OPT Paint Line Operator Jobs
Paint Line Operator jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in manufacturing, industrial technology, or materials science. These roles involve operating automated paint application systems, quality control, and surface preparation. Your OPT work authorization must align with your degree field, so confirm eligibility before applying.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Great Plains Manufacturing currently has an opening for a 1st Shift Paint Robot Technician at our Construction Equipment Facility in Salina, KS.
This position works Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with overtime on Fridays, as required.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Setup, operation and programming of various paint robots
- Monitor and maintain robotic cell controls equipment, including programming and troubleshooting Fanuc robot controllers
- Monitor and maintain integrated process equipment using paint robots
- Support offline development of robot programs for new product using emulation software and robot test cells
- Collaborate with GPM Production, GPM Engineering, GPM IT group on operational, controls, network and automation solutions
- Support Production staff in operation and management of production equipment ensuring maximum equipment effectiveness and efficiency
- Assist with startup and shutdown of equipment
- Troubleshoots controls issues, recommend improvements and solutions to support production
- Support implementation of improvements
- Support GPM Maintenance with equipment repairs and preventative maintenance
- Learn Allen Bradley and Omron PLC programming to assist Controls Engineer and Technicians
- Learn Industrial Networking best practices and troubleshooting
- Assist creation of new automated cell concepts and support new automation project implementation
- Assist with maintaining GPM safety and robot standards
- Follow all Great Plains policies and OSHA safety regulations and wears prescribed safety and protective equipment
- Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with setup, operation and programming of paint robots
- Experience in Automated Manufacturing helpful
- Excellent communication skills
- Understand team concepts and be a strong team player
- Excel in fast-paced, high-pressure situations
- Ability to be flexible, work with interruptions and shift priorities as needed
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent Time Management & Manufacturing Organizational Skills
- Willing to work overtime and occasional off-shifts as required for robot programming
- Drive culture of Lean Manufacturing and implementation of change to streamline processes
- Familiarity with AS400 helpful, but not required
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Associate’s Degree, Diploma/Certificate, and/or equivalent work-related experience in:
- Robotics Technology
- Automation/Controls Technology
- Mechanical Technology
- Computer Technology
- Electrical Technology
At Great Plains Manufacturing, our people make the difference, making our company a great place to work and grow. If you are self-motivated, have a passion to succeed and value teamwork, we invite you to apply to join our team. For over 45 years, Great Plains Mfg, has been known as a world-class manufacturer of agriculture, farm and landscaping equipment in Central Kansas. Now a Kubota company, we have recently added a new construction equipment division. With over 2,200 dedicated employees, Great Plains Manufacturing continues its dedication toward innovation and professional growth, while maintaining our family culture and community values. Grow with us!
INTRODUCTION
Great Plains Manufacturing currently has an opening for a 1st Shift Paint Robot Technician at our Construction Equipment Facility in Salina, KS.
This position works Monday through Thursday, from 6:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with overtime on Fridays, as required.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Setup, operation and programming of various paint robots
- Monitor and maintain robotic cell controls equipment, including programming and troubleshooting Fanuc robot controllers
- Monitor and maintain integrated process equipment using paint robots
- Support offline development of robot programs for new product using emulation software and robot test cells
- Collaborate with GPM Production, GPM Engineering, GPM IT group on operational, controls, network and automation solutions
- Support Production staff in operation and management of production equipment ensuring maximum equipment effectiveness and efficiency
- Assist with startup and shutdown of equipment
- Troubleshoots controls issues, recommend improvements and solutions to support production
- Support implementation of improvements
- Support GPM Maintenance with equipment repairs and preventative maintenance
- Learn Allen Bradley and Omron PLC programming to assist Controls Engineer and Technicians
- Learn Industrial Networking best practices and troubleshooting
- Assist creation of new automated cell concepts and support new automation project implementation
- Assist with maintaining GPM safety and robot standards
- Follow all Great Plains policies and OSHA safety regulations and wears prescribed safety and protective equipment
- Other duties may be assigned that require other qualifications, physical demands, and/or work environment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience with setup, operation and programming of paint robots
- Experience in Automated Manufacturing helpful
- Excellent communication skills
- Understand team concepts and be a strong team player
- Excel in fast-paced, high-pressure situations
- Ability to be flexible, work with interruptions and shift priorities as needed
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent Time Management & Manufacturing Organizational Skills
- Willing to work overtime and occasional off-shifts as required for robot programming
- Drive culture of Lean Manufacturing and implementation of change to streamline processes
- Familiarity with AS400 helpful, but not required
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Associate’s Degree, Diploma/Certificate, and/or equivalent work-related experience in:
- Robotics Technology
- Automation/Controls Technology
- Mechanical Technology
- Computer Technology
- Electrical Technology
At Great Plains Manufacturing, our people make the difference, making our company a great place to work and grow. If you are self-motivated, have a passion to succeed and value teamwork, we invite you to apply to join our team. For over 45 years, Great Plains Mfg, has been known as a world-class manufacturer of agriculture, farm and landscaping equipment in Central Kansas. Now a Kubota company, we have recently added a new construction equipment division. With over 2,200 dedicated employees, Great Plains Manufacturing continues its dedication toward innovation and professional growth, while maintaining our family culture and community values. Grow with us!
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Paint Line Operator
Confirm your degree field qualifies
Paint Line Operator roles can qualify under manufacturing technology, materials science, or industrial engineering degrees. Before applying, verify that your specific degree field connects directly to the job duties to satisfy USCIS's OPT employment authorization requirements.
Target manufacturers with established OPT hiring
Automotive, aerospace, and heavy equipment manufacturers regularly hire OPT students for production line roles. Companies with structured manufacturing programs are more familiar with work authorization paperwork and less likely to withdraw offers over OPT compliance concerns.
Document the connection between your coursework and the role
Prepare a clear written statement explaining how your degree relates to paint line operations. Referencing coursework in coatings, surface engineering, or industrial processes strengthens your case if an employer or DSO questions whether the role qualifies.
Start your job search before your OPT start date
OPT employment must begin within 90 days of your program end date. Applying two to three months early gives you time to clear background checks, onboarding paperwork, and any employer questions about your EAD card before your authorization window opens.
Understand how shift work affects your OPT reporting
Many Paint Line Operator positions involve rotating or night shifts that may vary week to week. Any change in employment status, including hours dropping below 20 per week, must be reported to your DSO promptly to maintain valid OPT authorization.
Prepare your EAD and work authorization documents in advance
Manufacturers often require I-9 verification on your first day. Have your Employment Authorization Document, passport, and F-1 visa ready before your start date. Delays in document verification can hold up onboarding in facilities with strict compliance protocols.
Paint Line Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students legally work as Paint Line Operators?
Yes, if your degree field relates directly to manufacturing, industrial technology, materials science, or a similar discipline. USCIS requires that OPT employment be directly related to your major area of study. A degree in industrial engineering or materials processing, for example, would support employment in a paint line operations role. Confirm the connection with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Paint Line Operator employers typically sponsor H-1B visas after OPT?
Sponsorship varies significantly by employer size and industry segment. Large automotive and aerospace manufacturers are more likely to have established H-1B visa sponsorship programs than smaller contract manufacturers. It is worth asking about long-term sponsorship intentions during the interview process. Migrate Mate lists Paint Line Operator roles from employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates, making it easier to filter for those opportunities from the start.
Does a Paint Line Operator role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program, such as industrial engineering, materials science, or manufacturing systems technology, and your Paint Line Operator role is directly related to that field, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO before assuming you qualify.
What should I do if an employer is unfamiliar with OPT work authorization?
This is common in manufacturing environments that have not previously hired international students. Come prepared with a clear explanation of your EAD card, your authorized employment period, and the I-9 verification process. Providing a one-page summary of OPT requirements, including that no employer filing is required, often resolves hesitation quickly. Your DSO can also speak directly with HR departments if needed.
How do I find Paint Line Operator jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate is specifically built for F-1 OPT students and curates roles from employers open to hiring international candidates. Searching there filters out roles where OPT is unlikely to be accepted, saving significant time compared to applying broadly. Look for postings that mention sponsorship willingness or that explicitly list work authorization types accepted, which signals a more international-friendly hiring process.