OPT Mechanical Engineering Jobs
Mechanical engineering graduates are recruited across a wide range of industries on OPT, from automotive and aerospace to medical devices and consumer products, and the STEM OPT extension is available for all mechanical engineering degree programs. Employers in manufacturing, product development, and R&D have consistent demand for entry-level mechanical engineers and many have established pathways from OPT to H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsAPPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
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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 847+ OPT Mechanical Engineering Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mechanical Engineering Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsMechanical Engineering OPT Job Search Tips
Mechanical engineering is a STEM degree, so STEM OPT extension applies
Your ME degree qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension at an E-Verify employer, giving you up to three years of work authorization. This is one of the most significant advantages mechanical engineering graduates have in the U.S. job market.
Manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive are strong sectors for OPT ME graduates
These industries hire mechanical engineers consistently and have well-established processes for sponsoring international talent. Many of the largest employers, including Boeing, General Motors, and Raytheon, are regular H-1B visa sponsors with dedicated immigration support.
CAD and simulation skills are among the most in-demand
Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, or CATIA is often the deciding factor for entry level mechanical engineering roles. Highlighting these skills clearly in your resume and portfolio strengthens your application regardless of limited U.S. work experience.
Check security clearance requirements for defense-adjacent roles
Some mechanical engineering roles at defense contractors or government facilities require clearances that aren’t available to non-citizens. Confirming requirements before applying keeps your search focused on accessible opportunities.
Report any change in employer to your DSO within 10 days
If you switch employers during your OPT window or take on a second job, you need to update your DSO within 10 days. This is especially important in engineering, where contract and project-based roles can lead to employer changes. Keep your SEVIS record accurate throughout.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship history before accepting any offer
Mechanical engineering is a strong H-1B sponsorship category, but not every employer sponsors. Asking about their history, how many times they’ve filed and what their process looks like, is a reasonable question that experienced employers will answer directly.
Mechanical Engineering OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries hire mechanical engineering OPT students most actively?
Automotive, aerospace, medical devices, industrial equipment, consumer products, and energy companies are the most active hirers of mechanical engineering graduates on OPT. Manufacturing companies with active product development and R&D programs have recurring graduate hiring needs and established immigration support. The medical device sector in particular combines strong hiring volume with high H-1B sponsorship rates for engineering roles.
What mechanical engineering skills are most valued by OPT employers?
CAD proficiency in SolidWorks, CATIA, or AutoCAD is typically the first technical requirement. Finite element analysis, GD&T, manufacturing process knowledge, and thermal or fluid simulation experience are valuable depending on the specific industry. Hands-on lab, internship, or capstone project experience that demonstrates these skills in an applied context makes your application significantly more competitive.
Do mechanical engineering jobs at smaller manufacturers offer OPT hiring?
Many smaller manufacturers and engineering firms hire OPT students, particularly those with prior internship experience in the industry. Smaller companies may have less formal immigration support than large corporations, but this does not mean they are unwilling to sponsor H-1B later. Having an early, transparent conversation about your OPT timeline and future sponsorship needs helps smaller employers plan ahead rather than treating it as a surprise.
Can I work in research and development on STEM OPT as a mechanical engineer?
Yes, R&D roles at companies and research institutions are well-suited to STEM OPT because the work directly applies your engineering degree. University research labs, corporate R&D centers, and national laboratories with civilian research mandates all hire mechanical engineering graduates on OPT. These environments also tend to be familiar with STEM OPT requirements and supportive of the process.
How do I make the transition from OPT to H-1B as a mechanical engineer?
The most important step is choosing an employer with a clear sponsorship track record in mechanical or manufacturing engineering roles. Building a strong performance record during OPT, having the H-1B conversation with your manager well before the March registration window, and making sure your employer has immigration counsel in place are the practical steps. Mechanical engineering roles at established manufacturers and product companies have strong sponsorship histories.