Manufacturing Operator Jobs for OPT Students
Manufacturing Operator jobs on OPT are available across production, assembly, and quality control roles in industries like automotive, electronics, and food processing. STEM OPT extensions apply when the employer is an E-Verify participant and the role ties directly to your engineering or applied science degree.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description:
At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions.
Hiring Bonus
Join us as a Manufacturing Operator in our Chardon, OH.
You will set up and operate equipment in the facility. This includes working with blow mold presses and doing the assembly, testing, and any other duties that go along with producing our various tanks.
More details about the opportunity:
The facility manufactures poly glass pressure vessels, hydropneumatics pressure tanks, brine and water storage tanks which are commonly used in water purification systems, including water softeners and well systems for residential customers. You will read and understand standard work instructions, comply with safety standards and procedures as well as help maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Job Duties:
- Winding tank liner with fiberglass strands that are coated with a mixture of resin and hardener.
- Produce the liners and/or air cells using blow mold presses.
- Removing excess flashing as parts come off the press, as well as quality inspection.
- Offloading, assembling, filling, testing, and packaging tanks.
- Follow all 5S practices and supports lean activities, as well as safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
Position hours/shift (Overtime Available!):
- 3rd shift: 8:30pm to 7am, Monday - Thursday
- 10% shift differential for 3rd shift
Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements are standing, walking, twisting at the waist, lifting, and lowering weights up to 50 pounds. Steel-toed shoes are required.
Compensation:
- The hourly pay for this role is: $17.50 to $21/hr. DOE. Opportunity for a rate increase after you are proficient in certain skills and have fulfilled training. Actual pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, and experience.
- $1000 Hiring Bonus
Benefits:
As part of our comprehensive benefits packages, Pentair provides the following benefits plans and programs to eligible employees:
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Up to 5% 401K match starting day one of employment
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Caregivers leave
- Prescription drug insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.
Job Description:
At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions.
Hiring Bonus
Join us as a Manufacturing Operator in our Chardon, OH.
You will set up and operate equipment in the facility. This includes working with blow mold presses and doing the assembly, testing, and any other duties that go along with producing our various tanks.
More details about the opportunity:
The facility manufactures poly glass pressure vessels, hydropneumatics pressure tanks, brine and water storage tanks which are commonly used in water purification systems, including water softeners and well systems for residential customers. You will read and understand standard work instructions, comply with safety standards and procedures as well as help maintain a clean and safe working environment.
Job Duties:
- Winding tank liner with fiberglass strands that are coated with a mixture of resin and hardener.
- Produce the liners and/or air cells using blow mold presses.
- Removing excess flashing as parts come off the press, as well as quality inspection.
- Offloading, assembling, filling, testing, and packaging tanks.
- Follow all 5S practices and supports lean activities, as well as safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
Position hours/shift (Overtime Available!):
- 3rd shift: 8:30pm to 7am, Monday - Thursday
- 10% shift differential for 3rd shift
Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements are standing, walking, twisting at the waist, lifting, and lowering weights up to 50 pounds. Steel-toed shoes are required.
Compensation:
- The hourly pay for this role is: $17.50 to $21/hr. DOE. Opportunity for a rate increase after you are proficient in certain skills and have fulfilled training. Actual pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to achievements, skills, and experience.
- $1000 Hiring Bonus
Benefits:
As part of our comprehensive benefits packages, Pentair provides the following benefits plans and programs to eligible employees:
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation
- Paid sick time
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k)
- Up to 5% 401K match starting day one of employment
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Caregivers leave
- Prescription drug insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
Equal Opportunity Employer
Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Manufacturing Operator
Confirm your degree aligns with the role
Manufacturing Operator roles qualify for STEM OPT only when your degree field directly relates to the position. Engineering, industrial technology, and materials science degrees typically satisfy this requirement. Verify the connection before applying to avoid authorization issues.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers first
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Large manufacturers like automotive suppliers and electronics firms are usually enrolled. Confirm E-Verify status before accepting an offer so your 24-month extension isn't jeopardized at the last minute.
Start your job search at least 90 days early
OPT applications take time to process, and manufacturing hiring cycles can be slow. Begin searching at least 90 days before your current OPT or STEM extension expires to avoid a gap in work authorization that could disrupt your employment.
Emphasize hands-on technical skills in your application
Manufacturing employers prioritize CNC operation, lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma exposure, and quality control experience. Highlighting these technical competencies signals you can contribute immediately, which reduces the employer's hesitation around OPT authorization timelines and paperwork.
Prepare a clear explanation of OPT for employers
Many small and mid-size manufacturers are unfamiliar with OPT. Have a one-paragraph explanation ready that covers your authorization period, the E-Verify requirement for STEM extension, and the fact that there is no lottery or significant cost to the employer.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly manufacturers
Not every manufacturer is open to hiring OPT students. Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT candidates, saving you the effort of screening hundreds of postings that won't lead anywhere for your immigration situation.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Manufacturing Operator on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if the role relates to your degree field. A Manufacturing Operator position tied to an engineering, industrial technology, or applied science degree qualifies for OPT work authorization. The connection between your coursework and the specific duties of the role matters. If your DSO and employer agree the link is clear, you're authorized to work.
Does a Manufacturing Operator job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It can, but two conditions must be met. First, your degree must be on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Second, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Manufacturing roles grounded in engineering or applied science typically satisfy the degree requirement. The job title itself is less important than whether the actual duties align with your STEM field.
What should I do if a manufacturing employer has never hired an OPT student before?
Bring a brief written overview of how OPT works, covering your authorization period, the E-Verify enrollment requirement for STEM extension, and the absence of a lottery or government petition cost. Most manufacturers are comfortable once they understand there is minimal administrative burden on their end. Your DSO can also provide a support letter if the employer wants additional confirmation.
Where can I find Manufacturing Operator jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT job seekers and lists manufacturing roles from employers open to hiring international students. Searching general job boards wastes time because most postings don't indicate OPT acceptance. Migrate Mate filters out that noise so you're only seeing roles where your work authorization status won't disqualify you.
How does the 90-day unemployment limit affect Manufacturing Operator job searches?
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 days of cumulative unemployment during the initial OPT period and an additional 60 days during a STEM extension. Manufacturing hiring can move slowly, especially for production roles that open seasonally or follow contract cycles. Starting your search early and applying broadly across industries including automotive, electronics, and food processing reduces the risk of hitting that limit.
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