OPT Manufacturing Operator Jobs
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 JobsNordson EFD , a global leader in Engineered Fluid Dispensing, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.
Summary of the role
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.
Job Summary
As part of a $70M+ manufacturer of surgical solutions for the medical industry, the Manufacturing Engineer I (Disposables) is responsible for supporting manufacturing processes across disposable product lines. This role is expected to independently complete assigned tasks on time, resolve daily production issues, and support engineering projects. The Engineer I works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure process stability, product quality, and equipment performance. During this stage, the engineer is developing the ability to lead larger initiatives and is actively learning the tools and systems used to deliver engineering solutions in a regulated medical device environment.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Sustain manufacturing processes for product lines, including day-to-day operations and supplier support.
- Provide engineering support for product design changes, equipment maintenance, and fixture/tooling updates needed to keep production running.
- Leverage expertise in clean-room assembly manufacturing, including PLCs, RF forming/welding, ultrasonic welding, automation, solvent and adhesive bonding and related techniques.
- Deliver on small to medium size cross-functional projects to resolve manufacturing challenges and improvement initiatives—defining scope, managing timelines and budgets, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support product design change activities by gathering input from clinical and manufacturing stakeholders, assisting in risk assessments, updating design documentation, executing test protocols, and helping coordinate the transfer of verified changes to production.
- Own and execute engineering projects and change orders, ensuring timely completion, accurate documentation, and effective coordination with cross-functional teams.
- Support Quality and Production for timely root cause analysis and corrective action implementations.
- Oversee IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ execution and documentation for new and existing production equipment and product design changes.
- Identify, justify, and implement equipment upgrades, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
- Learn and apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste, increase throughput, and meet safety and quality targets.
- Analyze data, perform statistical evaluations, and generate detailed technical reports to support decisions and compliance.
- Ensure manufacturing systems and processes comply with internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and provide design for manufacturing (DFM) input to ensure scalable, cost-effective production for new product introduction (NPI).
- Utilize tools such as SolidWorks, FEA, DOE, capability analysis, Minitab, and JMP to support product and process design, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Promote an owner’s mindset by ensuring that standardized work processes are followed.
- Apply elements of the NBS Next business model at the production floor level.
Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Biomedical Engineering, or related field required.
0–2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or regulated environment preferred.
Internship or co-op experience in medical device or cleanroom manufacturing is a plus.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently complete assigned tasks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and SolidWorks; exposure to statistical tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab) preferred.
- Working knowledge of root cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams.
- Familiarity with engineering documentation, validation principles, and production support tools.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and cross-functional collaboration.
- Eagerness to learn and take ownership of deliverables with growing independence.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
- May be required to sit, stand, or bend for extended periods.
- Regular use of a computer and communication tools.
- May require travel up to 10% to supplier or manufacturing sites.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Travel Required
Estimated <5%
Interested?
If you are interested in being a part of a team and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, please apply online with your CV.
About Nordson EFD
Nordson EFD is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of fluid dispensing systems and single-use fluid packaging. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life. Nordson EFD is a global team that works to create systems and consumables that improve the fluid dispensing process. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment. Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson EFD. We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career.
Nordson EFD , a global leader in Engineered Fluid Dispensing, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to join our team. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we are looking for candidates who share that same commitment.
Summary of the role
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, where your ideas and contributions will be valued and respected.
Job Summary
As part of a $70M+ manufacturer of surgical solutions for the medical industry, the Manufacturing Engineer I (Disposables) is responsible for supporting manufacturing processes across disposable product lines. This role is expected to independently complete assigned tasks on time, resolve daily production issues, and support engineering projects. The Engineer I works closely with cross-functional teams to ensure process stability, product quality, and equipment performance. During this stage, the engineer is developing the ability to lead larger initiatives and is actively learning the tools and systems used to deliver engineering solutions in a regulated medical device environment.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities
- Sustain manufacturing processes for product lines, including day-to-day operations and supplier support.
- Provide engineering support for product design changes, equipment maintenance, and fixture/tooling updates needed to keep production running.
- Leverage expertise in clean-room assembly manufacturing, including PLCs, RF forming/welding, ultrasonic welding, automation, solvent and adhesive bonding and related techniques.
- Deliver on small to medium size cross-functional projects to resolve manufacturing challenges and improvement initiatives—defining scope, managing timelines and budgets, and coordinating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support product design change activities by gathering input from clinical and manufacturing stakeholders, assisting in risk assessments, updating design documentation, executing test protocols, and helping coordinate the transfer of verified changes to production.
- Own and execute engineering projects and change orders, ensuring timely completion, accurate documentation, and effective coordination with cross-functional teams.
- Support Quality and Production for timely root cause analysis and corrective action implementations.
- Oversee IQ/OQ/PQ/PPQ execution and documentation for new and existing production equipment and product design changes.
- Identify, justify, and implement equipment upgrades, automation, and process improvement initiatives.
- Learn and apply Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen methodologies to reduce waste, increase throughput, and meet safety and quality targets.
- Analyze data, perform statistical evaluations, and generate detailed technical reports to support decisions and compliance.
- Ensure manufacturing systems and processes comply with internal standards and external regulatory requirements.
- Participate in design reviews and provide design for manufacturing (DFM) input to ensure scalable, cost-effective production for new product introduction (NPI).
- Utilize tools such as SolidWorks, FEA, DOE, capability analysis, Minitab, and JMP to support product and process design, troubleshooting, and optimization.
- Promote an owner’s mindset by ensuring that standardized work processes are followed.
- Apply elements of the NBS Next business model at the production floor level.
Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Biomedical Engineering, or related field required.
0–2 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing or regulated environment preferred.
Internship or co-op experience in medical device or cleanroom manufacturing is a plus.
Required Skills and Abilities
- Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to independently complete assigned tasks.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and SolidWorks; exposure to statistical tools (e.g., Excel, Minitab) preferred.
- Working knowledge of root cause analysis tools such as 5 Whys and Fishbone diagrams.
- Familiarity with engineering documentation, validation principles, and production support tools.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, including report writing and cross-functional collaboration.
- Eagerness to learn and take ownership of deliverables with growing independence.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the physical demands required by an individual to successfully perform the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
- May be required to sit, stand, or bend for extended periods.
- Regular use of a computer and communication tools.
- May require travel up to 10% to supplier or manufacturing sites.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The characteristics listed below are representative of the work environment typically encountered by an individual while performing the essential duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
Travel Required
Estimated <5%
Interested?
If you are interested in being a part of a team and creating an inclusive and diverse workplace, please apply online with your CV.
About Nordson EFD
Nordson EFD is a world-leading designer and manufacturer of fluid dispensing systems and single-use fluid packaging. By joining our team today, you will help us bring innovative ideas to life. Nordson EFD is a global team that works to create systems and consumables that improve the fluid dispensing process. We offer a supportive culture in a growing and dynamic work environment. Whether you're just beginning your career or you're a seasoned professional, there's a place for you to belong at Nordson EFD. We offer hourly and salary positions in production, maintenance, customer service, quality, engineering, and more. We actively invest in our teams to help you build your skillsets and advance your career.
See all 1,434+ OPT Manufacturing Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Manufacturing Operator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT 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.
Manufacturing Operator OPT: Frequently 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.