OPT Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs
Manufacturing Operations Manager roles frequently qualify for OPT work authorization because they require a specialized degree in industrial engineering, supply chain management, or a related field. With a 12-month OPT window and STEM extension eligibility for qualifying degrees, this role gives you meaningful runway to build your U.S. career in operations leadership.
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We are looking for a talented Manufacturing Shop Operations Team Manager (2nd Shift) to join our team specializing in Manufacturing for our Engine Business in Rocky Mount, NC.
Job Summary:
Supervises the daily activities of a production unit or teams.
In this role, you will make an impact in the following ways:
- Builds Effective Teams: You will create teams with strong identities, ensuring that each member’s unique skills and perspectives are utilized to achieve common goals. This involves fostering a sense of belonging and purpose within the team.
- Collaborates: You will build partnerships and work collaboratively with colleagues and other departments to meet shared objectives. This means actively seeking input, sharing information, and working together to solve problems.
- Communicates Effectively: You will develop and deliver communications that are tailored to the needs of different audiences. This includes using various modes of communication (e.g., emails, presentations, meetings) to ensure clarity and understanding.
- Decision Quality: You will be responsible for making timely and well-informed decisions that keep the organization moving forward. This involves analyzing information, considering alternatives, and choosing the best course of action.
- Develops Talent: You will support the growth and development of team members by providing opportunities for learning and career advancement. This includes mentoring, coaching, and creating development plans that align with both individual and organizational goals.
- Directs Work: You will provide clear direction, delegate tasks appropriately, and remove obstacles that hinder progress. This ensures that work is completed efficiently and effectively.
- Drives Engagement: You will create a work environment that motivates and engages employees. This involves recognizing and rewarding contributions, fostering a positive culture, and encouraging open communication.
- Drives Results: You will consistently achieve desired outcomes, even in challenging situations. This requires setting clear goals, monitoring progress, and adapting strategies as needed to ensure success.
To be successful in this role, you will need the following:
- Team Management: Oversee daily activities of the production team, ensuring effective management of team members and housekeeping.
- Production Targets: Meet and exceed production targets consistently.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with other departments to improve safety, productivity, quality, and efficiency.
- Project Leadership: Lead projects and work assignments, ensuring successful completion.
- Guidance and Feedback: Provide clear guidance and constructive feedback to team members.
- Expectation Setting: Set clear expectations and clarify responsibilities for team members.
- Coaching and Mentoring: Coach and mentor team members to support their development and achieve team goals.
Education, Licenses, Certifications:
College, university or equivalent degree required, or equivalent experience required. This position may require licensing for compliance with export controls or sanctions regulations.
Experience:
Supervisory experience preferred.
- Leading strategic projects, Financial acumen, Lean and Six Sigma experience is a plus.
- It’s a 2nd shift Onsite position.
Please note that the salary range provided is a good faith estimate on the applicable range. The final salary offer will be determined after considering relevant factors, including a candidate’s qualifications and experience, where appropriate.
Job Manufacturing
Organization Cummins Inc.
Role Category On-site with Flexibility
Job Type Exempt - Experienced
Min Salary $69200
Max Salary $103800
ReqID 2428296
Relocation Package Yes
100% On-Site Yes
Due to the operational nature and specific job duties of this role, work is required to be completed 100% in person/On-site.
At Cummins, we are an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer dedicated to diversity in the workplace. Our policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to race, gender, color, disability, national origin, age, religion, union affiliation, sexual orientation, veteran status, citizenship, gender identity and/or expression, or other status protected by law. Cummins validates the right to work using E-Verify and will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. Visit http://EEOC.gov to know your rights on workplace discrimination.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Manufacturing Operations Manager
Target manufacturers with established HR infrastructure
Large manufacturers like automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods companies have dedicated HR teams experienced with OPT authorization. Smaller shops often lack the processes to handle work authorization documentation, making them riskier placements for your OPT timeline.
Clarify your STEM OPT eligibility upfront
Industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Confirming your degree's CIP code with your DSO before interviews lets you present employers with a realistic three-year authorization window, not just 12 months.
Quantify your process improvement results
Operations managers are hired for measurable outcomes. Frame your experience around metrics like throughput increases, defect rate reductions, or cost savings from lean initiatives. Concrete numbers make your candidacy stronger and shift the employer's focus from visa logistics to your value.
Understand the E-Verify requirement before accepting offers
OPT STEM extension employers must be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask HR whether the company is enrolled before you reach the offer stage. Discovering a mismatch after accepting an offer can delay your start date and compress your usable authorization window significantly.
Lean into internship and co-op operations experience
Manufacturing employers weigh hands-on floor experience heavily for operations roles. Any prior CPT or OPT internship in a production environment, even in a junior capacity, signals practical readiness. Highlight specific equipment, ERP systems, or methodologies like Six Sigma or Kaizen you worked with directly.
Get your training plan documentation ready before interviews
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan signed by a supervisor. Proactively preparing a draft plan aligned to operations management competencies signals professionalism. It also reassures employers unfamiliar with STEM OPT that the compliance burden is straightforward and well-defined.
Manufacturing Operations Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Manufacturing Operations Manager role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, systems engineering, or supply chain management that appears on the STEM designated degree program list, you likely qualify for the 24-month extension. Confirm your CIP code with your Designated School Official before assuming eligibility, since the degree determines qualification, not the role itself.
Do manufacturing companies typically sponsor OPT students for this role?
Sponsorship willingness varies significantly by company size and industry segment. Large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, semiconductors, and medical devices regularly hire OPT students because they have established immigration processes and strong demand for operations talent. Smaller contract manufacturers and job shops are less predictable. Migrate Mate filters job listings by sponsorship willingness, so you can identify receptive employers without cold-applying to companies that will decline upfront.
Can I work as a Manufacturing Operations Manager on OPT if my degree is in business administration?
A general business administration degree can support OPT authorization for this role if your university's DSO agrees the position is directly related to your field of study. However, a general business degree does not qualify for the STEM OPT extension, which limits you to 12 months of authorization. Employers hiring for a longer-term fit may prefer candidates with engineering or supply chain degrees that open the STEM extension pathway.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I get laid off from a manufacturing operations role?
OPT students have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during the standard 12-month period, which extends to 150 days if you're on a STEM extension. If you lose your position, report the change to your DSO immediately and begin your job search right away. Manufacturing operations is a competitive field, and staying within your allowance window is critical to maintaining valid status while you secure your next role.
What does the STEM OPT training plan look like for a Manufacturing Operations Manager?
The training plan, completed on Form I-983, must describe how the role relates to your STEM degree and outline the learning goals and supervision structure. For an operations manager, this typically covers competencies like production planning, quality systems, lean methodology, and cross-functional team leadership. Your employer's HR or legal team usually leads the filing, but you should be familiar with the requirements so you can guide conversations with employers who haven't handled STEM OPT before.