidates with F-1 work authorization. You can browse Manufacturing Engineer roles directly and filter by industry, location, and visa sponsorship type without wading through listings from employers who won't consider OPT students.
Will my manufacturing engineering degree satisfy the specialty occupation requirement for H-1B sponsorship?
Manufacturing Engineer is one of the more straightforward H-1B specialty occupations because the role has a well-established connection to a specific degree field. USCIS generally accepts mechanical, manufacturing, or industrial engineering degrees as qualifying. Roles that involve design, process optimization, or quality systems are the clearest cases. Roles that are primarily supervisory with limited technical scope can face more scrutiny.
Are there industries where Manufacturing Engineer OPT sponsorship is more common?
Automotive OEMs and suppliers, aerospace and defense contractors, semiconductor fabrication facilities, and medical device manufacturers are the heaviest sponsors of manufacturing engineers. These industries operate complex production environments that genuinely require degreed engineers, which makes the specialty occupation case straightforward and gives those employers stronger incentive to sponsor long-term.
Can I work as a Manufacturing Engineer on OPT if my job involves a security clearance?
OPT itself does not prohibit you from working in roles that require security clearances, but most clearances require U.S. citizenship or permanent residence. As an F-1 student, you're unlikely to obtain a Secret or Top Secret clearance. Roles at defense contractors that list a clearance as required are generally not accessible on OPT. Clearance-preferred or clearance-eligible roles without a hard requirement are a different matter and worth discussing directly with the employer.