OPT Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs
Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs are among the more OPT-friendly roles in advanced manufacturing, with STEM OPT extension eligibility giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role, making it a strong long-term path.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Role: Manufacturing Process Engineer
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Salary: $90,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience
Position Overview
We are seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to support a precision manufacturing operation serving the aerospace and industrial markets. This position is responsible for translating engineering drawings, customer specifications, and technical requirements into practical manufacturing plans for machined parts and assemblies. The ideal candidate has experience in aerospace machining, manufacturing process planning, CNC manufacturing, and SolidWorks/3D modeling and is comfortable working closely with production, quality, engineering, and external suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and customer requirements to develop effective manufacturing plans.
- Establish manufacturing sequences, routings, work instructions, and process documentation for machined and assembled products.
- Determine appropriate equipment, machining methods, materials, tooling, and outside processing requirements.
- Estimate setup and production time for manufacturing operations.
- Work with production and quality teams to resolve technical and process-related issues.
- Coordinate engineering questions, drawing clarifications, and specification requirements with internal teams and customers.
- Support CNC machining operations by improving manufacturing methods, workflows, and process efficiency.
- Assist with quality planning and ensure manufacturing documentation meets applicable customer and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate process specifications, manufacturing records, revisions, and supporting technical documentation.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, cost reduction, and manufacturing efficiency.
Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
- Experience in manufacturing/process engineering within an aerospace or precision machining environment.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining and manufacturing process planning.
- Experience developing manufacturing plans, routings, travelers, or work instructions.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks and/or other 3D CAD modeling software.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T.
- Experience working within an AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred Background
Candidates with experience in aerospace components, precision CNC machining, tooling, custom manufacturing, or high-mix/low-volume production environments are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for a manufacturing professional who enjoys combining mechanical engineering knowledge with hands-on manufacturing planning and process improvement.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Role: Manufacturing Process Engineer
Location: Kansas City, MO
Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site
Salary: $90,000–$120,000 annually, depending on experience
Position Overview
We are seeking a Manufacturing Process Engineer to support a precision manufacturing operation serving the aerospace and industrial markets. This position is responsible for translating engineering drawings, customer specifications, and technical requirements into practical manufacturing plans for machined parts and assemblies. The ideal candidate has experience in aerospace machining, manufacturing process planning, CNC manufacturing, and SolidWorks/3D modeling and is comfortable working closely with production, quality, engineering, and external suppliers.
Key Responsibilities
- Review engineering drawings, 3D models, specifications, and customer requirements to develop effective manufacturing plans.
- Establish manufacturing sequences, routings, work instructions, and process documentation for machined and assembled products.
- Determine appropriate equipment, machining methods, materials, tooling, and outside processing requirements.
- Estimate setup and production time for manufacturing operations.
- Work with production and quality teams to resolve technical and process-related issues.
- Coordinate engineering questions, drawing clarifications, and specification requirements with internal teams and customers.
- Support CNC machining operations by improving manufacturing methods, workflows, and process efficiency.
- Assist with quality planning and ensure manufacturing documentation meets applicable customer and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain accurate process specifications, manufacturing records, revisions, and supporting technical documentation.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, productivity, cost reduction, and manufacturing efficiency.
Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline preferred.
- Experience in manufacturing/process engineering within an aerospace or precision machining environment.
- Strong understanding of CNC machining and manufacturing process planning.
- Experience developing manufacturing plans, routings, travelers, or work instructions.
- Proficiency with SolidWorks and/or other 3D CAD modeling software.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, blueprints, specifications, and GD&T.
- Experience working within an AS9100 and/or ISO 9001 manufacturing environment is highly preferred.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.
Preferred Background
Candidates with experience in aerospace components, precision CNC machining, tooling, custom manufacturing, or high-mix/low-volume production environments are strongly encouraged to apply. This is an excellent opportunity for a manufacturing professional who enjoys combining mechanical engineering knowledge with hands-on manufacturing planning and process improvement.
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
See all 70+ OPT Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Manufacturing Process Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Manufacturing Process Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs
Your Manufacturing Process Engineer role almost certainly qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering, materials science, or a related STEM field. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying.
Focus on H-1B-friendly industries
Automotive suppliers, aerospace manufacturers, and semiconductor fabs have strong H-1B sponsorship histories for process engineers. Companies running high-volume production lines have direct financial incentive to retain engineers who improve yield and reduce waste.
Quantify your process improvements
Employers sponsoring visas want engineers who demonstrably move the needle. Lead your resume with metrics: cycle time reductions, defect rate improvements, and cost savings. Numbers make sponsorship decisions easier to justify internally.
Ask about sponsorship before accepting an offer
Raise the H-1B question during the offer stage, not after you've started. Ask whether the company has sponsored process engineers before and whether HR has an established immigration counsel relationship. This signals planning, not desperation.
Earn certifications that strengthen your case
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt, Lean Manufacturing, and APICS CPIM certifications signal operational credibility to hiring managers. They also strengthen the specialty occupation argument USCIS evaluates during an H-1B petition.
Understand your OPT reporting requirements
Manufacturing roles often involve shift changes, facility transfers, or contractor arrangements. Any change in employer, job title, or work location must be reported to your DSO within ten days to keep your SEVIS record current and compliant.
Manufacturing Process Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Manufacturing Process Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. If your degree is in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, chemical engineering, or another STEM field, your process engineer role will typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign a formal training plan with your school. Confirm your specific CIP code qualifies with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Manufacturing Process Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate lists manufacturing and engineering roles from employers with verified sponsorship histories, so you're not guessing which companies are willing to work with OPT students. Filter by role and industry to find process engineer openings at companies that have previously filed H-1B or STEM OPT training plans. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering visa limitations late in the process.
Can I work as a Manufacturing Process Engineer on OPT if my job involves multiple production sites?
Yes, but multi-site arrangements require careful attention to your authorized employer and work location. Your OPT EAD authorizes you to work for a specific employer, not a location. If you're placed at a client facility or a different plant under the same employer, that's generally fine. If your employer changes or you move to a contractor arrangement, you must update your DSO immediately to avoid a status violation.
Is Manufacturing Process Engineering considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Generally yes. Process engineer roles require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific engineering discipline, which meets USCIS's specialty occupation standard. Roles that involve designing workflows, optimizing manufacturing systems, or applying statistical process control methods have strong precedent for H-1B approval. However, if the job description is vague or lists broad responsibilities that don't require a specific degree field, your employer's immigration attorney should review it before filing.
What should I do if my OPT authorization runs out before my employer files my H-1B?
If your employer plans to sponsor your H-1B, they need to file during the April registration window for an October 1 start date. If your STEM OPT expires before October 1, there's a cap-gap provision that extends your work authorization automatically if your H-1B petition is filed on time. Work with your DSO and your employer's immigration counsel early to map out the exact timeline and avoid any gap in employment authorization.