Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Manufacturing Engineering Manager jobs are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturing regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Neapco is seeking a results-driven individual to join our team as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of manufacturing processes which maintain proper product functionality as well as cost efficiency. This position will report to the Plant Manager and is based at our Components in Beatrice, Nebraska. It is extremely important this team member be aligned with Neapco’s Core Values of Partnership, Passion, Agility, Teamwork, Integrity, and Diversity and Neapco’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility goals and objectives. Compensation dependent upon qualifications.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Including but not limited to:
- Ensure that the manufacturing process is established with equipment, tooling, and process controls that can meet customer, risk, and operation targets
- Support capital planning initiatives, recommending equipment upgrades and technology enhancements to support operational scalability
- Direct activities of manufacturing engineers in developing labor standards, work instructions, operational description sheets, and labor costing
- Provide technical guidance for CNC turning, centerless grinding, broaching, spline rolling, drilling, and related machining operations
- Support heat treatment processes including induction hardening, carburizing, quenching, and tempering to meet metallurgical specifications
- Develop process control plans, PFMEAs, and standard work instructions to ensure consistent product quality
- Ensure processes comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements
- Support PPAP documentation and launch readiness for new and modified products
- Maintain metrics on equipment and tooling capacity utilization, regulatory conformance, launch performance, process performance, process control, PM performance, and labor standards conformance
- Perform other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive or industrial production
- 7+ years manufacturing engineering experience in automotive or heavy industrial production, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- Strong background in machining (turning, grinding, broaching) and heat treat operations
- Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies
- Proficient with CAD/CAM, CNC programming fundamentals, and industrial automation concepts
- Knowledge of metallurgy, GD&T, and precision measurement tools
- Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer or Industrial Engineer or equivalent degree preferred.
Neapco recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited. In return for their expertise and shared commitment to our goals, we offer our team members competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
INTRODUCTION
Neapco is seeking a results-driven individual to join our team as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of manufacturing processes which maintain proper product functionality as well as cost efficiency. This position will report to the Plant Manager and is based at our Components in Beatrice, Nebraska. It is extremely important this team member be aligned with Neapco’s Core Values of Partnership, Passion, Agility, Teamwork, Integrity, and Diversity and Neapco’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility goals and objectives. Compensation dependent upon qualifications.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Including but not limited to:
- Ensure that the manufacturing process is established with equipment, tooling, and process controls that can meet customer, risk, and operation targets
- Support capital planning initiatives, recommending equipment upgrades and technology enhancements to support operational scalability
- Direct activities of manufacturing engineers in developing labor standards, work instructions, operational description sheets, and labor costing
- Provide technical guidance for CNC turning, centerless grinding, broaching, spline rolling, drilling, and related machining operations
- Support heat treatment processes including induction hardening, carburizing, quenching, and tempering to meet metallurgical specifications
- Develop process control plans, PFMEAs, and standard work instructions to ensure consistent product quality
- Ensure processes comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements
- Support PPAP documentation and launch readiness for new and modified products
- Maintain metrics on equipment and tooling capacity utilization, regulatory conformance, launch performance, process performance, process control, PM performance, and labor standards conformance
- Perform other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive or industrial production
- 7+ years manufacturing engineering experience in automotive or heavy industrial production, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- Strong background in machining (turning, grinding, broaching) and heat treat operations
- Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies
- Proficient with CAD/CAM, CNC programming fundamentals, and industrial automation concepts
- Knowledge of metallurgy, GD&T, and precision measurement tools
- Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer or Industrial Engineer or equivalent degree preferred.
Neapco recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited. In return for their expertise and shared commitment to our goals, we offer our team members competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension before applying. Manufacturing Engineering Manager roles typically require a STEM degree, and most qualifying programs make you eligible for the full 36 months of OPT work authorization.
Focus on established manufacturers
Large automotive, aerospace, and electronics manufacturers have dedicated immigration teams and established H-1B sponsorship pipelines. Companies with existing visa infrastructure are significantly more likely to sponsor your transition from OPT to long-term work authorization after your initial period ends.
Quantify your production impact
Hiring managers for engineering manager roles respond to measurable results. Frame your experience around yield improvements, defect reduction rates, and cost savings. Concrete metrics make sponsorship conversations easier because employers can clearly see the return on their visa investment.
Pursue roles with Lean or Six Sigma scope
Manufacturing Engineering Manager positions tied to continuous improvement programs are consistently harder to fill, making employers more willing to sponsor. Certifications in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma Green Belt signal specialized expertise that strengthens your case for visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Manufacturing Engineering Manager roles qualify for F-1 OPT work authorization, and most also qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or a related STEM field. That gives you up to 36 months total to work and secure long-term visa sponsorship from your employer.
Does a Manufacturing Engineering Manager role qualify for STEM OPT?
In most cases, yes. STEM OPT eligibility depends on your degree, not the job title itself. If you hold a qualifying STEM degree, such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or materials science, and your employer signs a formal training plan, you can apply for the 24-month extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Manufacturing Engineering Manager jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students seeking visa-sponsoring employers. Rather than filtering through generic job postings, Migrate Mate surfaces roles from companies with documented sponsorship histories. For a management-level manufacturing role, this matters because sponsorship at this level often requires employer immigration infrastructure that smaller companies lack.
Will employers sponsor H-1B visas for Manufacturing Engineering Managers coming off OPT?
Many do, particularly large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, and electronics sectors. Engineering managers are difficult to replace, which makes employers more willing to invest in H-1B sponsorship. Your strongest leverage is demonstrating measurable impact before your OPT expires. Employers who sponsor routinely plan H-1B filings 12 to 18 months in advance, so start that conversation early.
What degree do I need for a Manufacturing Engineering Manager role on OPT?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree at minimum in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering, with several years of hands-on experience. A master's degree in engineering or engineering management can strengthen your application for senior roles. Your degree field must match the job's core technical requirements for STEM OPT extension eligibility, so verify with your DSO if you hold a degree in an adjacent field.
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