Production Operator Jobs for OPT Students
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.
See All Production Operator JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 1,514+ Production Operator jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 1,514+ Production Operator jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Production Operator roles.
Get Access To All JobsWork Schedule
12 hr shift/days
Environmental Conditions
Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery), Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
Location/Division Specific Information
Southwest Charlotte, NC
Compensation
$21.93/hr starting wage
Shift Information
First Shift/Days - 6:00am - 6:00pm
- Schedule (Work Friday, Saturday, Sunday and an additional day during the week) - 12-hour shifts
- Must be willing to work overtime
- Occasional weekend shifts required
Discover Impactful Work:
Join Thermo Fisher Scientific's ambitious team and be part of a company that makes a difference. Your work will contribute to crafting products that save lives and improve global health!
A day in the Life:
- Operate and maintain sophisticated manufacturing equipment
- Follow safety and quality protocols diligently
- Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and resolve issues
Keys to Success:
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Ability to compete in a fast-paced environment
- Proven track record of teamwork and collaboration
- Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening
Education
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
Previous experience in manufacturing or a related field preferred
- Familiarity with continuous extrusion or textile knitting operations beneficial
- Experience in collaborating with safety and quality regulations
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to determine and implement solutions effectively
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
This role involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and operating machinery. The work environment is dynamic and may include exposure to various temperatures and noise levels.
Benefits
We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!
Work Schedule
12 hr shift/days
Environmental Conditions
Adherence to all Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) Safety Standards, Loud Noises (Equipment/Machinery), Some degree of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) required (safety glasses, gowning, gloves, lab coat, ear plugs etc.)
Job Description
Location/Division Specific Information
Southwest Charlotte, NC
Compensation
$21.93/hr starting wage
Shift Information
First Shift/Days - 6:00am - 6:00pm
- Schedule (Work Friday, Saturday, Sunday and an additional day during the week) - 12-hour shifts
- Must be willing to work overtime
- Occasional weekend shifts required
Discover Impactful Work:
Join Thermo Fisher Scientific's ambitious team and be part of a company that makes a difference. Your work will contribute to crafting products that save lives and improve global health!
A day in the Life:
- Operate and maintain sophisticated manufacturing equipment
- Follow safety and quality protocols diligently
- Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot and resolve issues
Keys to Success:
- Outstanding attention to detail
- Ability to compete in a fast-paced environment
- Proven track record of teamwork and collaboration
- Must be able to pass a comprehensive background check, which includes a drug screening
Education
High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience
Previous experience in manufacturing or a related field preferred
- Familiarity with continuous extrusion or textile knitting operations beneficial
- Experience in collaborating with safety and quality regulations
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Ability to determine and implement solutions effectively
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities
Physical Requirements / Work Environment
This role involves standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 lbs, and operating machinery. The work environment is dynamic and may include exposure to various temperatures and noise levels.
Benefits
We offer competitive remuneration, annual incentive plan bonus, healthcare, and a range of employee benefits. Thermo Fisher Scientific offers employment with an innovative, forward-thinking organization, and outstanding career and development prospects. We offer an exciting company culture that stands for integrity, intensity, involvement, and innovation!
How to Get Visa 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 jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Production Operator JobsSee all 1,514+ Production Operator jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Production Operator roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently 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.
See which Production Operator employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Production Operator Jobs