OPT Plant Manager Jobs
Plant Manager roles are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, operations management, or related fields. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization, which is enough time to demonstrate value and pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsPURPOSE OF THE JOB
This role reports to the Site Leader and oversees the Quality Technical Team including shift quality technicians, a lab leader, a process technician, and an FI coordinator. The Technical Leader partners closely with the Operations Leader and Maintenance Leader on a daily basis.
The Technical Leader is accountable for: ensuring the finished goods meet or exceed customer and industry expectations; improving quality control, process control, structured problem solving, and product composition; reporting on relevant quality and plant metrics to Division Leaders; and leading product & process quality in a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Primary metrics include DPMO, quality and process KPIs, and material productivity.
Responsibilities
Develop and sustain efforts in quality management and focused improvement by performing the duties outlined below.
Safety & Environmental Leadership – 5%
- Model Safer Together standards and lead or support key safety initiatives or programs including behavior based safety, PPE standards, and job hazard assessments
- Lead or support investigations related to technical safety or environmental incidents
- Ensure equipment and process changes are aligned with or improve upon safety and environmental requirements
Process Stabilization: Process Control and Improvement/Cost Reduction – 45%
- Review process control metrics for critical processes and improve the performance to reduce product or process variation, producing the maximum amount of first-quality material at the lowest unit cost
- Partner with division SMEs to research and trial new raw materials or equipment to improve quality and/or process control, and/or minimize cost
- Accountable for training new and existing employees on customer and industry product requirements, quality testing, process and equipment theory of operation and setpoints, and Quality Management (QM) and Focused Improvement (FI) pillar work
- Utilize the QM & FI pillars to partner with other pillars on customer FFUs, loss or root-cause analysis, and structured problem solving
- Review all plant or division-level capital projects, including equipment and process designs, for quality or process impacts, and manage those changes to minimize negative impacts to the plant
Product Performance: Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance – 30%
- Lead the technical team comprising primarily shift technicians ensuring testing accuracy and product compliance
- Review quality control metrics to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards, guaranteeing product performance
- Review lab standards and take necessary actions to ensure equipment is calibrated and working properly, and that technicians and operators using approved test methods
- Review the quality of incoming raw materials to minimize the risk of creating defects
- Ensure proper disposition of claim returns, hold material, or trial material
- Partner with the local sales team and warranty department to support roof inspections for warranty claims, and follow up with defect root cause analysis
- Develop business cases for quality-related capital projects, and manage the project from scope to start-up
Administrative: Daily Management, Reporting, Customer Engagement, etc. – 20%
- Leverage TPM-aligned systems to manage tactical KPIs and action items for process and quality control (QM Pillar), structured problem solving (FI Pillar), and partner with other pillars (AM/PM/T&D) to drive towards zero losses
- Maintain technical documentation in line with audit requirements, such as product and process specifications, quality test methods, and critical-to-quality equipment standards utilizing proper change management
- Report regularly (daily/monthly) on product defects, product quality, and process control needs, actions, and best practices to plant and division leadership teams
- Align plant strategy to deliver improvements in the plant TPM governance system, and ensure compliance with all internal and external TPM and Quality audits
- Partner with the local sales team to review customer feedback and support on-site customer training
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The employee should hold the following abilities:
- Must be a proven leader within a relevant discipline and a quick learner who is adaptive to and embraces change
- Must be able to use data to make business decisions and design trials while minimizing the risk of producing off-quality material
- Must have statistical analysis and data evaluation skills
- Must have structured problem-solving and continuous improvement skills in line with Six Sigma concepts
- Must work well in team environments and be adept at motivating co-workers
- Must have solid verbal and written communication skills
- Must be self-motivated, capable of operating towards goals without daily intervention
- Able to grasp and gather new information from a variety of sources quickly
- Some travel required (up to 10%)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The employee should have one of the following:
- B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical engineering and 5 years of relevant manufacturing and leadership experience
- 10+ years of relevant manufacturing, engineering, and leadership experience
- Graduate of Owens Corning’s development program
COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
The employee must be able to:
- Utilize Microsoft 365 products
- Utilize Statistical analysis software to identify data trends and patterns (ex: Minitab, advanced Excel, BrainCube, Ignition, Seek, etc.)
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee should possess the ability to:
- Work up to 12 hours in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment
- Safeguard self with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – safety toed shoes, hearing protection, eye protection, hand protection
- Sit or stand continuously for up to 12 hours
- Lift up to 40 lbs without assistance
- Demonstrate visual acuity
- Routinely ascend and descend stairs and ladders as work area requires
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ – including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position – to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC).
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
This role reports to the Site Leader and oversees the Quality Technical Team including shift quality technicians, a lab leader, a process technician, and an FI coordinator. The Technical Leader partners closely with the Operations Leader and Maintenance Leader on a daily basis.
The Technical Leader is accountable for: ensuring the finished goods meet or exceed customer and industry expectations; improving quality control, process control, structured problem solving, and product composition; reporting on relevant quality and plant metrics to Division Leaders; and leading product & process quality in a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Primary metrics include DPMO, quality and process KPIs, and material productivity.
Responsibilities
Develop and sustain efforts in quality management and focused improvement by performing the duties outlined below.
Safety & Environmental Leadership – 5%
- Model Safer Together standards and lead or support key safety initiatives or programs including behavior based safety, PPE standards, and job hazard assessments
- Lead or support investigations related to technical safety or environmental incidents
- Ensure equipment and process changes are aligned with or improve upon safety and environmental requirements
Process Stabilization: Process Control and Improvement/Cost Reduction – 45%
- Review process control metrics for critical processes and improve the performance to reduce product or process variation, producing the maximum amount of first-quality material at the lowest unit cost
- Partner with division SMEs to research and trial new raw materials or equipment to improve quality and/or process control, and/or minimize cost
- Accountable for training new and existing employees on customer and industry product requirements, quality testing, process and equipment theory of operation and setpoints, and Quality Management (QM) and Focused Improvement (FI) pillar work
- Utilize the QM & FI pillars to partner with other pillars on customer FFUs, loss or root-cause analysis, and structured problem solving
- Review all plant or division-level capital projects, including equipment and process designs, for quality or process impacts, and manage those changes to minimize negative impacts to the plant
Product Performance: Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance – 30%
- Lead the technical team comprising primarily shift technicians ensuring testing accuracy and product compliance
- Review quality control metrics to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards, guaranteeing product performance
- Review lab standards and take necessary actions to ensure equipment is calibrated and working properly, and that technicians and operators using approved test methods
- Review the quality of incoming raw materials to minimize the risk of creating defects
- Ensure proper disposition of claim returns, hold material, or trial material
- Partner with the local sales team and warranty department to support roof inspections for warranty claims, and follow up with defect root cause analysis
- Develop business cases for quality-related capital projects, and manage the project from scope to start-up
Administrative: Daily Management, Reporting, Customer Engagement, etc. – 20%
- Leverage TPM-aligned systems to manage tactical KPIs and action items for process and quality control (QM Pillar), structured problem solving (FI Pillar), and partner with other pillars (AM/PM/T&D) to drive towards zero losses
- Maintain technical documentation in line with audit requirements, such as product and process specifications, quality test methods, and critical-to-quality equipment standards utilizing proper change management
- Report regularly (daily/monthly) on product defects, product quality, and process control needs, actions, and best practices to plant and division leadership teams
- Align plant strategy to deliver improvements in the plant TPM governance system, and ensure compliance with all internal and external TPM and Quality audits
- Partner with the local sales team to review customer feedback and support on-site customer training
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The employee should hold the following abilities:
- Must be a proven leader within a relevant discipline and a quick learner who is adaptive to and embraces change
- Must be able to use data to make business decisions and design trials while minimizing the risk of producing off-quality material
- Must have statistical analysis and data evaluation skills
- Must have structured problem-solving and continuous improvement skills in line with Six Sigma concepts
- Must work well in team environments and be adept at motivating co-workers
- Must have solid verbal and written communication skills
- Must be self-motivated, capable of operating towards goals without daily intervention
- Able to grasp and gather new information from a variety of sources quickly
- Some travel required (up to 10%)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The employee should have one of the following:
- B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical engineering and 5 years of relevant manufacturing and leadership experience
- 10+ years of relevant manufacturing, engineering, and leadership experience
- Graduate of Owens Corning’s development program
COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
The employee must be able to:
- Utilize Microsoft 365 products
- Utilize Statistical analysis software to identify data trends and patterns (ex: Minitab, advanced Excel, BrainCube, Ignition, Seek, etc.)
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee should possess the ability to:
- Work up to 12 hours in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment
- Safeguard self with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – safety toed shoes, hearing protection, eye protection, hand protection
- Sit or stand continuously for up to 12 hours
- Lift up to 40 lbs without assistance
- Demonstrate visual acuity
- Routinely ascend and descend stairs and ladders as work area requires
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ – including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position – to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC).
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.
See all 198+ OPT Plant Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Plant Manager
Target manufacturers with established immigration programs
Large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, food processing, and electronics are the most likely to sponsor OPT workers. Companies with dedicated HR teams and legal counsel are far more equipped to manage the H-1B visa process than smaller operations.
Emphasize your STEM OPT timeline upfront
If your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension, lead with that in conversations with employers. A 36-month authorization window is meaningfully more attractive to sponsors than the standard 12 months, and it reduces urgency around H-1B timing.
Quantify operational improvements from prior experience
Plant Manager candidates who can show measurable results, such as reduced downtime, improved throughput, or lower defect rates, are easier to justify sponsoring. Concrete numbers make the business case for sponsorship more straightforward for hiring managers.
Get your EAD card before your start date
Plant Manager roles often have specific onboarding timelines tied to production schedules. Apply for your EAD as early as USCIS allows and confirm your authorization documents are in order before accepting an offer with a fixed start date.
Ask about sponsorship during the offer stage, not after
Raise the H-1B question before signing. Some manufacturers are willing to sponsor but have no existing process. Getting a written commitment or at least a clear conversation early avoids a difficult situation after you have already started the role.
Pursue roles with a direct path to H-1B eligibility
Plant Manager positions typically qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B rules when tied to an engineering or operations degree. Prioritize employers whose job descriptions explicitly require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, as this strengthens future petition approvals.
Plant Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Plant Managers in the United States?
Yes, provided your degree is in a relevant field such as industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or operations management. Plant Manager roles typically qualify as specialty occupations, meaning they align well with OPT work authorization. Your employment must be directly related to your degree program, which USCIS evaluates based on the connection between your coursework and the job duties.
Do Plant Manager jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field. Industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering, and supply chain management are commonly approved for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. You will also need to work for an E-Verify enrolled employer to qualify. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying for the extension.
How do I find Plant Manager jobs that sponsor OPT workers?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and international students and filters job listings by sponsorship willingness. Searching there is significantly more efficient than general job boards because employers listed have indicated openness to work authorization. Focus your search on mid-to-large manufacturers in sectors like automotive, food production, and electronics, where sponsorship infrastructure already exists.
What visa options are available after OPT ends for a Plant Manager?
The H-1B is the most common path. Plant Manager roles tied to an engineering degree typically meet the specialty occupation standard required for H-1B approval. If your employer is willing to sponsor, they would file a petition during the annual H-1B lottery in March. Some candidates also explore the O-1A for extraordinary ability or employer-sponsored green card pathways if they have substantial experience.
Will employers view my OPT status as a disadvantage for Plant Manager roles?
Some smaller manufacturers may be unfamiliar with OPT work authorization and hesitate. The most effective approach is to explain the STEM OPT timeline clearly and early. Framing a potential 36-month authorization window as a low-risk trial period before committing to H-1B sponsorship often addresses employer concerns. Larger companies with existing immigration programs are generally less deterred by OPT status.