OPT Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs
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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INTRODUCTION
Schneider Electric has an opportunity for a Methods Manager in our Lexington, KY location. The Methods Manager is a key contributor to the continuous improvement strategies for the Lexington plant, specifically, in the areas of Maintenance, SPS (Schneider Performance System), process design, ergonomics, capacity, simulation tools, investment, cost analysis and performance.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage all Product & Process SPS techniques (Plant Layout, LADM (Line Architect Design methodology), Ergonomics, etc…).
- Ensure the maintainability of the production tool by implementing the Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) process and associated skills.
- Manage continuous improvement concerning line architectures, capacities, capability, time referential.
- Identify the full potentials for medium and long term improvements in all areas using Lean diagnosis approach.
- Define the organization to implement for new project (or increase/decrease volume of production) to optimize DVC & MBC costs.
- Guide the choice of designers by providing industrial and logistical requirements.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, business management, supply chain management, or equivalent experience.
- Strong change agent, proven leadership with strong innovation skills.
- Experience with controls, robotics, PLCs and able to manage multiple projects concurrently.
- Strong people skills and the desire to grow teamwork and engagement.
- Experience in a lean manufacturing / continuous improvement environment.
- Must possess excellent analytical/problem solving abilities and good communication skills both written and oral.
- Previous leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
Let us learn about you! Apply today.
COMPANY BOILER PLATE
Looking to make an IMPACT with your career?
When you are thinking about joining a new team, culture matters. At Schneider Electric, our values and behaviors are the foundation for creating a great culture to support business success. We believe that our IMPACT values – Inclusion, Mastery, Purpose, Action, Curiosity, Teamwork – starts with us.
IMPACT is also your invitation to join Schneider Electric where you can contribute to turning sustainability ambition into actions, no matter what role you play. It is a call to connect your career with the ambition of achieving a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable world.
We are looking for IMPACT Makers; exceptional people who turn sustainability ambitions into actions at the intersection of automation, electrification, and digitization. We celebrate IMPACT Makers and believe everyone has the potential to be one.
Become an IMPACT Maker with Schneider Electric – apply today!
€40 billion global revenue
+9% organic growth
150,000+ employees in 100+ countries
You must submit an online application to be considered for any position with us. This position will be posted until filled.
Schneider Electric aspires to be the most inclusive and caring company in the world, by providing equitable opportunities to everyone, everywhere, and ensuring all employees feel uniquely valued and safe to contribute their best. We mirror the diversity of the communities in which we operate, and ‘inclusion’ is one of our core values. We believe our differences make us stronger as a company and as individuals and we are committed to championing inclusivity in everything we do.
At Schneider Electric, we uphold the highest standards of ethics and compliance, and we believe that trust is a foundational value. Our Trust Charter is our Code of Conduct and demonstrates our commitment to ethics, safety, sustainability, quality and cybersecurity, underpinning every aspect of our business and our willingness to behave and respond respectfully and in good faith to all our stakeholders. You can find out more about our Trust Charter here.
Schneider Electric is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities in the areas of recruiting, hiring, training, transferring, and promoting all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender, disability, national origin, ancestry, age, military status, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally protected characteristic or conduct.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Address sponsorship early but strategically
Raise your OPT status after receiving genuine interest, not in a cover letter. Once an employer confirms they want to move forward, explain your timeline clearly, including when your OPT expires and when STEM extension or H-1B filing deadlines apply.
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.
Align your job search with H-1B timelines
H-1B cap petitions are filed in April for October 1 start dates. If your OPT expires mid-year, target roles early enough for employers to file in time. Understanding this calendar prevents gaps and helps you negotiate start dates that work for both sides.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager OPT: Frequently 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.