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.

Find OPT Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs80+
Work Type85% On-site
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsTAS Energy

Showing 5 of 80+ Manufacturing Operations Manager jobs

Piedmont Healthcare
Mgr Managed Care Contracts
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Piedmont Healthcare
New 10h ago
Mgr Managed Care Contracts
Piedmont Healthcare
Atlanta, Georgia
Business Operations
Healthcare Administration
Compliance & Legal
Partnerships & Business Development
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Meijer
Customer Service Dept Mgr
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Meijer
New 22h ago
Customer Service Dept Mgr
Meijer
Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Customer Service & Support
Human Resources
Project & Program Management
Customer Service
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Baylor Scott & White Health
Mgr Accounting Services
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Baylor Scott & White Health
Added 1d ago
Mgr Accounting Services
Baylor Scott & White Health
Dallas, Texas
Finance
Accounting
Audit
Tax
On-Site
Master's
10,000+

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Astellas
Team Lead BioPharma Manufacturing Operations
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Astellas
Added 1d ago
Team Lead BioPharma Manufacturing Operations
Astellas
Sanford, North Carolina
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Project & Program Management
Human Resources
Project Management
$95k - $135k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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NextEra Energy
Senior PGD Tech Services Project Mgr
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NextEra Energy
Added 4d ago
Senior PGD Tech Services Project Mgr
NextEra Energy
Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
Project & Program Management
Procurement & Supply Chain
Compliance & Legal
Project Management
Procurement & Purchasing
Compliance & Risk
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips 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.