OPT Mechanical Technician Jobs
Mechanical Technician roles are among the more OPT-friendly engineering positions because hands-on technical work often qualifies as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Most employers in manufacturing, aerospace, and energy sectors are familiar with sponsoring international engineers at the technician level.
Find OPT Mechanical Technician JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 847+ Mechanical Technician jobs
See all 847+ Mechanical Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mechanical Technician roles.
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.
Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster
PA State Labor Law Poster
Penn State Policies
Copyright Information
Hotlines
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 Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Mechanical Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Mechanical Technician
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program has a STEM designation before applying. Mechanical technology and engineering technology programs typically qualify, giving you 36 months of OPT instead of 12. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before job searching.
Lead with your OPT timeline upfront
Disclose your OPT status early in the application process. Employers in manufacturing and aerospace are accustomed to hiring international technicians and will appreciate knowing your authorization period before investing time in interviews.
Emphasize hands-on lab and equipment experience
Hiring managers for mechanical technician roles prioritize practical skills over GPA. Highlight specific machinery, diagnostic tools, or testing equipment you have operated. CAD software proficiency and any quality control certifications strengthen your candidacy significantly.
Pursue roles at companies with active H-1B filings
Companies that have previously sponsored H-1B visas are more likely to continue sponsoring after your OPT expires. Search Department of Labor disclosure data for employers in your target sector who have consistent sponsorship histories in engineering roles.
Get relevant certifications before you apply
Certifications like OSHA 10, Six Sigma Yellow Belt, or manufacturer-specific credentials signal job readiness to employers. They also demonstrate commitment to U.S. industry standards, which matters when a hiring manager is weighing an OPT hire against a local candidate.
Negotiate your start date around OPT approval timing
OPT EAD card processing can take two to three months after your DSO files the I-20. Apply early and communicate realistic start dates to employers. Most engineering teams in manufacturing can accommodate a structured onboarding delay if you set expectations clearly.
Mechanical Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mechanical Technician work qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your mechanical technology or engineering technology degree carries a STEM-designated CIP code, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you 36 months total. Confirm your program's designation with your DSO before you accept an offer, because your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify.
What types of employers typically hire Mechanical Technicians on OPT?
Aerospace manufacturers, automotive companies, energy firms, defense contractors, and industrial equipment makers are the most active hirers of mechanical technicians on OPT. Large companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and General Electric have established international hiring pipelines and are comfortable with OPT work authorization. Smaller precision manufacturing firms also hire OPT students but may have less experience navigating the paperwork.
Where is the best place to find Mechanical Technician jobs that sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate is the most targeted option for F-1 OPT students. The platform focuses specifically on employers open to sponsoring international candidates, so you are not wasting applications on roles where OPT is a dealbreaker. Filtering by STEM-eligible roles on Migrate Mate also helps you prioritize opportunities with the strongest long-term visa pathway.
Can I work as a Mechanical Technician on pre-completion OPT while still finishing my degree?
Yes, but you are limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term on pre-completion OPT. Most full-time mechanical technician positions will not accommodate that restriction, so this option works best for part-time, contract, or co-op arrangements. Post-completion OPT removes the hour limit and is what most employers expect when hiring for full-time roles.
Does Mechanical Technician experience count toward the H-1B specialty occupation requirement?
It can, but the role must require a bachelor's degree in a specific technical field as a minimum requirement, not just as a preference. Technician-level positions sometimes fall short of that bar if the job description allows non-degree candidates. Work with an immigration attorney to evaluate whether your specific role and employer's job requirements would support an H-1B petition before your OPT expires.