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 JobsPosition: Production Associate
Location: Horsham, PA
Wage: $24.91/hr
Shift: 12-hour shift 3/4/4/3 Schedule
Must be able to work Nights and Days 7-7
From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.
While reporting directly to the Shift Supervisor, the following job description outlines the essential functions of each level of role within the production department. The following lists are not exhaustive, and the employee in each of these roles is expected to assume any and all duties assigned by management irrespective of whether such duties are specifically included in the following.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Complies with established job safety practices, policies, and procedures as specified in plant and corporate directives for safe performance of the work assignment.
- Supports and follows the guidelines of the food safety system.
- Operates all machinery on the assembly line and maintains a steady flow of product.
- Assists mechanic on changeovers and performs maintenance throughout the assembly line.
- Inspects product throughout the shift and notifies the mechanic or shift production supervisor of any quality defects.
- Feeds raw material into feeder.
- Responsible for lubricating production equipment on a routine schedule.
- Responsible for keeping work area and machinery clean and safe.
- Relieves other employees as needed for breaks.
- Threads copper wire through machine as needed to maintain production.
- Keeps assembly line clear of all jams and restarts machinery as needed.
- Relieves elevators of jams and restarts flow of production as required.
- Provides assistance to the assembly line mechanic as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the shift production supervisor.
- Responsible for keeping count of plates, ends, etc.
- Responsible for timeliness of all QA checks, crushes, panels, ER’s, etc.
- Initiates, reviews, and follows all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for area of responsibility.
- Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the division, the group, and the company. Includes ability to handle stress and to interact with others so as to establish and maintain a positive and productive work environment and minimize personal conflicts.
- Required to work assigned schedule or 12-hour shifts, rotating days and nights, Monday through Sunday, working hours may vary as specified by management. Incumbent must be able to work overtime on a regular basis and/or be on call as directed by management.
- Regular and predictable attendance is required between the assigned start and end times of work.
- Performs duties without posing a direct threat to anyone or to property. Direct threat is defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
- Communication. Ability to communicate effectively, write effectively, read, comprehend, and follow complicated verbal and written instructions.
- Assures and maintains safe and healthful working conditions while enforcing safety rules and regulations.
- Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.
- Must follow company policies, procedures, practices, and standards of conduct as outlined in the Ball Metalpack manuals.
- Maintains an awareness and complies with hazardous waste management and other environmental management requirements in the workplace by attending scheduled training sessions.
- Communicates with the emergency coordinator (EC) or Environmental Focal Point/Environmental Manager (EFP/EM) regarding environmental management activities.
- Understands and responds effectively to EC directions during emergencies by being familiar with emergency procedures, equipment, and systems, as necessary. Implements contingency plan to the level required by the position.
- Understands, completes, and maintains environmental documentation for which the individual is trained, or as directed by the EC, EFP, or EM (i.e., inspections, labeling, record keeping, maintenance of equipment, etc.). Reports to the EC, EFP or EM on the status of assigned responsibilities.
- Recognizes waste streams and minimizes waste generation, through prudent use of materials, proper disposal and segregation as directed during training or by the EC, EFP/EM. Understands and practices proper accumulation and storage requirements for wastes.
- Complies with environmental regulations when using, dispensing, or handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials and wastes.
- Working knowledge of the following areas: all assigned equipment and products.
We’d love to hear from you if:
- Ability to operate and detect problems with assembly machinery.
- Ability to visually inspect cans as they are produced.
- Ability to safely operate a lift truck and obtain a license.
- Ability to effectively instruct and train other employees.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
- Ability to operate and functionally use a computer.
- Must be able to organize, plan, and prioritize.
- Ability to meet deadlines and to concentrate and pay attention to detail.
- Must have sufficient endurance to perform tasks over long periods of time.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills.
- Customer Focus. Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
- Decision Quality. Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions.
- Functional/Technical Skills. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.
- Works in a manufacturing environment.
- This position is exposed to occupational hazards, including but not limited to, high noise levels, physical obstacles, exposure to chemicals, etc.
- Must wear appropriate safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing, and footwear in appropriate areas and follow safety practices.
- This position regularly requires a high degree of mental effort due to considerable interruptions and/or frequent changes of activity or workloads during a typical working day.
At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
- Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
- Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.
Position: Production Associate
Location: Horsham, PA
Wage: $24.91/hr
Shift: 12-hour shift 3/4/4/3 Schedule
Must be able to work Nights and Days 7-7
From a small family business to a multi-billion dollar global company, Sonoco has been changing the face of products and packaging since 1899 — all while keeping the heart of “People Build Businesses” alive. Our talented people are at the core of our growth, constantly reinventing the Sonoco wheel with brilliant solutions every year. Today we are a world leader in global packaging solutions with diversified operations in over 34 countries. We're extremely proud of our portfolio of brands, our achievements in sustainability and industrialization and the groundbreaking work accomplished by our people.
While reporting directly to the Shift Supervisor, the following job description outlines the essential functions of each level of role within the production department. The following lists are not exhaustive, and the employee in each of these roles is expected to assume any and all duties assigned by management irrespective of whether such duties are specifically included in the following.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Complies with established job safety practices, policies, and procedures as specified in plant and corporate directives for safe performance of the work assignment.
- Supports and follows the guidelines of the food safety system.
- Operates all machinery on the assembly line and maintains a steady flow of product.
- Assists mechanic on changeovers and performs maintenance throughout the assembly line.
- Inspects product throughout the shift and notifies the mechanic or shift production supervisor of any quality defects.
- Feeds raw material into feeder.
- Responsible for lubricating production equipment on a routine schedule.
- Responsible for keeping work area and machinery clean and safe.
- Relieves other employees as needed for breaks.
- Threads copper wire through machine as needed to maintain production.
- Keeps assembly line clear of all jams and restarts machinery as needed.
- Relieves elevators of jams and restarts flow of production as required.
- Provides assistance to the assembly line mechanic as needed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned by the shift production supervisor.
- Responsible for keeping count of plates, ends, etc.
- Responsible for timeliness of all QA checks, crushes, panels, ER’s, etc.
- Initiates, reviews, and follows all standard operating procedures (SOPs) for area of responsibility.
- Establishes and maintains effective work relationships within the department, the division, the group, and the company. Includes ability to handle stress and to interact with others so as to establish and maintain a positive and productive work environment and minimize personal conflicts.
- Required to work assigned schedule or 12-hour shifts, rotating days and nights, Monday through Sunday, working hours may vary as specified by management. Incumbent must be able to work overtime on a regular basis and/or be on call as directed by management.
- Regular and predictable attendance is required between the assigned start and end times of work.
- Performs duties without posing a direct threat to anyone or to property. Direct threat is defined as a significant risk of substantial harm that cannot be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by reasonable accommodation.
- Communication. Ability to communicate effectively, write effectively, read, comprehend, and follow complicated verbal and written instructions.
- Assures and maintains safe and healthful working conditions while enforcing safety rules and regulations.
- Performs such individual assignments as management may direct.
- Must follow company policies, procedures, practices, and standards of conduct as outlined in the Ball Metalpack manuals.
- Maintains an awareness and complies with hazardous waste management and other environmental management requirements in the workplace by attending scheduled training sessions.
- Communicates with the emergency coordinator (EC) or Environmental Focal Point/Environmental Manager (EFP/EM) regarding environmental management activities.
- Understands and responds effectively to EC directions during emergencies by being familiar with emergency procedures, equipment, and systems, as necessary. Implements contingency plan to the level required by the position.
- Understands, completes, and maintains environmental documentation for which the individual is trained, or as directed by the EC, EFP, or EM (i.e., inspections, labeling, record keeping, maintenance of equipment, etc.). Reports to the EC, EFP or EM on the status of assigned responsibilities.
- Recognizes waste streams and minimizes waste generation, through prudent use of materials, proper disposal and segregation as directed during training or by the EC, EFP/EM. Understands and practices proper accumulation and storage requirements for wastes.
- Complies with environmental regulations when using, dispensing, or handling hazardous and non-hazardous materials and wastes.
- Working knowledge of the following areas: all assigned equipment and products.
We’d love to hear from you if:
- Ability to operate and detect problems with assembly machinery.
- Ability to visually inspect cans as they are produced.
- Ability to safely operate a lift truck and obtain a license.
- Ability to effectively instruct and train other employees.
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations.
- Ability to operate and functionally use a computer.
- Must be able to organize, plan, and prioritize.
- Ability to meet deadlines and to concentrate and pay attention to detail.
- Must have sufficient endurance to perform tasks over long periods of time.
- Must have strong interpersonal skills.
- Customer Focus. Is dedicated to meeting the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; gets first-hand customer information and uses it for improvements in products and services; acts with customers in mind; establishes and maintains effective relationships with customers and gains their trust and respect.
- Decision Quality. Makes good decisions (without considering how much time it takes) based upon a mixture of analysis, wisdom, experience, and judgment; most of his/her solutions and suggestions turn out to be correct and accurate when judged over time; sought out by others for advice and solutions.
- Functional/Technical Skills. Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment.
- Works in a manufacturing environment.
- This position is exposed to occupational hazards, including but not limited to, high noise levels, physical obstacles, exposure to chemicals, etc.
- Must wear appropriate safety glasses, hearing protection, clothing, and footwear in appropriate areas and follow safety practices.
- This position regularly requires a high degree of mental effort due to considerable interruptions and/or frequent changes of activity or workloads during a typical working day.
At Sonoco Products Company, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive pay and benefits. Benefits listed below are for employees located in the U.S. Specific benefits and wellbeing programs may vary depending on your location (within the U.S. or global), or if you are a union employee.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, including FSA and HSA options
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Wellbeing tools and resources to support holistic health, including an Employee Assistance Program with a variety of services
- Paid time off and holidays to recreate, rejuvenate and care for the health of yourself and family
- Variety of company paid and voluntary employee-paid insurance plans including life, personal accident, and disability insurance
- Tuition reimbursement
We are an equal opportunity employer, and we strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any legally protected characteristic.
See all 653+ 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.