OPT Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs
Mechanical Design Engineer jobs are among the stronger options for F-1 OPT students, with most roles requiring a degree in mechanical engineering or a related field that directly satisfies H-1B visa specialty occupation requirements. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of work authorization, making you a viable long-term hire for employers running design and product development cycles.
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Get Access To All JobsAt ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Engineering Supervisor
Job Advert
Your role and responsibilities
ABB Distribution Solutions empowers smarter business operations by connecting equipment, software, and services to protect, control, and optimize assets within electrical infrastructures. Across multiple energy-intensive industries, the business provides customers with end-to-end product and service solutions that help ensure the reliability and protection of their electrical infrastructure.
The Mechanical Designer is an engineering position responsible for creating mechanical designs for electrical distribution equipment, specifically ANSI Air Insulated Switchgear. This position works on low complexity orders and special designs, utilizing 3D modeling and CAD tools to develop engineering solutions. The role requires professional thinking and decision-making about designs.
The work model for the role is: #LI-onsite
This role contributes to the Electrification Distribution Solutions in Mebane, NC.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Develop mechanical BOMs (Bills of Materials) for assigned projects.
- Release mechanical BOMs to ERP system for assigned orders.
- Create 3D models and drawings for new requisition special designs using Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent platforms.
- Create part numbers and drawings for customers’ doors and panels.
- Utilize 3D modeling to design engineering solutions, including drawings and calculations according to contractual specifications.
- Manage PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system and publish new designs.
- Create or review engineering drawings, specifications, and plans required by manufacturing, fabrication, or construction.
Qualifications for the role
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 0 or more years of experience in Customer Application Engineering or Engineering Design.
- Proficient with AutoCAD (recent version) or equivalent computer aided design platform. Computer Aided Design certification or degree preferred.
- Familiar and have practical experience with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project, PowerPoint, SAP, Windchill and other applicable software.
- Experience with 3D design including use of Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent design platform.
- Candidates must already have work authorization to work in the US.
Why ABB?
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Engineering Supervisor
Job Advert
Your role and responsibilities
ABB Distribution Solutions empowers smarter business operations by connecting equipment, software, and services to protect, control, and optimize assets within electrical infrastructures. Across multiple energy-intensive industries, the business provides customers with end-to-end product and service solutions that help ensure the reliability and protection of their electrical infrastructure.
The Mechanical Designer is an engineering position responsible for creating mechanical designs for electrical distribution equipment, specifically ANSI Air Insulated Switchgear. This position works on low complexity orders and special designs, utilizing 3D modeling and CAD tools to develop engineering solutions. The role requires professional thinking and decision-making about designs.
The work model for the role is: #LI-onsite
This role contributes to the Electrification Distribution Solutions in Mebane, NC.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Develop mechanical BOMs (Bills of Materials) for assigned projects.
- Release mechanical BOMs to ERP system for assigned orders.
- Create 3D models and drawings for new requisition special designs using Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent platforms.
- Create part numbers and drawings for customers’ doors and panels.
- Utilize 3D modeling to design engineering solutions, including drawings and calculations according to contractual specifications.
- Manage PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) system and publish new designs.
- Create or review engineering drawings, specifications, and plans required by manufacturing, fabrication, or construction.
Qualifications for the role
- Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 0 or more years of experience in Customer Application Engineering or Engineering Design.
- Proficient with AutoCAD (recent version) or equivalent computer aided design platform. Computer Aided Design certification or degree preferred.
- Familiar and have practical experience with MS Word, MS Excel, MS Project, PowerPoint, SAP, Windchill and other applicable software.
- Experience with 3D design including use of Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent design platform.
- Candidates must already have work authorization to work in the US.
Why ABB?
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
See all 644+ OPT Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mechanical Design Engineer
Lead with your CAD and simulation software stack
Employers screening mechanical design candidates filter heavily on tools. List SolidWorks, CATIA, AutoCAD, ANSYS, or whatever you use prominently on your resume. Matching their exact software stack signals you can contribute on day one without a learning curve.
Target companies with active product development cycles
Hardware-focused companies building physical products need mechanical designers continuously, not just for one-off projects. Manufacturers, medical device firms, and aerospace suppliers tend to sponsor OPT students more consistently than consulting-heavy firms with variable headcount.
Frame your OPT timeline around product release schedules
When discussing authorization with hiring managers, connect your three-year STEM OPT window to their product roadmap. If they have an 18-month development cycle, you can credibly cover a full release before any H-1B visa decision becomes necessary.
Highlight tolerance analysis and GD&T experience explicitly
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing proficiency separates junior candidates from those ready for real design ownership. If your coursework or internships included tolerance stack-ups or drawing reviews, call that out specifically. It addresses a frequent gap employers encounter in new hires.
Quantify your design contributions with engineering outcomes
Avoid vague resume bullets like 'assisted with design work.' Instead, state weight reductions achieved, components redesigned, or prototypes iterated. Mechanical engineering hiring managers respond to numbers tied to physical results, not process descriptions.
Research whether employers have filed H-1B petitions before applying
Companies that have sponsored mechanical engineers for H-1B visas previously are far more likely to sponsor you after OPT. Prioritizing these employers significantly improves your long-term work authorization odds compared to applying broadly without checking sponsorship history.
Mechanical Design Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mechanical engineering degree qualify for STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Mechanical engineering is a designated STEM field under the Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List. F-1 students who graduated with a mechanical engineering or closely related degree are eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
How do I find Mechanical Design Engineer jobs that are open to OPT students?
Most general job boards don't filter by visa sponsorship willingness, so you waste significant time applying to roles where OPT authorization is never seriously considered. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students, letting you browse Mechanical Design Engineer roles at employers who have demonstrated a history of sponsoring work visas.
Can I work as a Mechanical Design Engineer on OPT if my degree is in a related field like industrial or aerospace engineering?
Generally yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. USCIS evaluates OPT employment on whether the job is related to your area of study, not whether the titles match exactly. Industrial and aerospace engineering degrees share substantial overlap with mechanical design, and most DSOs would approve authorization for a qualifying Mechanical Design Engineer role.
Does a Mechanical Design Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Mechanical Design Engineer roles almost universally meet the H-1B specialty occupation standard because the work requires at minimum a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a directly related field. Employers filing H-1B petitions for these roles face relatively low risk of a Request for Evidence on occupation eligibility, which makes this job title one of the more straightforward paths from OPT to H-1B sponsorship.
What should I do if my OPT period is running short and I don't yet have a full-time Mechanical Design Engineer offer?
If you're within your authorized OPT period, you can work part-time or in a paid internship while continuing to job search, as long as unemployment doesn't exceed 90 cumulative days for standard OPT or 150 days for STEM OPT. Prioritize applying to companies with documented H-1B sponsorship histories and use that remaining time to build out project portfolios that demonstrate hands-on design and CAD work.