OPT Operations Technician Jobs
Operations Technician roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving F-1 students access to a 24-month STEM extension on top of the standard 12 months. Most employers in manufacturing, utilities, and logistics hire technicians under direct employment, which satisfies OPT's full-time work authorization requirement.
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Get Access To All JobsKilo Lab Operations Technician I/II - Pharmaceutical API Manufacturing (GMP)
Ewing, NJ | On-site | Full-time | $20-$30 per hour
The Kilo Lab Operations Technician is a member of the Operations team and the hands-on support behind every batch in the kilo lab. The supervisor plans the work, and the technician carries out operations: setting up, running, and cleaning the equipment that produces APIs and intermediates. Training provided; no GMP experience needed.
Operations Responsibilities
- Perform kilo lab operations: charging solids and liquids, extractions, filtrations, and drying
- Set up and run reactors, filters, and dryers
- Clean and prepare equipment per SOPs to keep operations batch-ready
- Record batch data accurately
- Work safely and follow cGMP
- Report equipment issues early and help troubleshoot
- Support the Operations team and supervisor wherever needed
Qualifications
- Lab, plant, or manufacturing experience (chemistry associate degree or equivalent experience)
- Clear communication and attention to detail
- Basic Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and wear PPE
- Flexibility on schedule
Preferred, not required
- Kilo lab or GMP experience
- Mechanical aptitude or equipment troubleshooting
Levels
- Technician I: less than 2 years of experience; training provided
- Technician II: 2+ years of experience; runs operations with minimal guidance
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off and holidays
Career Growth
- Paid on-the-job training in GMP API manufacturing
Advancement path from Technician I to II to Senior Technician
Kilo Lab Operations Technician I/II - Pharmaceutical API Manufacturing (GMP)
Ewing, NJ | On-site | Full-time | $20-$30 per hour
The Kilo Lab Operations Technician is a member of the Operations team and the hands-on support behind every batch in the kilo lab. The supervisor plans the work, and the technician carries out operations: setting up, running, and cleaning the equipment that produces APIs and intermediates. Training provided; no GMP experience needed.
Operations Responsibilities
- Perform kilo lab operations: charging solids and liquids, extractions, filtrations, and drying
- Set up and run reactors, filters, and dryers
- Clean and prepare equipment per SOPs to keep operations batch-ready
- Record batch data accurately
- Work safely and follow cGMP
- Report equipment issues early and help troubleshoot
- Support the Operations team and supervisor wherever needed
Qualifications
- Lab, plant, or manufacturing experience (chemistry associate degree or equivalent experience)
- Clear communication and attention to detail
- Basic Excel, Word, and Outlook
- Ability to lift up to 55 lbs and wear PPE
- Flexibility on schedule
Preferred, not required
- Kilo lab or GMP experience
- Mechanical aptitude or equipment troubleshooting
Levels
- Technician I: less than 2 years of experience; training provided
- Technician II: 2+ years of experience; runs operations with minimal guidance
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid time off and holidays
Career Growth
- Paid on-the-job training in GMP API manufacturing
Advancement path from Technician I to II to Senior Technician
See all 1,030+ OPT Operations Technician Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Operations Technician Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as an Operations Technician
Confirm your role qualifies as STEM
Operations Technician positions typically fall under CIP codes tied to engineering technology or applied sciences. Verify your employer's listed SOC code matches a STEM-designated field before accepting an offer to protect your STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Start your OPT application 90 days early
USCIS can take up to 90 days to issue your EAD card. Submit your OPT application as early as your DSO allows so your work authorization is active before your start date, avoiding gaps that could put your status at risk.
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large manufacturers, energy companies, and infrastructure firms regularly hire OPT students as operations technicians. These employers understand EAD-based authorization and are far less likely to confuse OPT with visa sponsorship during the hiring process.
Address work authorization directly and early
When recruiters ask about authorization, explain clearly that you have an EAD card and do not require employer sponsorship for OPT. Many hiring managers conflate the two. Clarifying upfront prevents unnecessary rejections late in the process.
Align your job duties with your degree program
OPT requires employment directly related to your major area of study. For a STEM extension, this connection must be well-documented. Roles in process control, equipment maintenance, or quality systems typically satisfy this for engineering and applied science graduates.
Track your 90-day unemployment limit carefully
F-1 OPT students are limited to 90 days of unemployment during the standard OPT period. Once a STEM extension is approved, you get 60 additional days. Do not let job searching drift past these limits without an active offer in hand.
Operations Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Operations Technician on OPT without employer visa sponsorship?
Yes. OPT work authorization comes from USCIS through your DSO, not from the employer. You present your EAD card as proof of authorization, so the employer does not need to sponsor a visa or file any petition on your behalf. Most operations technician roles at manufacturing and utilities companies accept EAD holders without issue.
Does an Operations Technician role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree and the employer's listed SOC code. Operations technician positions rooted in engineering technology, industrial systems, or applied sciences frequently qualify. Your degree must be on the STEM OPT designated degree list, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm the SOC code with your DSO before signing an offer.
Where can I find Operations Technician jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists operations technician roles specifically filtered for OPT and visa-sponsored candidates, so you are not wasting applications on employers who do not hire international students. Browsing Migrate Mate by role type lets you identify employers already familiar with EAD-based work authorization, which significantly reduces screening friction.
What happens to my OPT status if my Operations Technician role ends before my EAD expires?
Your EAD remains valid, but the 90-day unemployment clock starts immediately. You have 90 days to secure a new qualifying position during standard OPT, and 60 additional days if you are on a STEM extension. Report any employment changes to your DSO promptly. Extended gaps beyond these limits can result in loss of F-1 status.
Does my degree need to match the Operations Technician job description for OPT to be valid?
Yes. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. For an operations technician role, degrees in mechanical engineering technology, industrial engineering, electrical engineering, or applied sciences typically satisfy this requirement. Your DSO must confirm the connection is documented in SEVIS before your OPT application is submitted.