OPT Operations Engineer Jobs
Operations Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in industrial engineering, systems engineering, or operations management. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, logistics, and tech actively hire OPT candidates for process improvement and systems optimization work.
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In 2016, the Commonwealth of Virginia selected a Cintra-led consortium to finance, design, build, operate and maintain the express lanes on Interstate 66 Outside the Beltway. The project will transform this critical Northern Virginia artery to relieve congestion, improve safety and provide more predictable travel times. The project corridor extends approximately 22 miles along Interstate 66 from the Capital Beltway (I-495) to Gainesville (US Route 29). Once completed, the project will include three toll-free general-purpose lanes in each direction and two express lanes in each direction with a state-of-the-art open-road electronic toll collection system. Expanded transit service, park-and-ride lots and interchange enhancements will further improve travel along I-66. The project will also connect several shared use paths to create more multimodal options. As an innovative and efficient public-private partnership, this project will be completed at a $2.5 billion net savings for the Commonwealth of Virginia. What makes us different? Our people come first. We want every single employee to develop both professionally and personally. With a strong focus on growth potential, we look to our internal employees as potential candidates for both national and international opportunities. We aim to achieve greatness by promoting from within every chance we get. We work hard and play hard and strive every day for success and achievement. With a diverse group of professionals working in a fast-paced environment, we achieve milestones constantly. And if that weren’t enough, we also offer our employees highly competitive insurance benefits, Paid Time Off, and a matching 401(k) program.
Job Description:
The Operations Engineer is part of the Roadway Operations and Maintenance Department. The individual is required to be competent in data collection and its consequent analysis to obtain efficient and practicable actions for the daily operations of the highway. This individual will report to the Operations Manager and will work closely with the C-suite management, engineers, employees, and external parties (contractors and consultants). He/she eventually will attend meetings with state and local officials.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develops and monitors any operational improvements to be performed on the highway
- Assists and controls, prepares, and manages any corrective action required to improve asset conditions
- Assists management in the review and approval of all plans, payments, and change orders for contracts
- Develops recommendations to address O&M concerns and work with the Operations and Maintenance teams as necessary to achieve resolution of the items
- Provides technical information and support to other departments within the company to support their activities as they relate to the Operation and Maintenance of the project
- Assists in the planning, design, and production of engineering drawings and calculations, which may include supervising the production of these drawings when applicable for specific project
- Performs data acquisition and analysis, research alternative design approaches, site conditions and/or regulatory agency specifications or regulations, and prepares material for reports and permit applications
- Prepares business cases to assess the optimum alternative for different operations in the highway
- Develops ordinary updates or any improvement required in the GIS model for the concession
- Prepares any training required for the Maintenance Team required to enhance their duties
- Supervises field project inspections during annual quality inspections, or as needed
- Ensures full compliance with the CA’s O&M Measurement and Performance Table for the project
- Actively promotes the safety of the department and the employees
- Performs other job-related duties as needed
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to fulfill those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Data Analytics or any related
- 1-3+ years of experience in construction/ roadway maintenance, or technical department in a major infrastructure developer are desirable
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
Professional Qualities:
- Effectively manages tasks and tight deadlines
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Must be very detail oriented and have analytical capabilities
- Innovative and flexible mindset
- Ability to interact with colleagues in a self-managed team structure
- Strong interpersonal communication, decision-making and resolution skills
- Must be able to multitask, problem solve and prioritize, within a fast-paced environment
Computer Skills:
- Must be able to demonstrate computer proficiency, especially within Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point, as well as PC based programs
- ArcGIS experience desirable
- CAD and/or MicroStation experience desirable
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Regular travel required, may include occasional air travel
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit
About us:
In 2016, the Commonwealth of Virginia selected a Cintra-led consortium to finance, design, build, operate and maintain the express lanes on Interstate 66 Outside the Beltway. The project will transform this critical Northern Virginia artery to relieve congestion, improve safety and provide more predictable travel times. The project corridor extends approximately 22 miles along Interstate 66 from the Capital Beltway (I-495) to Gainesville (US Route 29). Once completed, the project will include three toll-free general-purpose lanes in each direction and two express lanes in each direction with a state-of-the-art open-road electronic toll collection system. Expanded transit service, park-and-ride lots and interchange enhancements will further improve travel along I-66. The project will also connect several shared use paths to create more multimodal options. As an innovative and efficient public-private partnership, this project will be completed at a $2.5 billion net savings for the Commonwealth of Virginia. What makes us different? Our people come first. We want every single employee to develop both professionally and personally. With a strong focus on growth potential, we look to our internal employees as potential candidates for both national and international opportunities. We aim to achieve greatness by promoting from within every chance we get. We work hard and play hard and strive every day for success and achievement. With a diverse group of professionals working in a fast-paced environment, we achieve milestones constantly. And if that weren’t enough, we also offer our employees highly competitive insurance benefits, Paid Time Off, and a matching 401(k) program.
Job Description:
The Operations Engineer is part of the Roadway Operations and Maintenance Department. The individual is required to be competent in data collection and its consequent analysis to obtain efficient and practicable actions for the daily operations of the highway. This individual will report to the Operations Manager and will work closely with the C-suite management, engineers, employees, and external parties (contractors and consultants). He/she eventually will attend meetings with state and local officials.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develops and monitors any operational improvements to be performed on the highway
- Assists and controls, prepares, and manages any corrective action required to improve asset conditions
- Assists management in the review and approval of all plans, payments, and change orders for contracts
- Develops recommendations to address O&M concerns and work with the Operations and Maintenance teams as necessary to achieve resolution of the items
- Provides technical information and support to other departments within the company to support their activities as they relate to the Operation and Maintenance of the project
- Assists in the planning, design, and production of engineering drawings and calculations, which may include supervising the production of these drawings when applicable for specific project
- Performs data acquisition and analysis, research alternative design approaches, site conditions and/or regulatory agency specifications or regulations, and prepares material for reports and permit applications
- Prepares business cases to assess the optimum alternative for different operations in the highway
- Develops ordinary updates or any improvement required in the GIS model for the concession
- Prepares any training required for the Maintenance Team required to enhance their duties
- Supervises field project inspections during annual quality inspections, or as needed
- Ensures full compliance with the CA’s O&M Measurement and Performance Table for the project
- Actively promotes the safety of the department and the employees
- Performs other job-related duties as needed
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to fulfill those duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Data Analytics or any related
- 1-3+ years of experience in construction/ roadway maintenance, or technical department in a major infrastructure developer are desirable
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license
Professional Qualities:
- Effectively manages tasks and tight deadlines
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Must be very detail oriented and have analytical capabilities
- Innovative and flexible mindset
- Ability to interact with colleagues in a self-managed team structure
- Strong interpersonal communication, decision-making and resolution skills
- Must be able to multitask, problem solve and prioritize, within a fast-paced environment
Computer Skills:
- Must be able to demonstrate computer proficiency, especially within Microsoft Excel, Word, and Power Point, as well as PC based programs
- ArcGIS experience desirable
- CAD and/or MicroStation experience desirable
Work Environment & Physical Demands:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Regular travel required, may include occasional air travel
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds
- The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Operations Engineer
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Operations Engineer positions typically fall under CIP codes for industrial or systems engineering, qualifying for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your degree field matches before applying so you can confidently discuss your full authorization timeline with employers.
Lead with your authorization window upfront
Tell recruiters you have 12 months of OPT with a 24-month STEM extension available. Framing your total authorized period as up to 36 months reduces concern about short-term availability and positions you as a longer-term hiring option worth sponsoring.
Target employers with existing E-Verify enrollment
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Prioritize companies that already use it, particularly large manufacturers, logistics firms, and tech companies, so your extension isn't delayed by administrative enrollment requirements on the employer side.
Quantify process improvements in your resume
Operations Engineer roles are output-driven. Hiring managers respond to measurable results like reduced cycle times, cost savings, or throughput gains. Specific numbers from internships or academic projects demonstrate the analytical mindset employers expect and make sponsorship conversations easier to justify internally.
Pursue lean and Six Sigma certifications early
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or similar credentials signal operational competency beyond your degree. These certifications are recognized across manufacturing, supply chain, and tech operations teams, making you a stronger candidate in competitive applicant pools where OPT status may otherwise raise hesitation.
Prepare a clear answer about your long-term visa path
Employers sponsoring OPT workers often think ahead to H-1B visa. Know whether your role qualifies as a specialty occupation and be ready to explain the H-1B timeline. Showing you understand the process reduces perceived risk and signals you are serious about building a career in the U.S.
Operations Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Operations Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Operations Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in industrial engineering, systems engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM field. The key is that your CIP code must appear on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List published by ICE. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Operations Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters jobs by sponsorship willingness, so you are not sorting through listings from employers who won't work with OPT candidates. Operations Engineer roles in manufacturing, logistics, and tech operations tend to appear frequently because those industries rely heavily on engineering talent and often have structured immigration support.
Can I work as an Operations Engineer while on OPT if my degree is in a related but not identical field?
OPT requires your job to be directly related to your major area of study, but it does not require an exact match in job title. A degree in mechanical engineering, supply chain management, or industrial engineering can support an Operations Engineer role if the core responsibilities align with your field. Your DSO makes the final determination, so discuss the role description with them before accepting an offer.
What happens to my OPT status if my Operations Engineer employer goes through layoffs?
If you are laid off while on post-completion OPT, you have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire OPT period. STEM OPT adds up to 60 additional days of unemployment. You need to report the job loss to your DSO immediately and begin your search. Exceeding the unemployment limit without a new job offer ends your authorized stay.
Do Operations Engineer roles at large companies offer H-1B sponsorship after OPT?
Many large employers in manufacturing, tech, and logistics do sponsor H-1B visas for Operations Engineers because the role generally qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field. However, H-1B approval depends on the lottery, so timing your OPT period around the April filing window matters. Ask about sponsorship policy during the offer stage, not after you start.