OPT Production Operator Jobs
Production Operator jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or related fields. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in food processing, electronics, and automotive manufacturing regularly hire OPT candidates for hands-on production roles.
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Job ID
R-548564
Category
Operations
Location
Cayey, Puerto Rico
As a result of the combination of the BD Biosciences and Diagnostic Solutions business with Waters Corporation (NYSE: WAT), by applying to this role, you will be applying for a position with Waters. Waters is a global leader in life sciences, dedicated to accelerating the benefits of pioneering science through analytical technologies, informatics, and service. With a focus on regulated, high-volume testing environments, Waters’ innovative portfolio harnesses deep scientific expertise across biology, chemistry, and physics. Waters collaborates with analytical laboratories around the world to advance the release of effective, high-quality medicines, assure the safety of food and water, and drive better patient outcomes by detecting diseases earlier, managing routine infections, and combatting growing antibiotic resistance. Through a shared culture of relentless innovation, Waters’ passionate team of approximately 16,000 colleagues partner with customers to turn scientific challenges into breakthroughs that improve lives worldwide.
We are the people who give possibilities purpose
BD is one of the largest global medical technology companies in the world. Advancing the world of health™ is our Purpose, and it’s no small feat. It takes the imagination and passion of all of us—from design and engineering to the manufacturing and marketing of our billions of MedTech products per year—to look at the impossible and find transformative solutions that turn dreams into possibilities.
Job Description
Responsibilities:
- Start Up the equipment following procedures. Monitor quality of products to ensure production quality.
- Setup, startup, and operates the machines (Sensor Lines Plastic or Glass, Manual Filling, and Formulation Equipment) in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
- Read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, schematics, and manuals to select parts, adjust and/or secure machinery.
- Adjust machine settings to complete tasks accurately, according to specifications in a timely fashion.
- Inspect received parts to conform to specifications and make adjustments or tool changes as necessary to maintain quality to specifications.
- Perform SAP transactions for machine Preventive Maintenance, work orders and spare parts.
- Maintain SAP spare part location in the Sensor Area.
- Identify, contact vendors of Shibuya MRO spare parts and specialized parts with the support of Production MRO Buyer and Operator to maintain the inventories of the Sensor Area.
- Set up and operate Plastic Bottles Automatic Filling Line or Glass Bottles Automatic Filling in accordance with applicable SOPs, SMPs and Safety regulations. Set up and operate (as required) other sensor related equipment like ovens, mixers, manual filling equipment, etc.
- Assure product is produced and identified according to procedure.
- Notify Shift Leader or Manufacturing Facilitator of any deviation from normal operation. Assist in troubleshooting.
- Supply raw materials to machine according to required frequency.
- Meet daily production goals to satisfy customer demand.
- Make machine adjustments as necessary during manufacturing to assure production yield and product expected quality.
- Perform simple to complex machine mechanical troubleshoots to Sensor Lines (Plastic and Glass).
- Provide support to Production Operator II-A (Sensor Area) and/or Maintenance Technician in the event of a major machine breakdown. Participate in FAT, SAT and Equipment Qualifications.
- Follow testing, inspection, and moderate to complex equipment maintenance procedures.
- Use testing equipment and perform simple test equipment adjustments.
- Complete batch production device history records as required.
- Maintain neat, accurate, and complete records, logs, manufacturing documentation, and other forms.
- Perform troubleshooting and problem solving in areas of set-up, operation and process.
- Provide continuous attention to details during operations and apply creativity when approaching fairly routine processes.
- Train other associates in operation/simple repair of the equipment.
- Maintain machinery and area in a clean and orderly manner in accordance with QSR’s, department procedures and policies.
- Follow safety rules and regulations per company policies.
- Actively participate in Lean Activities.
- Follow Shift Leader or designee instructions for machine station assignment or duties.
- Able to rotate positions.
- Provide training (OJT) to Production Operator II-A (Sensor Area) and Production Operator II-B (Sensor Area).
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
A. Education:
Minimum of Associate Degree in Industrial Technician or equivalent field.
B. Experience
Minimum of four (4) years of experience in a Manufacturing environment, preferred.
At BD, we prioritize on-site collaboration because we believe it fosters creativity, innovation, and effective problem-solving, which are essential in the fast-paced healthcare industry. For most roles, we require a minimum of 4 days of in-office presence per week to maintain our culture of excellence and ensure smooth operations, while also recognizing the importance of flexibility and work-life balance. Remote or field-based positions will have different workplace arrangements which will be indicated in the job posting.
For certain roles at BD, employment is contingent upon the Company’s receipt of sufficient proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In some locations, testing for COVID-19 may be available and/or required. Consistent with BD’s Workplace Accommodations Policy, requests for accommodation will be considered pursuant to applicable law.
Why Join Us?
To find purpose in the possibilities, we need people who can see the bigger picture, who understand the human story that underpins everything we do. We welcome people with the imagination and drive to help us reinvent the future of healthcare. At BD, you’ll discover a culture in which you can learn, grow and thrive.
We believe that when people connect in person, we learn faster, collaborate more deeply, and build a stronger culture. Join us and enjoy a culture where face-to-face collaboration supports your learning, your progress, and your success.
Becton, Dickinson, and Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital or domestic or civil union status, familial status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, disability, military eligibility or veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.
Primary Work Location
USA PR Cayey - Vicks Drive
Additional Locations
Work Shift
US BD PR 530p-6am SMFSKWT (United States of America)
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Production Operator
Confirm your degree qualifies the role
Production Operator positions qualify for STEM OPT only when the role directly applies your engineering or technology degree. Ask hiring managers how they classify the position before accepting an offer to avoid losing STEM extension eligibility.
Target manufacturers with established OPT programs
Large manufacturers in automotive, electronics, and food processing sectors have HR infrastructure to handle OPT paperwork. Smaller facilities often lack experience with I-983 training plans, which creates delays and compliance risks for your work authorization.
Get your I-983 training plan in writing before day one
Your STEM OPT employer must complete Form I-983 with specific learning objectives tied to your degree. Secure a signed training plan before your start date. Generic descriptions of duties without degree-related goals will not satisfy DSO reporting requirements.
Verify the employer is E-Verify enrolled
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the worksite where you work. Confirm enrollment before accepting any offer. A facility that recently merged or changed ownership may have a lapsed enrollment that needs resolving.
Document production certifications proactively
Certifications like Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, OSHA 10, or forklift operator credentials signal job readiness to production hiring managers. Listing these on your application reduces employer hesitation about investing in OPT paperwork for an unfamiliar candidate.
Apply before your OPT start date when possible
Production facilities plan headcount weeks in advance. Applying while still in post-completion OPT gives employers lead time to complete I-983 paperwork and E-Verify verification without rushing, which significantly increases your chances of a smooth onboarding process.
Production Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Production Operator on F-1 OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a related field such as manufacturing engineering, industrial technology, or a STEM discipline. Standard OPT gives you 12 months of work authorization. If your degree is STEM-designated and the Production Operator role applies that training directly, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM extension, for up to 36 months total.
Does a Production Operator role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on how the employer classifies the position and whether it genuinely requires applying knowledge from a STEM degree. Roles involving process control, quality systems, or equipment calibration tied to an engineering degree are strong candidates. Roles that are purely manual assembly with no technical degree requirement are unlikely to qualify. Confirm the classification with your DSO before accepting.
What does the I-983 training plan look like for a Production Operator?
Your employer must document specific learning goals connecting your daily production duties to your degree field. For example, a manufacturing engineering graduate might document goals around process improvement, equipment troubleshooting, or statistical quality control. Vague descriptions of assembly tasks will not satisfy requirements. Your DSO must approve the plan, and the employer must evaluate your progress at 12-month intervals.
Which industries hire Production Operators who are on OPT?
Automotive parts manufacturing, electronics assembly, food and beverage processing, pharmaceutical production, and consumer goods are the most active sectors. Large manufacturers with dedicated HR teams are better equipped to handle OPT paperwork than small job shops. Migrate Mate's job board filters for OPT-friendly Production Operator roles across these industries so you can focus applications on employers already familiar with the process.
What happens to my OPT if I'm laid off from a Production Operator job?
You have a 90-day unemployment allowance across your entire standard OPT period. If you're on a STEM extension, you have an additional 60 days, for a total of 150 days. You must report the end of employment to your DSO within 10 days. Use the unemployment window to search actively, and notify your DSO of any new employer so they can update your SEVIS record promptly.