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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Job Overview
Own, develop, and continuously improve large assembly processes for heavy equipment at CMO. The Manufacturing Engineer translates product and production requirements into safe, repeatable, quality-controlled assembly methods; establishes standard work and labor standards; balances work across stations; and implements the tooling, equipment, layouts, and digital controls needed to achieve production targets. The role provides hands-on technical support to Operations and leads process readiness for engineering changes, new models, and capacity changes.
Key Job Responsibilities
-
Develop, validate, release and maintain assembly process sheets, standard work, visual instructions, drawings, specifications, and change documentation. Ensure the defined process accurately reflects the product design, bill of material, assembly sequence, quality controls, tooling, and safety requirements.
-
Conduct direct observations, time studies, work sampling, and cycle-time analysis. Establish labor standards; evaluate takt time, station loading, staffing, process flow, and man-machine utilization; and create balanced work plans that support production volume and delivery requirements.
-
Provide shop-floor technical support for assembly for assembly issues, defects, downtime, and nonstandard work. Lead structure root-cause analysis and corrective actions, verify results with data, and update process controls and documentation to prevent recurrence.
-
Plan and execute assembly readiness for new products, model introductions, design changes, and production trials. Identify process risks, confirm station capability, coordinate build support, close readiness gaps, and ensure lessons learned are incorporated before production release.
-
Specify, design, source, test, and improve assembly fixtures, lifting devices, torque-controlled tools, error-proofing, operator-assist equipment, and material presentation. Apply ergonomic and safety principles to reduce risk and improve repeatability.
-
Develop requirements and business justification for assembly equipment, facilities, and technology. Coordinate suppliers, purchasing, installation, commissioning, acceptance, training, and turnover while managing scope, schedule, cost, safety, and production impact.
-
Lead improvement activities that reduce labor hours, defects, rework, downtime, material waste, and operating cost. Define the baseline, quantify expected benefits, implement countermeasures, and confirm sustained results.
-
Communicate process requirements and technical information across functions and with global Komatsu operations. Train and support production associates, supervisors, and technical personnel on new or revised assembly processes.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
One to three years of manufacturing engineering or related production-support experience is required. Direct experience supporting large, complex, low-volume or mixed-model assembly operations is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of assembly sequencing, standard work, time study, line balancing, takt and cycle time, labor planning, capacity analysis, workstation design, tooling, torque applications, error-proofing, and ergonomic risk reduction.
Ability to analyze defects, process variation, downtime, and productivity losses using structured root-cause and corrective-action methods. Experience with PFMEA, control plans, layered process reviews, or comparable process-control methods is preferred.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, bills of materials, and engineering changes and convert them into clear manufacturing processes and work instructions.
Ability to develop or review layouts, workstation concepts, and tooling drawings using CAD or equivalent tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis is required. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is a plus. 3D product data, Power BI, Power Apps, databases, scripting, or other digital manufacturing tools is a plus.
Ability to define requirements, justify investments, evaluate proposals, coordinate vendors, manage implementation schedules, and verify equipment or process acceptance.
Ability to work effectively with management, engineering, production associates, skilled trades, support functions, suppliers, and global partners. Must communicate technical information clearly, spend significant time on the production floor, manage changing priorities, and drive actions to closure.
Additional Information
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work is performed in office and active manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the assembly floor, use of required personal protective equipment, and compliance with plant safety rules.
The role may require standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and manipulating light to medium weights of 1 to 40 pounds.
Hand-eye coordination, dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to communicate in a production environment are required.
Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required for production support, installations, trials, or critical process issues.
Travel may be required for supplier visits, equipment acceptance, training, or coordination with other Komatsu locations. Specific travel expectations and any required certifications will be established based on assigned responsibilities.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.
Company Information
Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!
Join Komatsu and Be Part of Something Big!
Job Overview
Own, develop, and continuously improve large assembly processes for heavy equipment at CMO. The Manufacturing Engineer translates product and production requirements into safe, repeatable, quality-controlled assembly methods; establishes standard work and labor standards; balances work across stations; and implements the tooling, equipment, layouts, and digital controls needed to achieve production targets. The role provides hands-on technical support to Operations and leads process readiness for engineering changes, new models, and capacity changes.
Key Job Responsibilities
-
Develop, validate, release and maintain assembly process sheets, standard work, visual instructions, drawings, specifications, and change documentation. Ensure the defined process accurately reflects the product design, bill of material, assembly sequence, quality controls, tooling, and safety requirements.
-
Conduct direct observations, time studies, work sampling, and cycle-time analysis. Establish labor standards; evaluate takt time, station loading, staffing, process flow, and man-machine utilization; and create balanced work plans that support production volume and delivery requirements.
-
Provide shop-floor technical support for assembly for assembly issues, defects, downtime, and nonstandard work. Lead structure root-cause analysis and corrective actions, verify results with data, and update process controls and documentation to prevent recurrence.
-
Plan and execute assembly readiness for new products, model introductions, design changes, and production trials. Identify process risks, confirm station capability, coordinate build support, close readiness gaps, and ensure lessons learned are incorporated before production release.
-
Specify, design, source, test, and improve assembly fixtures, lifting devices, torque-controlled tools, error-proofing, operator-assist equipment, and material presentation. Apply ergonomic and safety principles to reduce risk and improve repeatability.
-
Develop requirements and business justification for assembly equipment, facilities, and technology. Coordinate suppliers, purchasing, installation, commissioning, acceptance, training, and turnover while managing scope, schedule, cost, safety, and production impact.
-
Lead improvement activities that reduce labor hours, defects, rework, downtime, material waste, and operating cost. Define the baseline, quantify expected benefits, implement countermeasures, and confirm sustained results.
-
Communicate process requirements and technical information across functions and with global Komatsu operations. Train and support production associates, supervisors, and technical personnel on new or revised assembly processes.
Qualifications/Requirements
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
One to three years of manufacturing engineering or related production-support experience is required. Direct experience supporting large, complex, low-volume or mixed-model assembly operations is strongly preferred.
Working knowledge of assembly sequencing, standard work, time study, line balancing, takt and cycle time, labor planning, capacity analysis, workstation design, tooling, torque applications, error-proofing, and ergonomic risk reduction.
Ability to analyze defects, process variation, downtime, and productivity losses using structured root-cause and corrective-action methods. Experience with PFMEA, control plans, layered process reviews, or comparable process-control methods is preferred.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, bills of materials, and engineering changes and convert them into clear manufacturing processes and work instructions.
Ability to develop or review layouts, workstation concepts, and tooling drawings using CAD or equivalent tools. Proficiency with Microsoft Office and data analysis is required. Experience with ERP systems such as SAP is a plus. 3D product data, Power BI, Power Apps, databases, scripting, or other digital manufacturing tools is a plus.
Ability to define requirements, justify investments, evaluate proposals, coordinate vendors, manage implementation schedules, and verify equipment or process acceptance.
Ability to work effectively with management, engineering, production associates, skilled trades, support functions, suppliers, and global partners. Must communicate technical information clearly, spend significant time on the production floor, manage changing priorities, and drive actions to closure.
Additional Information
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
Work is performed in office and active manufacturing environments and requires regular presence on the assembly floor, use of required personal protective equipment, and compliance with plant safety rules.
The role may require standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, and manipulating light to medium weights of 1 to 40 pounds.
Hand-eye coordination, dexterity, visual acuity, and the ability to communicate in a production environment are required.
Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required for production support, installations, trials, or critical process issues.
Travel may be required for supplier visits, equipment acceptance, training, or coordination with other Komatsu locations. Specific travel expectations and any required certifications will be established based on assigned responsibilities.
Diversity & Inclusion Commitment
At Komatsu we come from diverse backgrounds, with unique perspectives, experiences, and contributions. We are committed to creating a workforce that is reflective of the communities we work and live in. We believe that our people are part of our shared purpose. We are authentic, ambitious, and innovative in our pursuit of Diversity & Inclusion. United, we are on a journey towards a sustainable future that creates value together.
Company Information
Komatsu is a world leader in manufacturing construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. Founded in 1921, Komatsu has a long history of quality, reliability, innovation, and excellence. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Komatsu facilities, distributors and dealers are in more than 140 countries and employ more than 60,000 people. Komatsu offers a diverse and challenging work environment, where you can grow your skills and career, and contribute to a sustainable, clean-energy future. If you are looking for a company that values your talent and potential, be a part of something big and join a team that is shaping the world!
See all 1,482+ 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.