OPT Production Associate Jobs
Production Associate jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, operations management, or supply chain. Your OPT EAD authorizes full-time work, and many production environments actively hire candidates who understand lean manufacturing, quality control, and process improvement from their coursework.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
We are seeking an Electrical & Electronics Test Technician responsible for performing functional, environmental, and diagnostic testing on electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems. This role ensures products meet engineering specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The technician works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Production teams to identify issues, troubleshoot failures, document results, and maintain test equipment to support product reliability and performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform electrical and electronic testing of components, subassemblies, and finished products in accordance with engineering specifications, work instructions, and test procedures.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated and manual test equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, hipot testers, and specialized test systems.
- Conduct functional, continuity, insulation resistance, hipot, acceptance, and performance testing.
- Support environmental and reliability testing activities including thermal cycling, vibration, burn-in, and qualification testing.
- Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, specifications, and test plans.
- Identify, isolate, and troubleshoot electrical and electronic failures; document root causes and corrective actions.
- Accurately document test data, results, and observations in logs, databases, and electronic reporting systems.
- Assist engineering teams during product development, prototype testing, validation, qualification, and production ramp-up activities.
- Maintain calibration status, preventive maintenance schedules, and operational readiness of test equipment and test stations.
- Comply with ESD, safety, quality, and cleanroom requirements as applicable.
- Assist in the development and improvement of test fixtures, automated test setups, and testing documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve product reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety regulations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate Degree or Technical Diploma in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field required; equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.
- Additional technical certifications in electronics, testing, or manufacturing are preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an electrical or electronic testing environment preferred.
- Experience performing testing, troubleshooting, and diagnostics on electrical and electronic assemblies.
- Experience operating test and measurement equipment in a manufacturing, laboratory, aerospace, or engineering environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, or similar electronics assembly/testing certifications.
- Familiarity with aerospace, defense, military, telecommunications, or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting prototype, qualification, and production testing activities.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or related quality management systems.
- Experience with data acquisition systems, automated test equipment (ATE), or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
- Understanding of analog and digital electronics, power systems, RF principles, and embedded electronics.
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail with a quality-focused mindset.
- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and accuracy.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams.
- Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced technical environment.
Technology Stack
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Oscilloscopes
- Digital Multimeters (DMMs)
- Power Supplies
- Signal Generators
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Hipot Test Equipment
- ERP, MES, and Test Data Collection Systems
- Calibration and Asset Management Systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a manufacturing and warehouse environment with frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the shift.
- Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods.
- Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive tasks, fine electronic assembly handling, computer work, and data entry.
- Excellent manual dexterity and ability to work with small electronic components and fine-pitch electronics.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, climb, reach, and balance as required.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 35 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to work around machinery, equipment, material handling devices, and production tooling.
- Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment.
- Ability to visually inspect electronic assemblies, wiring, connectors, labels, and test results.
- Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.
- Ability to work in environments with exposure to noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, and varying temperatures.
- Ability to follow safety procedures and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Work Environment
- Manufacturing, laboratory, and engineering test environments.
- Exposure to electrical test equipment, electronic assemblies, and prototype hardware.
- May require interaction with cleanroom environments and ESD-controlled workstations.
- Fast-paced production and engineering support environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
Relocation Opportunity
If you are open to relocating to Midland, TX, this opportunity provides a unique entry into the rapidly growing high-tech aerospace industry. You will gain valuable experience working with advanced electrical and electronic systems while developing highly transferable technical skills in a cutting-edge manufacturing environment. AST SpaceMobile offers long-term career growth, stability, and the opportunity to contribute to innovative technologies that are transforming global communications.
This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned from time to time, or the scope of the position may change based on business needs.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
INTRODUCTION
AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
We are seeking an Electrical & Electronics Test Technician responsible for performing functional, environmental, and diagnostic testing on electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems. This role ensures products meet engineering specifications, quality standards, and regulatory requirements. The technician works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Production teams to identify issues, troubleshoot failures, document results, and maintain test equipment to support product reliability and performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform electrical and electronic testing of components, subassemblies, and finished products in accordance with engineering specifications, work instructions, and test procedures.
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot automated and manual test equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, signal generators, spectrum analyzers, hipot testers, and specialized test systems.
- Conduct functional, continuity, insulation resistance, hipot, acceptance, and performance testing.
- Support environmental and reliability testing activities including thermal cycling, vibration, burn-in, and qualification testing.
- Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, technical drawings, specifications, and test plans.
- Identify, isolate, and troubleshoot electrical and electronic failures; document root causes and corrective actions.
- Accurately document test data, results, and observations in logs, databases, and electronic reporting systems.
- Assist engineering teams during product development, prototype testing, validation, qualification, and production ramp-up activities.
- Maintain calibration status, preventive maintenance schedules, and operational readiness of test equipment and test stations.
- Comply with ESD, safety, quality, and cleanroom requirements as applicable.
- Assist in the development and improvement of test fixtures, automated test setups, and testing documentation.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to resolve technical issues and improve product reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, quality standards, and safety regulations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Education
- Associate Degree or Technical Diploma in Electronics, Electrical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, or a related field required; equivalent hands-on experience may be considered.
- Additional technical certifications in electronics, testing, or manufacturing are preferred.
Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of experience in an electrical or electronic testing environment preferred.
- Experience performing testing, troubleshooting, and diagnostics on electrical and electronic assemblies.
- Experience operating test and measurement equipment in a manufacturing, laboratory, aerospace, or engineering environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- IPC-A-610, IPC/WHMA-A-620, J-STD-001, or similar electronics assembly/testing certifications.
- Familiarity with aerospace, defense, military, telecommunications, or highly regulated manufacturing environments.
- Experience supporting prototype, qualification, and production testing activities.
- Knowledge of ISO 9001, AS9100, or related quality management systems.
- Experience with data acquisition systems, automated test equipment (ATE), or manufacturing execution systems (MES).
- Understanding of analog and digital electronics, power systems, RF principles, and embedded electronics.
Soft Skills
- Strong attention to detail with a quality-focused mindset.
- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Strong communication and technical documentation skills.
- Ability to work independently while maintaining productivity and accuracy.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills.
- Ability to effectively collaborate across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Operations teams.
- Adaptability to changing priorities in a fast-paced technical environment.
Technology Stack
- Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint)
- Oscilloscopes
- Digital Multimeters (DMMs)
- Power Supplies
- Signal Generators
- Spectrum Analyzers
- Hipot Test Equipment
- ERP, MES, and Test Data Collection Systems
- Calibration and Asset Management Systems
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a manufacturing and warehouse environment with frequent standing, walking, and movement throughout the shift.
- Ability to sit, stand, and/or walk for extended periods.
- Ability to use hands and fingers for repetitive tasks, fine electronic assembly handling, computer work, and data entry.
- Excellent manual dexterity and ability to work with small electronic components and fine-pitch electronics.
- Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, squat, climb, reach, and balance as required.
- Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 35 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Ability to work around machinery, equipment, material handling devices, and production tooling.
- Ability to work near moving mechanical parts and equipment.
- Ability to visually inspect electronic assemblies, wiring, connectors, labels, and test results.
- Ability to communicate effectively through speaking and hearing.
- Ability to work in environments with exposure to noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, and varying temperatures.
- Ability to follow safety procedures and wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Work Environment
- Manufacturing, laboratory, and engineering test environments.
- Exposure to electrical test equipment, electronic assemblies, and prototype hardware.
- May require interaction with cleanroom environments and ESD-controlled workstations.
- Fast-paced production and engineering support environment with changing priorities and deadlines.
Relocation Opportunity
If you are open to relocating to Midland, TX, this opportunity provides a unique entry into the rapidly growing high-tech aerospace industry. You will gain valuable experience working with advanced electrical and electronic systems while developing highly transferable technical skills in a cutting-edge manufacturing environment. AST SpaceMobile offers long-term career growth, stability, and the opportunity to contribute to innovative technologies that are transforming global communications.
This job description may not be inclusive of all duties and responsibilities. Additional tasks may be assigned from time to time, or the scope of the position may change based on business needs.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
See all OPT Production Associate Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Production Associate Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Production Associate
Target manufacturers with established OPT hiring patterns
Large manufacturers in automotive, electronics, and consumer goods regularly hire OPT students for production roles. These companies already understand EAD-based work authorization and are less likely to treat your status as a liability during the hiring process.
Lead with your technical coursework and lab experience
Hiring managers in production care about practical skills. Highlight coursework in manufacturing processes, quality systems, or industrial operations. Internships, co-ops, or university lab projects that involved hands-on production work are especially relevant to this role.
Clarify your OPT timeline upfront with recruiters
Production roles often involve shift scheduling and long-term headcount planning. Telling recruiters your exact OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility early prevents late-stage surprises and shows you understand your own authorization status clearly.
Emphasize STEM OPT extension eligibility if your degree qualifies
A STEM-designated degree in engineering or manufacturing gives you up to three additional years of work authorization. This matters to production employers who invest time training new hires and prefer candidates who can stay beyond the standard 12-month OPT period.
Prepare to address future sponsorship directly
Some production employers will ask about your long-term visa needs. Research whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas before. Going into that conversation with specific information shows initiative and makes the sponsorship question feel less like a risk to the employer.
Apply to companies actively hiring on OPT-friendly platforms
Generic job boards don't filter for visa sponsorship willingness. Migrate Mate surfaces Production Associate roles from employers already open to OPT candidates, saving you from applying to companies that will screen you out at the first recruiter call.
Production Associate OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Production Associate on OPT?
Yes, your F-1 OPT EAD authorizes full-time employment in Production Associate roles as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. Engineering, industrial technology, operations management, and supply chain degrees all have a clear connection to production work. Keep documentation of how your role ties to your major in case your DSO or USCIS asks.
Do Production Associate employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
It varies by company size and role level. Large manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, and electronics have established immigration programs and routinely sponsor H-1B petitions for production engineers and associates. Smaller manufacturers and contract production facilities are less likely to sponsor. Migrate Mate shows you which Production Associate employers are open to sponsorship so you can target your applications accordingly.
Does a Production Associate role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or materials science, and the Production Associate role uses that knowledge, you can apply for a 24-month STEM extension. Your employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm the connection between your specific duties and your degree with your DSO before filing.
What should I do if my OPT expires before I receive an H-1B approval?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before your OPT expires and you have a valid STEM extension or timely filed extension pending, you may be protected by cap-gap coverage. Cap-gap automatically extends your F-1 status and work authorization through September 30 of the fiscal year your H-1B is approved. Talk to your DSO immediately if your timeline is close, because a gap in authorization can require you to stop working.
What degree fields best support a Production Associate OPT application?
Industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, operations management, and supply chain management are the strongest matches for Production Associate roles under OPT. Quality engineering and materials science degrees also connect well depending on the specific production environment. The closer your coursework is to the actual work you will do on the floor, the easier it is to justify the educational connection your OPT requires.