OPT Production Machinist Jobs
Production Machinist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial technology. Most roles qualify for the standard 12-month OPT period, and CNC or precision machining experience significantly strengthens your authorization timeline with employers.
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Shift: 4th shift
Days of Work: Friday - Sunday
Work Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Work Location: On-site (Mankato, MN)
Starting Salary: $33.08 to $40.00 hourly + 10 shift differential (An additional $2.00 per hour technical differential is attainable after meeting CBA criteria.)
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Nidec is the world's No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer handling "everything that spins and moves", miniature to gigantic. Nidec is a global enterprise comprised of over 300 subsidiaries/affiliates. We are a leading manufacturer of commercial motors, industrial motors, appliance motors, and controls. Our product line features a full line of high efficiency motors for industrial applications in water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation, and for commercial applications such as pool and spa, condensers, cooling towers and large refrigeration units.
From keeping us comfortable in our homes to pumping clean water to making our cars more safe, electric motors are an indispensable part of our daily lives. At Nidec, our employees are on the forefront of developing new motor technologies. As we move deeper into the age of robotics, the impact of motors will only increase.
With over 140,000 employees stationed worldwide, Nidec continues to be a unique organization, and each location maintains its individual personality. Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm, Nidec electric power generation products impact the world on a daily basis. With over 1,000 employees in the Americas, we are moving forward with technology to solve our customers’ electrical power needs for both prime and backup generation needs as the industry’s leading manufacturer.
Job Description
Carries through to completion with minimum supervision the machining and fitting of all kinds of metal parts, tools, and machines. Interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, written specifications, and schematics to properly layout and perform work. Sets up and operates all available machines and machine tools and performs progressive machining operations on work involving very close tolerances or unusual requirements. Determines operation sequences. Uses skillfully all machinists’ hand tools and determines machinability of metals to determine proper tooling selection (geometry) and application (fields, speeds). Requires experience, trade skill and knowledge of machine shop practice. Operation of CNC machines including working knowledge of programming fundamentals is required. Work produced must consistently meet specification. Monitor coolant quality and change coolant as required. Daily/weekly TPM tasks must be performed with accuracy and consistency. Performs other duties as designated by supervisor in the same salary grade or below.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two (2) year Vocational/Accredited school graduate, or equivalent plus three (3) years of experience. Requires knowledge of machining practices and techniques, basic mechanical principles and shop mathematics, setups, tooling applications, operating methods, and machinability of materials.
Must be a sole US Citizen.
Additional Job Details
At Nidec, we prioritize our team’s well-being and success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you both personally and professionally. These are the great benefits we offer, with additional perks and programs available to enhance your overall experience with us.
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary with additional bonus opportunities.
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective from your first day.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a best-in-class company match to support your financial future.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous time off package, including PTO and holidays.
- Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement and continuous learning opportunities to support your professional growth.
Work Shift Schedule
Weekend Shift (United States of America)
No Soliciting
Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Nidec
Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
Job Summary
Shift: 4th shift
Days of Work: Friday - Sunday
Work Hours: 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Work Location: On-site (Mankato, MN)
Starting Salary: $33.08 to $40.00 hourly + 10 shift differential (An additional $2.00 per hour technical differential is attainable after meeting CBA criteria.)
Pay Frequency: Bi-Weekly
Nidec is the world's No.1 comprehensive motor manufacturer handling "everything that spins and moves", miniature to gigantic. Nidec is a global enterprise comprised of over 300 subsidiaries/affiliates. We are a leading manufacturer of commercial motors, industrial motors, appliance motors, and controls. Our product line features a full line of high efficiency motors for industrial applications in water treatment, mining, oil and gas, and power generation, and for commercial applications such as pool and spa, condensers, cooling towers and large refrigeration units.
From keeping us comfortable in our homes to pumping clean water to making our cars more safe, electric motors are an indispensable part of our daily lives. At Nidec, our employees are on the forefront of developing new motor technologies. As we move deeper into the age of robotics, the impact of motors will only increase.
With over 140,000 employees stationed worldwide, Nidec continues to be a unique organization, and each location maintains its individual personality. Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm, Nidec electric power generation products impact the world on a daily basis. With over 1,000 employees in the Americas, we are moving forward with technology to solve our customers’ electrical power needs for both prime and backup generation needs as the industry’s leading manufacturer.
Job Description
Carries through to completion with minimum supervision the machining and fitting of all kinds of metal parts, tools, and machines. Interprets engineering drawings, blueprints, sketches, written specifications, and schematics to properly layout and perform work. Sets up and operates all available machines and machine tools and performs progressive machining operations on work involving very close tolerances or unusual requirements. Determines operation sequences. Uses skillfully all machinists’ hand tools and determines machinability of metals to determine proper tooling selection (geometry) and application (fields, speeds). Requires experience, trade skill and knowledge of machine shop practice. Operation of CNC machines including working knowledge of programming fundamentals is required. Work produced must consistently meet specification. Monitor coolant quality and change coolant as required. Daily/weekly TPM tasks must be performed with accuracy and consistency. Performs other duties as designated by supervisor in the same salary grade or below.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
Two (2) year Vocational/Accredited school graduate, or equivalent plus three (3) years of experience. Requires knowledge of machining practices and techniques, basic mechanical principles and shop mathematics, setups, tooling applications, operating methods, and machinability of materials.
Must be a sole US Citizen.
Additional Job Details
At Nidec, we prioritize our team’s well-being and success. Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you both personally and professionally. These are the great benefits we offer, with additional perks and programs available to enhance your overall experience with us.
- Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary with additional bonus opportunities.
- Health and Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, effective from your first day.
- Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with a best-in-class company match to support your financial future.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous time off package, including PTO and holidays.
- Education Assistance: Tuition reimbursement and continuous learning opportunities to support your professional growth.
Work Shift Schedule
Weekend Shift (United States of America)
No Soliciting
Nidec will not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third party recruiting agencies in response to Nidec job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Nidec Talent Acquisition team is required before any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Nidec Talent Acquisition team.
Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action at Nidec
Nidec is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Affirmative Action Employer encouraging diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, genetic information, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following website: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/upload/eeoc_self_print_poster.pdf
See all OPT Production Machinist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Production Machinist
Target manufacturers with established OPT hiring
Aerospace, automotive, and defense manufacturers regularly hire OPT students for machinist roles. These companies have HR teams familiar with work authorization documentation and are less likely to reject your application over visa status questions.
Confirm your degree supports OPT authorization
OPT authorization requires your job to be directly related to your degree field. Manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial technology degrees provide the strongest connection to Production Machinist roles during DSO verification.
Apply before your OPT start date is approved
USCIS processing for OPT EADs takes three to five months. Apply to machinist positions during that window so you have offers ready when your work authorization activates. Most manufacturers can accommodate a defined start date.
Highlight CNC programming and precision tolerances
Employers sponsoring OPT students want proof of specialized skills. Quantify your machining experience with specific equipment names, tolerance ranges you've held, and production volumes. This signals employability beyond what domestic candidates typically show.
Ask about STEM OPT extension eligibility early
Production Machinist roles at STEM-designated employers may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12 months. Confirm the employer's E-Verify enrollment and your degree's CIP code eligibility before accepting an offer.
Document your training plan for employer sign-off
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan (Form I-983) signed by your employer. Discuss this during the offer stage, not after. Employers who understand the requirement upfront are far less likely to withdraw support later.
Production Machinist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Production Machinist job qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, if your degree field directly relates to the role. Production Machinist positions typically qualify for OPT students holding degrees in manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, or industrial technology. Your DSO will verify the connection between your degree and the job duties when endorsing your OPT application. Roles involving CNC operation, precision measurement, and process improvement present the clearest degree-to-job alignment.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as a Production Machinist?
You may qualify if your degree has an eligible STEM CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering degrees commonly qualify. The employer must also be willing to sign and implement a training plan (Form I-983) outlining your professional development goals. Confirm both the employer's E-Verify status and your degree's CIP code with your DSO before counting on the extension.
How do I find Production Machinist jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by visa sponsorship and work authorization compatibility. Searching there gives you direct access to Production Machinist openings at employers already familiar with OPT requirements, which saves time compared to applying broadly and getting screened out over status questions.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I'm laid off from a machinist job?
You have a cumulative 90-day unemployment allowance during your standard OPT period. If you're on a STEM OPT extension, that allowance increases to 150 days total across both periods. The clock starts from your last day of employment. You must actively seek new employment in a role related to your degree and report any job changes to your DSO within 10 days.
Do production machinist employers typically understand OPT work authorization?
It varies significantly by employer size and industry. Large aerospace and defense manufacturers, such as those in the tier-one supply chain, generally have HR teams experienced with OPT and EAD documentation. Smaller job shops may have never hired an OPT student and may confuse EAD authorization with visa sponsorship requirements. Coming prepared with a clear one-page explanation of your authorization status and timeline can reduce friction during the hiring process.