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.

Find OPT Operations Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs1,504+
Work Type87% On-site
Top LocationHouston, TX
Most JobsAmazon.com

Showing 5 of 1,504+ Operations Engineer jobs

Hyundai AutoEver America
Technical Operations Engineer
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Hyundai AutoEver America
New 3h ago
Technical Operations Engineer
Hyundai AutoEver America
Irvine, California
Technical Product & Program Management
Quality Assurance & Testing (QA Testing)
Data Science & Analytics
Technical Program Management
$63k - $91k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Light & Wonder
Technical Operations Engineer
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Light & Wonder
New 4h ago
Technical Operations Engineer
Light & Wonder
Las Vegas, Nevada
IT Support & Systems Administration
Technical Product & Program Management
Project & Program Management
IT Support
Network Engineering
Technical Program Management
Project Management
On-Site
Bachelor's
5,001-10,000

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American Electric Power
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc - Specialist
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American Electric Power
New 8h ago
RT Ops Infrastructure Specialist Assc - Specialist
American Electric Power
New Albany, Ohio
IT Support & Systems Administration
Technical Product & Program Management
IT Support
Systems Administration
$75k - $125k/yr
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Walgreens
Business Analyst Pharmacy & Retail Ops
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Walgreens
New 9h ago
Business Analyst Pharmacy & Retail Ops
Walgreens
Deerfield, Illinois
Business Analysis
Project & Program Management
Business Analyst
$65k - $114k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Amazon.com
Operations Engineer
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Amazon.com
New 13h ago
Operations Engineer
Amazon.com
Nashville, Tennessee
Project & Program Management
Specialized Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Procurement & Supply Chain
Project Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
Logistics & Fleet Management
$83k - $115k/yr
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips 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.