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.

Find OPT Production Operator Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs27+
Work Type100% On-site
Top LocationNeosho, MO
Most JobsPpg Industries, Inc.

Showing 5 of 27+ Production Operator jobs

BD
Production Operator II
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BD
Added 1d ago
Production Operator II
BD
PR
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Maintenance & Repair
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Gerresheimer
Operator - Production
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Gerresheimer
Added 2w ago
Operator - Production
Gerresheimer
Peachtree City, Georgia
Manufacturing Operations
On-Site
Associate's
10,000+

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Westlake Management Services Inc.
Production Operator-$18.58 per Hour (Night Shift)
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Westlake Management Services Inc.
Added 3w ago
Production Operator-$18.58 per Hour (Night Shift)
Westlake Management Services Inc.
Booneville, Mississippi
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Factory & Production Work
$39k/yr
On-Site
Associate's

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Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Production Operator II 5:00am-3:30pm
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Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Added 3w ago
Production Operator II 5:00am-3:30pm
Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
Pearland, Texas
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
On-Site
Associate's

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The Marmon Group LLC
Production Operator
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The Marmon Group LLC
Added 3w ago
Production Operator
The Marmon Group LLC
Medina, New York
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
$35k - $42k/yr
On-Site
Associate's

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Tips 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.