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 JobsINTRODUCTION
Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.
JOB SUMMARY
To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Production Lead located in Buffalo Grove, IL. Reporting to the Associate Production Supervisor, the SMT Production Lead role involves being responsible for providing leadership and direction to groups of non-exempt employees.
0600a-0600p Rotating Shift
What a typical day looks like:
- Provide on the job coaching and training of individuals.
- Initiate and participate in process development and cost improvement projects.
- Coordinate people resource requirements for the department.
- Assist in department budget planning and manage department expenses.
- Communicate daily plan and any production or customer service issues.
- Highlight material shortages, interface with Expediter/Purchasing on any part shortages.
- Report and alert resources concerning downtime.
- Interface with Test Support/Maintenance on equipment problems.
- Track time for NPI/Pre-production/re-work.
- Communicate with opposite shift to ensure communication flow.
- Update department communication boards.
- Follow quality indicators. Stop and alert if predefined indicators are below target.
- Primary contact for response to situations where scrap is occurring in any process step.
THE EXPERIENCE WE’RE LOOKING TO ADD TO OUR TEAM:
- High School Diploma, Associate’s Degree, vocational or technical training, or equivalent experience.
- 2-4 years of related experience.
- Ability to adapt and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail.
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE FOR THE GREAT WORK YOU PROVIDE:
- Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Life Insurance.
- Short-term and Long-term Disability.
- Matching 401(k) Contributions.
- Vacation and Paid Sick Time.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
PAY RANGE (APPLICABLE TO ILLINOIS)
$20.95 USD - $28.28 USD Hourly
JOB CATEGORY
Operations
Relocation: Not eligible
Is Sponsorship Available? No
Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).
INTRODUCTION
Flex is the diversified manufacturing partner of choice that helps market-leading brands design, build and deliver innovative products that improve the world. A career at Flex offers the opportunity to make a difference and invest in your growth in a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment. If you are excited about a role but don't meet every bullet point, we encourage you to apply and join us to create the extraordinary.
JOB SUMMARY
To support our extraordinary teams who build great products and contribute to our growth, we’re looking to add a Production Lead located in Buffalo Grove, IL. Reporting to the Associate Production Supervisor, the SMT Production Lead role involves being responsible for providing leadership and direction to groups of non-exempt employees.
0600a-0600p Rotating Shift
What a typical day looks like:
- Provide on the job coaching and training of individuals.
- Initiate and participate in process development and cost improvement projects.
- Coordinate people resource requirements for the department.
- Assist in department budget planning and manage department expenses.
- Communicate daily plan and any production or customer service issues.
- Highlight material shortages, interface with Expediter/Purchasing on any part shortages.
- Report and alert resources concerning downtime.
- Interface with Test Support/Maintenance on equipment problems.
- Track time for NPI/Pre-production/re-work.
- Communicate with opposite shift to ensure communication flow.
- Update department communication boards.
- Follow quality indicators. Stop and alert if predefined indicators are below target.
- Primary contact for response to situations where scrap is occurring in any process step.
THE EXPERIENCE WE’RE LOOKING TO ADD TO OUR TEAM:
- High School Diploma, Associate’s Degree, vocational or technical training, or equivalent experience.
- 2-4 years of related experience.
- Ability to adapt and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong attention to detail.
WHAT YOU'LL RECEIVE FOR THE GREAT WORK YOU PROVIDE:
- Full range of medical, dental, and vision plans.
- Life Insurance.
- Short-term and Long-term Disability.
- Matching 401(k) Contributions.
- Vacation and Paid Sick Time.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
PAY RANGE (APPLICABLE TO ILLINOIS)
$20.95 USD - $28.28 USD Hourly
JOB CATEGORY
Operations
Relocation: Not eligible
Is Sponsorship Available? No
Flex is an Equal Opportunity Employer and employment selection decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on: age, race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, pregnancy status, or any other status protected by law. We're happy to provide reasonable accommodations to those with a disability for assistance in the application process. Please email accessibility@flex.com and we'll discuss your specific situation and next steps (NOTE: this email does not accept or consider resumes or applications. This is only for disability assistance. To be considered for a position at Flex, you must complete the application process first).
See all 55+ OPT Production Lead Jobs
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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.