OPT Precision Machinist Jobs
Precision Machinist jobs on OPT are available across manufacturing, aerospace, and defense sectors. Most roles fall under STEM OPT extension eligibility through CIP codes in manufacturing engineering technology, making your 36-month extension a realistic path. Employers typically require hands-on CNC experience and relevant technical credentials.
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Precision Medicine Associate
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center is internationally recognized for our focus on personalized cancer care and translational research. The mission of Moffitt is clear, focused, and fully stated in nine words, “To contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.” With a tradition of excellence that began with the first patient admission in 1986, dedicated Moffitt physicians, scientists, and staff members have remained committed to excellence in an atmosphere characterized by kindness, caring, and hope.
Job Summary
The Precision Medicine Associate (PMA) will support the Precision Medicine Clinical Service at the Moffitt Cancer Center. This position assists with precision medicine tasks related to the clinical assessment of patients who have undergone genomic testing, extracting data and entering it into the clinical database; communicating with testing companies regarding data clarification and obtaining outside test results, assisting in genomic variant interpretation, using genomic data to help identify clinical trials for patients, quality improvement efforts, and educational activities.
Tasks include using multiple electronic systems to input data and use standardized criteria to classify a patient's therapeutic history information. The PMA will also be expected to utilize templates to draft summaries of genomic testing results.
The Ideal Candidate:
The successful candidate for this position is an individual who has completed an undergraduate degree in the biological sciences or a related field. Individuals with masters or doctoral degrees will be favorably considered. This position requires technology proficiency, attention to detail, multitasking, and a commitment to patient privacy.
Credentials and Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree (Biology, Genetics or related field) required; Master's Degree (Biology, Genetics or related field) preferred.
- Minimum of two (2) years related healthcare experience with one (1) year demonstrated familiarity with genomic nomenclature, data types and data assembly.
- Proficiency with current related technology - MS Office environment.
- Prefer five (5) years or more demonstrated familiarity with genomic nomenclature, data types and data assembly for clinical purpose.
LOCATION
Location: H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute · Personalized Cancer Med
Schedule: Full Time, Day Shift, M-F 8am-5pm
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Precision Machinist
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility early
Precision Machinist roles often qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension under manufacturing engineering technology CIP codes. Verify your degree classification with your DSO before applying so you can communicate your full work authorization timeline to employers confidently.
Highlight CNC programming and machine certifications
Employers hiring on OPT want to see measurable technical skills. List specific CNC platforms you operate, tolerances you routinely hold, and any NIMS or similar credentials. Certifications signal competency and reduce employer hesitation about sponsoring an international candidate.
Target manufacturers with H-1B sponsorship history
Not every manufacturer sponsors visas. Focus your search on companies with established international hiring records. Larger aerospace, automotive, and defense contractors typically have HR infrastructure in place to handle sponsorship, making your OPT-to-H-1B visa transition significantly smoother.
Address your OPT timeline proactively in interviews
Bring up your authorization window before employers ask. Explain that you have OPT now and are eligible for STEM extension, giving them years of runway before any H-1B decision is needed. Framing it as low-risk upfront removes a common objection.
Apply before your OPT approval arrives
You can job search and interview while your OPT application is pending with USCIS. Apply as soon as you have your EAD application receipt. Most machinist employers expect a standard hiring timeline and won't penalize you for a pending work authorization card.
Connect with union shops and apprenticeship-based manufacturers
Some unionized manufacturing facilities and apprenticeship programs actively recruit international talent with specialized precision skills. These environments often have experienced HR teams familiar with OPT and structured pathways that can evolve into longer-term visa sponsorship arrangements.
Precision Machinist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Precision Machinist on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Precision Machinist roles are authorized under OPT as long as the work is directly related to your field of study. Degrees in manufacturing technology, mechanical engineering technology, or industrial technology are common qualifying fields. You'll need your EAD card before your first day of work, and your role must connect to your degree program.
Do Precision Machinist jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Many do, but it depends on your specific degree's CIP code rather than the job title itself. Degrees in manufacturing engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, and similar programs frequently qualify. Your DSO can confirm whether your degree CIP code is on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. If it is, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension beyond standard 12-month OPT.
How do I find Precision Machinist employers willing to hire OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with visa sponsorship experience. Searching there surfaces machinist roles at companies that have a track record of hiring international candidates, which saves time you'd otherwise spend vetting employers manually. Aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing companies tend to be the most sponsorship-friendly.
Will my OPT status make it harder to get hired as a Precision Machinist?
Some employers are unfamiliar with OPT and may hesitate initially, but the concern typically fades once you explain the timeline clearly. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization, and STEM extension can add another 24 months if you qualify. That window is often long enough to cover an employer's hiring horizon before a long-term visa decision is required.
Are there security clearance issues for Precision Machinists on OPT working in defense manufacturing?
Yes, this is a real constraint. Many defense and government-contracting roles require security clearances, which are generally not available to non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Some defense manufacturers do hire OPT students for non-classified production work, but roles touching classified programs or controlled materials will likely be inaccessible until you hold a green card or citizenship.