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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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 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.