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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques. Responsible for guidance and development of Manufacturing Engineering (ME) team, including Functional Test Engineering, providing support to AMMM production and on the Flight Line. Responsible for working closely with Production and assessing situations to develop tools and methods for improving quality and productivity. Responsible for department budget, audit support, and other ME related issues.
Will provide guidance and coaching/development on Manufacturing Engineering skills, including:
- Create and update Manufacturing Plan.
- Develop major tooling requirements and production floor layout.
- Initiate Tooling Request Forms and schedule tooling builds/buys to support production.
- Develop capital equipment requirements and forecast funding needs.
- Initiate capital spending request, SOW/specifications, and FSR for purchase of capital equipment.
- Initiate calibration requirements for new equipment and coordinate with Facilities Engineering on development of preventative maintenance requirements for ground support equipment maintenance and tooling.
- Initiate and coordinate all project tooling and special test equipment periodic inspection and maintenance/repair requirements in conjunction with Tool Engineering.
- Develop program specific methods, operating procedures, and tooling usage documents such as TSUD, MPS/PPDs, and SCLs.
- Develop requirements for and initiate purchase of perishable factory equipment.
- Develop specifications and initiate procurement of Standard Tools.
- Continuously review facilities and tools for Safety issues and initiate corrective action.
- Continuously work with production supervision and mechanics to improve process, methods, and work sequencing to include refinement of all things stated above.
- Investigate repetitive non-conformances; develop and implement corrective action.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, etc.)
- Experience in Manufacturing Engineering or understanding of Manufacturing Engineering practice and procedures.
- Production Support/Corrective Action experience.
- Formal/Informal Leadership experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Flight Line Experience.
- Demonstrated Full Spectrum Leadership skills and Culture of Accountability practices.
- MS Office experience including with Project and Access database.
- Familiarity with AMMM Airframes.
- Working knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering skills defined in job description and the controlling media PM-9003, PM-4053, and AC -3031.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $104900.00 - $194700.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market (work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS OFFERED
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full-time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
INTRODUCTION
Performs in a collaborative environment to develop and implement manufacturing processes, procedures and production layouts for assemblies, equipment installation, processing, fabrication, and material handling. Drives adoption of new technologies and processes (automation, robotics, computer aided manufacturing software, etc.) to achieve greater efficiency, cost reduction and quality improvement. Creates and analyzes 3D based model data environment to optimize manufacturing process and digital work instructions. Leverages understanding of materials and automatic processes to define operations procedures and build sequences to drive operational excellence. Evaluates performance (including IoT devices, etc.) of equipment and tools to verify their efficiency and investigates and initiates corrective action of problems and deficiencies to ensure operational excellence. Leverages factory data to develop statistical process control approaches and integrates reporting and data analytics solutions for continuous improvement. Provides input to product design regarding design concepts and specification requirements to best utilize equipment and manufacturing techniques. Responsible for guidance and development of Manufacturing Engineering (ME) team, including Functional Test Engineering, providing support to AMMM production and on the Flight Line. Responsible for working closely with Production and assessing situations to develop tools and methods for improving quality and productivity. Responsible for department budget, audit support, and other ME related issues.
Will provide guidance and coaching/development on Manufacturing Engineering skills, including:
- Create and update Manufacturing Plan.
- Develop major tooling requirements and production floor layout.
- Initiate Tooling Request Forms and schedule tooling builds/buys to support production.
- Develop capital equipment requirements and forecast funding needs.
- Initiate capital spending request, SOW/specifications, and FSR for purchase of capital equipment.
- Initiate calibration requirements for new equipment and coordinate with Facilities Engineering on development of preventative maintenance requirements for ground support equipment maintenance and tooling.
- Initiate and coordinate all project tooling and special test equipment periodic inspection and maintenance/repair requirements in conjunction with Tool Engineering.
- Develop program specific methods, operating procedures, and tooling usage documents such as TSUD, MPS/PPDs, and SCLs.
- Develop requirements for and initiate purchase of perishable factory equipment.
- Develop specifications and initiate procurement of Standard Tools.
- Continuously review facilities and tools for Safety issues and initiate corrective action.
- Continuously work with production supervision and mechanics to improve process, methods, and work sequencing to include refinement of all things stated above.
- Investigate repetitive non-conformances; develop and implement corrective action.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (e.g. Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, etc.)
- Experience in Manufacturing Engineering or understanding of Manufacturing Engineering practice and procedures.
- Production Support/Corrective Action experience.
- Formal/Informal Leadership experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Flight Line Experience.
- Demonstrated Full Spectrum Leadership skills and Culture of Accountability practices.
- MS Office experience including with Project and Access database.
- Familiarity with AMMM Airframes.
- Working knowledge of Manufacturing Engineering skills defined in job description and the controlling media PM-9003, PM-4053, and AC -3031.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $104900.00 - $194700.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market (work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS OFFERED
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full-time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
See all 67+ OPT Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs
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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.