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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Get Access To All JobsJob ID: 640953
Type: Full-time
Location: Winona, MN 55987
Departments: Manufacturing
Date Published: November 4, 2026
End Date: 11-11-2026
Job Description
Manufacturing Machinist
1801 Theurer Blvd, Winona, MN 55987
MN180 Manufacturing Facility
Full-time Shift(s): MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN All Hours Available
Overview:
Working as Full-time Manufacturing Machinist, you will setup and operate multiple pieces of equipment such as turning centers, machining centers, and various other pieces of manual equipment. The successful candidate must understand machine operation and capabilities of each of those machines. This position may offer a flexible schedule after a period of onboarding, training, and meeting performance goals.
Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Performing accurate inspections on product
- Running multiple pieces of equipment at the same time
- Providing assistance to other employees when needed
- Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of work area
- Complying with health, safety and sustainability rules and expectations
- Participating in activities and programs that help the company achieve health, safety and sustainability objectives
- Learning, passing and practicing various environmental health and safety trainings
REQUIRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
The following skills and qualifications are required for this position:
- 18 years of age or older, due to the nature of work
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrate strong math aptitude, attention to detail and sense of urgency
- Demonstrate strong organization, planning and prioritizing abilities
- Work independently as well as in a team environment
- Exhibit strong problem solving, deductive reasoning and decision making skills
- Learn and perform multiple tasks in a fast paced environment
- Demonstrate our core values of ambition, innovation, integrity and teamwork
- Lift, slide, carry and lower packages that typically weigh 25lbs-50lbs and may weigh up to 100lbs
- Pass the required drug screen (applicable in the US, Puerto Rico and Guam ONLY)
PREFERRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior machining experience
- Possess a 2 year tool and die or machining degree
About us:
Since 1967 Fastenal has grown as a distributor of industrial and construction supplies from a single branch to a Fortune 500 company with over 3,000 servicing locations, each providing tailored local inventory and personal service for our customers. As we've expanded across the world, we've retained a core belief in people and their ability to accomplish remarkable things - if given the opportunity. From this philosophy stems an entrepreneurial culture that challenges every employee to run their own business, create their own success, and advance to become company leaders.
As a growth company with a solid financial position, we are committed to training, promoting from within, and creating opportunities for our employees. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking to make your mark as part of an elite growth company, you won't find a better fit than Fastenal.
FULL-TIME BENEFITS:
Fastenal offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees. This package includes Health, Life, Long Term Disability, and Dental Insurance, in addition to, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and 401(k) with an employer contribution.
COMPENSATION:
The base pay range for this position is $38,000 - 71,000. In addition to base pay, this position is also eligible for a bonus and/or commission.
Please respond by 11-11-2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Job ID: 640953
Type: Full-time
Location: Winona, MN 55987
Departments: Manufacturing
Date Published: November 4, 2026
End Date: 11-11-2026
Job Description
Manufacturing Machinist
1801 Theurer Blvd, Winona, MN 55987
MN180 Manufacturing Facility
Full-time Shift(s): MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN All Hours Available
Overview:
Working as Full-time Manufacturing Machinist, you will setup and operate multiple pieces of equipment such as turning centers, machining centers, and various other pieces of manual equipment. The successful candidate must understand machine operation and capabilities of each of those machines. This position may offer a flexible schedule after a period of onboarding, training, and meeting performance goals.
Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to:
- Performing accurate inspections on product
- Running multiple pieces of equipment at the same time
- Providing assistance to other employees when needed
- Maintaining the cleanliness and organization of work area
- Complying with health, safety and sustainability rules and expectations
- Participating in activities and programs that help the company achieve health, safety and sustainability objectives
- Learning, passing and practicing various environmental health and safety trainings
REQUIRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
The following skills and qualifications are required for this position:
- 18 years of age or older, due to the nature of work
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proficient using Microsoft Office Suite
- Demonstrate strong math aptitude, attention to detail and sense of urgency
- Demonstrate strong organization, planning and prioritizing abilities
- Work independently as well as in a team environment
- Exhibit strong problem solving, deductive reasoning and decision making skills
- Learn and perform multiple tasks in a fast paced environment
- Demonstrate our core values of ambition, innovation, integrity and teamwork
- Lift, slide, carry and lower packages that typically weigh 25lbs-50lbs and may weigh up to 100lbs
- Pass the required drug screen (applicable in the US, Puerto Rico and Guam ONLY)
PREFERRED POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:
- Prior machining experience
- Possess a 2 year tool and die or machining degree
About us:
Since 1967 Fastenal has grown as a distributor of industrial and construction supplies from a single branch to a Fortune 500 company with over 3,000 servicing locations, each providing tailored local inventory and personal service for our customers. As we've expanded across the world, we've retained a core belief in people and their ability to accomplish remarkable things - if given the opportunity. From this philosophy stems an entrepreneurial culture that challenges every employee to run their own business, create their own success, and advance to become company leaders.
As a growth company with a solid financial position, we are committed to training, promoting from within, and creating opportunities for our employees. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are looking to make your mark as part of an elite growth company, you won't find a better fit than Fastenal.
FULL-TIME BENEFITS:
Fastenal offers a competitive benefits package to all full-time employees. This package includes Health, Life, Long Term Disability, and Dental Insurance, in addition to, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and 401(k) with an employer contribution.
COMPENSATION:
The base pay range for this position is $38,000 - 71,000. In addition to base pay, this position is also eligible for a bonus and/or commission.
Please respond by 11-11-2026.
Equal Opportunity Employer
See all 49+ 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.