OPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs
Mechanical Engineer roles qualify for OPT work authorization, and the field consistently ranks among the top STEM-designated occupations, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Most employers file H-1B visa sponsorship for qualified mechanical engineers, giving you a realistic path to long-term U.S. work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has positions available for undergraduate research assistants on an interdisciplinary team of engineers working to decarbonize district heat and power systems through renewable fuels and energy efficiency improvements.
Job Duties:
- Student responsibilities will include laboratory research, presentation at meetings with individual research groups, presentation at meetings with the project group, and attendance at seminars, tours, and activities that align with the program’s research.
- Students will also take part in a longitudinal study of how research experiences impact student energy literacy and domain-specific engineering identity.
- As part of this study, students will be expected to take surveys and speak with program assessors to discuss their research experiences.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Preference given to third year undergraduate students having taken ME300
Interested applicants should include their resume/CV and cover letter to be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
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APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
-
CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process . Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
-
If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.
JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Mechanical Engineering has positions available for undergraduate research assistants on an interdisciplinary team of engineers working to decarbonize district heat and power systems through renewable fuels and energy efficiency improvements.
Job Duties:
- Student responsibilities will include laboratory research, presentation at meetings with individual research groups, presentation at meetings with the project group, and attendance at seminars, tours, and activities that align with the program’s research.
- Students will also take part in a longitudinal study of how research experiences impact student energy literacy and domain-specific engineering identity.
- As part of this study, students will be expected to take surveys and speak with program assessors to discuss their research experiences.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Preference given to third year undergraduate students having taken ME300
Interested applicants should include their resume/CV and cover letter to be considered.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.
CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS
Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.
EEO IS THE LAW
Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.
Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
See all 854+ OPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mechanical Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mechanical Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Companies enrolled in E-Verify can sponsor your STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total OPT. Filter your search to E-Verify employers early, since not all mechanical engineering firms are enrolled, particularly smaller manufacturers.
Highlight your degree field clearly
Your mechanical engineering degree must match the job's specialty occupation requirement. Use your transcript field of study exactly as it appears on your EAD card when applying, so employers and their immigration attorneys can confirm STEM OPT eligibility without extra back-and-forth.
Apply before your OPT start date if possible
Many engineering firms run multi-round hiring cycles lasting eight to twelve weeks. Starting your job search three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough runway to complete interviews and onboarding before your work authorization is active.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history directly
Mechanical engineering is one of the most H-1B visa-sponsored occupations. Ask recruiters whether the company has filed H-1B petitions for engineers in your role before. Firms with a track record are far more likely to sponsor you before your OPT period ends.
Pursue roles in industries with high sponsorship rates
Aerospace, automotive, semiconductor, and industrial automation firms sponsor mechanical engineers at significantly higher rates than general manufacturing. Targeting these sub-industries increases your odds of finding an employer both willing and experienced in H-1B sponsorship for your role.
Document your training plan for STEM OPT reporting
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan signed by your employer and DSO. Discuss this requirement with your hiring manager early in the offer negotiation, so the company's HR team isn't surprised by the reporting obligations when your extension period begins.
Mechanical Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Mechanical Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Mechanical Engineering is a STEM-designated field under the Department of Homeland Security's STEM OPT list, which means you're eligible for a 24-month extension beyond your initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a formal training plan to activate the extension. That gives you up to 36 months of total OPT authorization.
How do I find mechanical engineering employers who sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT-eligible and visa-sponsoring employers, so you're not sorting through roles that don't fit your situation. Beyond that, aerospace, defense, semiconductor, and automotive companies have the strongest H-1B filing histories for mechanical engineers. Prioritizing larger firms and subsidiaries of multinationals increases your chances of finding structured sponsorship programs.
Can I work as a mechanical engineer at a startup on OPT?
Yes, but startups carry more risk for OPT students. The company must be a legitimate employer willing to sign your STEM OPT training plan, and E-Verify enrollment is required for the extension. Early-stage startups may not have HR infrastructure to handle OPT reporting requirements, and smaller companies are statistically less likely to file H-1B petitions before your OPT period expires.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from a mechanical engineering job?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your standard OPT period. If you're on STEM OPT extension, the total unemployment allowance is 150 days across the full OPT period, not just the extension. You must report the job loss to your DSO promptly. Using that time to apply through Migrate Mate for open mechanical engineering roles with sponsoring employers is the most efficient path forward.
Does my mechanical engineering degree need to match my OPT job exactly?
The role must be directly related to your degree field. A mechanical engineering degree generally supports roles in product design, thermal systems, manufacturing engineering, and robotics without issue. Where it gets complicated is with adjacent roles like systems engineering or project management, where the connection to your specific major may be questioned by your DSO or a future H-1B petitioner. Staying close to your core discipline is the safest approach.