OPT Manufacturing Technician Jobs
Manufacturing Technician roles are strong OPT matches because they fall under STEM-designated engineering and applied sciences fields, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most positions require hands-on technical skills and a degree in mechanical, industrial, or electrical engineering, or a closely related discipline.
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Get Access To All JobsThe Impact You'll Make
Join Danfoss in Tallahassee, Florida and play a key role in shaping how innovative hydronic solutions are manufactured. In this hands-on engineering role, you will help improve production processes, enhance product quality, and drive operational excellence across the plant. You will have a direct impact on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement by supporting manufacturing technologies, optimizing production workflows, and helping teams successfully introduce new products and process changes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems on the factory floor, collaborating across functions, and turning ideas into practical solutions that deliver measurable results. At Danfoss, you'll join a purpose-driven company focused on advancing sustainable solutions through innovation and engineering excellence. You will have the opportunity to work on meaningful manufacturing improvements, gain exposure to global teams and best practices, and contribute to the growth of advanced production technologies. We offer a collaborative environment where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your contributions have a visible impact on plant performance and customer success.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and operating procedures to enhance quality, safety, and productivity.
- Lead manufacturing execution system (MES) implementation and optimization activities to support operational visibility and performance.
- Support new equipment installations, process validation, and production line startups to ensure successful launches and reliable operations.
- Optimize production layouts, material flow, and workstation design to improve efficiency and employee experience.
- Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, safety, and supply chain teams to troubleshoot issues, strengthen product quality, and support new product introductions.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems, (M.E.S)
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles.
- Experience with process validation, root cause analysis, and statistical process control (SPC).
- Proficiency with CAD software and Microsoft Office.
- Willingness to travel regionally and globally (10%).
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with Critical Manufacturing software.
What You'll Get from Us
- We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
- You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
- We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
- You’ll receive benefits like annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.
The Impact You'll Make
Join Danfoss in Tallahassee, Florida and play a key role in shaping how innovative hydronic solutions are manufactured. In this hands-on engineering role, you will help improve production processes, enhance product quality, and drive operational excellence across the plant. You will have a direct impact on safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement by supporting manufacturing technologies, optimizing production workflows, and helping teams successfully introduce new products and process changes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys solving problems on the factory floor, collaborating across functions, and turning ideas into practical solutions that deliver measurable results. At Danfoss, you'll join a purpose-driven company focused on advancing sustainable solutions through innovation and engineering excellence. You will have the opportunity to work on meaningful manufacturing improvements, gain exposure to global teams and best practices, and contribute to the growth of advanced production technologies. We offer a collaborative environment where your ideas are valued, your development is supported, and your contributions have a visible impact on plant performance and customer success.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Develop and improve manufacturing processes, work instructions, and operating procedures to enhance quality, safety, and productivity.
- Lead manufacturing execution system (MES) implementation and optimization activities to support operational visibility and performance.
- Support new equipment installations, process validation, and production line startups to ensure successful launches and reliable operations.
- Optimize production layouts, material flow, and workstation design to improve efficiency and employee experience.
- Collaborate with production, quality, maintenance, safety, and supply chain teams to troubleshoot issues, strengthen product quality, and support new product introductions.
What We're Looking For
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 2–5 years of manufacturing engineering experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
- Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems, (M.E.S)
- Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement principles.
- Experience with process validation, root cause analysis, and statistical process control (SPC).
- Proficiency with CAD software and Microsoft Office.
- Willingness to travel regionally and globally (10%).
Preferred qualifications
- Experience with Critical Manufacturing software.
What You'll Get from Us
- We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
- You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Your well-being matters to us.
- We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.
- You’ll receive benefits like annual bonus, paid vacation, pension plans, personal insurance, and more. These vary by country and contract, but they’re worth asking about—we think they’re pretty great.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! to start the conversation and learn more about where your career can go with us.
See all 1,456+ OPT Manufacturing Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Manufacturing Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Manufacturing Technician
Lead with your technical certifications
Certifications like OSHA 10, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, or SolidWorks training signal job-readiness to hiring managers. List them prominently on your resume. Many manufacturers prioritize certified candidates over those without, especially when evaluating OPT applicants.
Confirm your role is STEM OPT eligible
Manufacturing Technician positions typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension if your degree is in an eligible field. Verify your degree's CIP code with your DSO before accepting any offer to avoid surprises at the extension stage.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers
The STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Ask about E-Verify enrollment early in the process, before the offer stage. Most mid-size and large manufacturers are already enrolled, making them natural targets.
Apply before your OPT start date
Start applying at least three to four months before graduation. Manufacturing roles often have multi-stage hiring processes including skills assessments and facility tours. Early applications give you time to complete those steps without racing against your OPT clock.
Quantify your lab and production experience
Manufacturers want to see measurable output, not just task lists. Include specific metrics from internships or coursework: defect rates reduced, throughput improved, equipment calibrated. Concrete numbers make your OPT application stand out against candidates with similar degrees.
Address your work authorization clearly in applications
State your OPT status and authorization end date directly in your cover letter or application. Transparency reduces friction for hiring teams unfamiliar with OPT. Pair it with a brief note that STEM extension adds 24 months if the role qualifies.
Manufacturing Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Manufacturing Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Manufacturing Technician roles generally qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as mechanical, industrial, electrical, or manufacturing engineering. The role itself must also be directly related to your degree. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your Designated School Official before accepting an offer, since eligibility is tied to the degree, not just the job title.
How do I find Manufacturing Technician employers who accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists manufacturing jobs from employers familiar with OPT and F-1 work authorization, so you can filter opportunities without having to manually screen for sponsorship willingness. Beyond the job board, target mid-size to large manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, and medical device sectors. These industries regularly hire OPT candidates and are almost universally enrolled in E-Verify, which is required for the STEM extension.
Does my employer need to do anything special to hire me on OPT?
For standard OPT, your employer does not need to file any petition or pay any fees. You work on the strength of your EAD card. For the STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must sign a formal training plan with your school. The process is employer-friendly compared to H-1B visa sponsorship, which requires a government filing and lottery selection.
What happens if my OPT expires before I secure H-1B sponsorship?
If you exhaust both standard OPT and the STEM extension without H-1B selection, you will need to stop working. The most common backup options are returning to school for another degree to restart OPT eligibility, switching to a different visa status, or exploring employer-sponsored visas outside the H-1B cap. Planning well in advance of your OPT end date gives you time to evaluate alternatives without a gap in status.
Can I work for multiple employers or on a contract basis during OPT?
Yes, OPT allows multiple concurrent employers as long as each position is directly related to your degree and you work at least 20 hours per week in total. Contract and staffing agency placements are permitted, but for STEM OPT the actual worksite employer, not the staffing agency, must be E-Verify enrolled and must sign your training plan. Always confirm this arrangement with your DSO before starting.