OPT Mechanic Jobs
Mechanic jobs on OPT are available across automotive dealerships, aerospace maintenance, and industrial equipment sectors. Your F-1 OPT work authorization lets you work full-time for any qualifying employer, but STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on whether your degree aligns with the specific mechanical role.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Headquartered in Ponca City, OK, our company is searching for a Mechanic to work full-time at the Shop.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Mechanic is expected to maintain and service diesel and gas equipment for a tank construction company. Duties include oil changes, tire service, basic repairs, and general equipment upkeep to keep jobs running.
This job does require working overtime. Work schedule can vary but is usually 10 hours/day, Monday through Friday. This is not a traveling position.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Be safety conscious and perform all duties safely. Be able to wear all personal protective equipment necessary for the job safety requirements, and work in all weather conditions.
- Possess knowledge and ability to perform industrial mechanic maintenance work and associated duties.
- Possess the ability, strength, and flexibility to do physical labor such as crawling, push and pull, climb stairs, work overhead, lift 40-50 lbs., assist in moving and unloading, and other strenuous tasks.
- Recognize and respond immediately to emergency warnings, alarms, moving equipment, crane signals, verbal safety instructions, and evacuation commands in active industrial construction environments.
- Provide own reliable transportation to and from work in Ponca City, OK.
- Be able to pass a DOT and Non-DOT drug and alcohol test and required safety tests.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with foremen, management, and office staff, including reading and writing with good comprehension.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life benefit options available on first of month after 60 days of full-time employment. Retirement Simple IRA program after 2 years of full-time employment.
- Paid Time Off after 1 year of full-time employment.
- Paid Holidays
This is an employment at will position.
INTRODUCTION
Headquartered in Ponca City, OK, our company is searching for a Mechanic to work full-time at the Shop.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A Mechanic is expected to maintain and service diesel and gas equipment for a tank construction company. Duties include oil changes, tire service, basic repairs, and general equipment upkeep to keep jobs running.
This job does require working overtime. Work schedule can vary but is usually 10 hours/day, Monday through Friday. This is not a traveling position.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Be safety conscious and perform all duties safely. Be able to wear all personal protective equipment necessary for the job safety requirements, and work in all weather conditions.
- Possess knowledge and ability to perform industrial mechanic maintenance work and associated duties.
- Possess the ability, strength, and flexibility to do physical labor such as crawling, push and pull, climb stairs, work overhead, lift 40-50 lbs., assist in moving and unloading, and other strenuous tasks.
- Recognize and respond immediately to emergency warnings, alarms, moving equipment, crane signals, verbal safety instructions, and evacuation commands in active industrial construction environments.
- Provide own reliable transportation to and from work in Ponca City, OK.
- Be able to pass a DOT and Non-DOT drug and alcohol test and required safety tests.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with foremen, management, and office staff, including reading and writing with good comprehension.
BENEFITS
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life benefit options available on first of month after 60 days of full-time employment. Retirement Simple IRA program after 2 years of full-time employment.
- Paid Time Off after 1 year of full-time employment.
- Paid Holidays
This is an employment at will position.
See all 4,401+ OPT Mechanic Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mechanic Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mechanic
Target STEM-aligned mechanic roles
Positions in aerospace, industrial, or electromechanical systems often qualify for STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering or a related field. Confirm SOC code alignment with your DSO before applying to maximize your authorized work period.
Prioritize employers with E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be registered with E-Verify. Ask HR directly during early conversations. Dealerships and large fleet operators are more likely to be enrolled than small independent auto shops.
Document that your role relates to your degree
Your DSO must confirm your mechanic job is directly related to your field of study. Keep a written job description on hand that connects your daily duties to your engineering or technology coursework for DSO review.
Address OPT proactively, not at the offer stage
Bring up your work authorization status before final interviews. Many employers in automotive and industrial maintenance are unfamiliar with OPT. A brief, confident explanation early prevents last-minute confusion that kills otherwise strong offers.
Pursue certifications that signal employer readiness
ASE certifications are widely recognized across automotive and equipment maintenance. Holding one reduces employer hesitation about hiring OPT candidates because it demonstrates job-readiness independent of visa status, making sponsorship conversations easier to initiate.
Track your OPT end date against hiring timelines
Mechanic hiring cycles at large fleet operators and aerospace MRO facilities can take 60 to 90 days. Start your job search early enough that an offer and start date land well within your authorized period, with buffer.
Mechanic OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a mechanic on F-1 OPT?
Yes, F-1 OPT authorizes you to work full-time as a mechanic as long as the role is directly related to your field of study. An automotive technology or mechanical engineering degree supports most mechanic roles. Your DSO confirms the connection between the job and your degree before you begin work.
Do mechanic jobs qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension?
Some do. Mechanic roles in aerospace maintenance, electromechanical systems, or industrial equipment can qualify if they fall under an eligible STEM SOC code and your degree is in engineering, engineering technology, or a related STEM field. Standard automotive technician roles at dealerships often do not qualify. Confirm your specific SOC code with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How do I find mechanic employers who are open to hiring OPT students?
Migrate Mate is the recommended place to find mechanic jobs from employers familiar with OPT and visa sponsorship. Larger employers such as aerospace MRO companies, public transit agencies, and national fleet operators are generally more OPT-friendly than independent shops, which rarely have HR infrastructure to navigate work authorization requirements.
What happens if my OPT expires before I find a mechanic job?
If your OPT period ends without active employment, you enter a 60-day grace period during which you cannot work. You must either change visa status, depart the U.S., or have begun a timely filed STEM OPT extension application. Applying for STEM OPT before your current EAD expires keeps your authorization continuous while USCIS processes the extension.
Does an employer need to sponsor me for a visa to hire me as a mechanic on OPT?
Not during your OPT period. OPT work authorization is tied to your F-1 status, so no employer sponsorship is required to hire you. Sponsorship only becomes relevant if you want to remain in the U.S. after OPT ends, typically through an H-1B visa petition. Discussing long-term sponsorship intent with employers early avoids misunderstandings later.