OPT Production Lead Jobs
Production Lead roles on OPT require demonstrating hands-on supervisory experience in manufacturing, logistics, or operations environments. Most employers file H-1B visa or E-3 visa sponsorship for strong performers. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months for STEM-eligible graduates, gives you time to prove your value on the floor.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Description
It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.
Who will you be working with?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services. Our team is focused on continually improving our best-in-class production capabilities. We combine deep domain expertise and tenured experience to deliver unparalleled products for our customers. Here you’ll interact daily with team members during the problem resolution process and will partner with other key stakeholders to support our internal customers and their responsibilities. You will join some of the most talented and passionate professionals in the locomotive industry.
How will you make a difference?
The Lead Production Supervisor of Locomotive Test provides frontline leadership for a team of highly skilled Technicians. In this role, you will utilize your experience and expertise to solve problems, drive process adherence, and develop and execute objectives for yourself and others. As a Leader in manufacturing, you will handle day-to-day activities in which you will provide direction to accomplish operational objectives as well as timekeeping, maintaining schedules and leading the hourly workforce. The Lead Production Supervisor will be responsible for safety of the employees, quality of the product, on time delivery to customers, and developing a culture of continuous improvement.
What do we want to know about you?
- Bachelors degree or a high school diploma/GED with at least 4 years of experience in manufacturing/machining
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Strong oral and written communications skills
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
- Ability to influence others and lead small teams
- Ability to lead initiatives of moderate scope and impact
- Ability to coordinate one to two projects simultaneously
- Strong and effective problem identification and solution skills
- Proven analytical and quality/process improvement skills
- Willingness to take on tough challenges and grow professionally
What will your typical day look like?
- Provide technical assistance and leadership to the Operations team including operations, equipment troubleshooting, and repair.
- Help train and develop technical skills of Operations employees; educate employees on business strategy and metrics
- Actively participate in Environment, Health and Safety initiatives and corrective actions as an expert in the safety aspects of the Operations team’s scope
- Support and meet production schedules, drive productivity and quality initiatives, and manage the area within budget; utilize data analysis to identify and execute improvement projects
- Interface with internal and external customers, define priorities for shifts and work groups leveraging shift start-up / shift-change meetings
- Manage employees and schedule requirements, including timekeeping, overtime, time off, and discipline
- Communicate and enforce safety policies, the employee handbook and other plant policies
- Actively participate on cross-functional teams and demonstrate necessary leadership and coaching skills to other team members
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary range for this role is between $68,900 - $98,200.
The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare and retirement are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefits offerings for this role may include an annual bonus, if eligible.
Who are we?
The Wabtec Erie site opened in 1907 and we have over 117 years of history at this location. We occupy over 345 acres with 20 major buildings, and we manufacture locomotives on site. Wabtec has 16 miles of rail and a 4.1-mile test track. Wabtec Corporation is a leading manufacturer of locomotives and a global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. We have over 27,000 employees worldwide. We do machining, metal work, welding, assembly, testing and painting as well as intensive material handling using cranes, forklifts, and material positioners. Wabtec has been an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program site since 2000. We hold environmental permits for air, water and wastewater facilities. Our Erie location has a two-mile walking/running path and a fitness center. We also offer an onsite dining area and various market locations across the site.
Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity:
Wabtec is a global company that invests not just in our products, but also our people by embracing diversity and inclusion. We care about our relationships with our employees and take pride in celebrating the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together. At Wabtec, we aspire to create a place where we all belong and where diversity is welcomed and appreciated.
To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the world’s brightest minds to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We have created a space where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives and recognize that these differences and diverse perspectives make us better.
We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles… People like you! Wabtec Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $68,900 - $98,200. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
Job Description
It’s not just about your career or job title… It’s about who you are and the impact you will make on the world. Because whether it’s for each other or our customers, we put People First. When our people come together, we Expand the Possible and continuously look for ways to improve what we create and how we do it. If you are constantly striving to grow, you’re in good company. We are revolutionizing the way the world moves for future generations, and we want someone who is ready to move with us.
Who will you be working with?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services. Our team is focused on continually improving our best-in-class production capabilities. We combine deep domain expertise and tenured experience to deliver unparalleled products for our customers. Here you’ll interact daily with team members during the problem resolution process and will partner with other key stakeholders to support our internal customers and their responsibilities. You will join some of the most talented and passionate professionals in the locomotive industry.
How will you make a difference?
The Lead Production Supervisor of Locomotive Test provides frontline leadership for a team of highly skilled Technicians. In this role, you will utilize your experience and expertise to solve problems, drive process adherence, and develop and execute objectives for yourself and others. As a Leader in manufacturing, you will handle day-to-day activities in which you will provide direction to accomplish operational objectives as well as timekeeping, maintaining schedules and leading the hourly workforce. The Lead Production Supervisor will be responsible for safety of the employees, quality of the product, on time delivery to customers, and developing a culture of continuous improvement.
What do we want to know about you?
- Bachelors degree or a high school diploma/GED with at least 4 years of experience in manufacturing/machining
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Strong oral and written communications skills
- Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
- Ability to influence others and lead small teams
- Ability to lead initiatives of moderate scope and impact
- Ability to coordinate one to two projects simultaneously
- Strong and effective problem identification and solution skills
- Proven analytical and quality/process improvement skills
- Willingness to take on tough challenges and grow professionally
What will your typical day look like?
- Provide technical assistance and leadership to the Operations team including operations, equipment troubleshooting, and repair.
- Help train and develop technical skills of Operations employees; educate employees on business strategy and metrics
- Actively participate in Environment, Health and Safety initiatives and corrective actions as an expert in the safety aspects of the Operations team’s scope
- Support and meet production schedules, drive productivity and quality initiatives, and manage the area within budget; utilize data analysis to identify and execute improvement projects
- Interface with internal and external customers, define priorities for shifts and work groups leveraging shift start-up / shift-change meetings
- Manage employees and schedule requirements, including timekeeping, overtime, time off, and discipline
- Communicate and enforce safety policies, the employee handbook and other plant policies
- Actively participate on cross-functional teams and demonstrate necessary leadership and coaching skills to other team members
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary range for this role is between $68,900 - $98,200.
The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare and retirement are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefits offerings for this role may include an annual bonus, if eligible.
Who are we?
The Wabtec Erie site opened in 1907 and we have over 117 years of history at this location. We occupy over 345 acres with 20 major buildings, and we manufacture locomotives on site. Wabtec has 16 miles of rail and a 4.1-mile test track. Wabtec Corporation is a leading manufacturer of locomotives and a global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for freight and transit rail as well as the mining, marine, and industrial markets. We have over 27,000 employees worldwide. We do machining, metal work, welding, assembly, testing and painting as well as intensive material handling using cranes, forklifts, and material positioners. Wabtec has been an OSHA Voluntary Protection Program site since 2000. We hold environmental permits for air, water and wastewater facilities. Our Erie location has a two-mile walking/running path and a fitness center. We also offer an onsite dining area and various market locations across the site.
Our Commitment to Embrace Diversity:
Wabtec is a global company that invests not just in our products, but also our people by embracing diversity and inclusion. We care about our relationships with our employees and take pride in celebrating the variety of experiences, expertise, and backgrounds that bring us together. At Wabtec, we aspire to create a place where we all belong and where diversity is welcomed and appreciated.
To fulfill that commitment, we rely on a culture of leadership, diversity, and inclusion. We aim to employ the world’s brightest minds to help us create a limitless source of ideas and opportunities. We have created a space where everyone is given the opportunity to contribute based on their individual experiences and perspectives and recognize that these differences and diverse perspectives make us better.
We believe in hiring talented people of varied backgrounds, experiences, and styles… People like you! Wabtec Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, or protected Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Additional Information
Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $68,900 - $98,200. The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.
What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?
At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.
If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
Who are we?
Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.
Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better.
Culture powers us and the possibilities.
We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.
Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.
See all 36+ OPT Production Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Production Lead Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Production Lead
Target manufacturers with established OPT pipelines
Large-scale manufacturers in automotive, electronics, and food production regularly hire international graduates and have HR teams familiar with OPT authorization. Smaller operations may hesitate, so prioritize employers with a documented history of sponsoring production staff.
Align your degree field with production operations
Employers and USCIS both care that your degree connects to the role. Industrial engineering, manufacturing systems, or operations management degrees map cleanly to Production Lead responsibilities and strengthen your case for STEM OPT extension eligibility.
Document your supervisory and output metrics
Quantify your impact on the production floor before interviews. Throughput improvements, defect rate reductions, and team size managed are the specific numbers that production-focused hiring managers and future visa sponsors look for when evaluating candidates.
Raise OPT authorization early in the process
Bring up your OPT status before the offer stage, not after. Explain your authorized work period, your STEM extension eligibility if applicable, and your H-1B visa sponsorship timeline. Informed employers are far less likely to withdraw interest over authorization concerns.
Pursue Lean, Six Sigma, or safety certifications
Credentials like Lean Six Sigma Yellow or Green Belt signal practical production competency beyond your degree. They also differentiate you from domestic candidates, giving employers a concrete reason to invest in sponsorship for your continued employment.
Connect your academic projects to real production environments
If your coursework included process optimization, supply chain labs, or capstone manufacturing projects, frame these explicitly in your resume and interviews. Employers need to see that your OPT work authorization is grounded in directly relevant, field-specific education.
Production Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Production Lead on OPT?
Yes, if your degree field relates directly to the role. Production Lead positions under industrial engineering, manufacturing systems, or operations management degrees qualify as practical training. Your job duties must connect to your field of study, so document that alignment clearly in your OPT application and employment records.
Does a Production Lead role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not your job title. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree such as industrial engineering or manufacturing engineering technology, and your employer meets the E-Verify requirement, you can apply for a 24-month STEM extension. The role itself must continue to relate to that degree field.
How do I find Production Lead employers who are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers who are open to sponsoring international candidates. Searching there saves time compared to applying broadly to roles where your authorization status will immediately disqualify you. Focus on mid-size to large manufacturers with dedicated HR departments.
Will employers sponsor H-1B for a Production Lead after OPT?
Many do, particularly in automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods manufacturing. Production Leads with measurable performance records and technical degrees are strong H-1B candidates. Specialty occupation status for production management roles is supportable when the position requires a degree in a specific technical field, so document your responsibilities carefully from day one.
What happens to my OPT status if I get promoted from Production Lead to a higher role?
A promotion generally does not jeopardize your OPT status as long as the new role still relates to your degree field. You do not need to update USCIS when your title changes, but your employer must update your records and you should keep documentation showing the continued connection to your field of study.