OPT Production Technician Jobs
Production Technician jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with engineering, manufacturing, or applied science degrees. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT-eligible, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this field routinely sponsor H-1B visas for technicians who prove their value on the production floor.
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Why Join Our Team?
At Master's, we are in the business of moving people forward, not only in vehicles but also in their careers. We are a fast-growing, innovative transportation company seeking individuals who align with our company values of pursuing excellence, operating with high integrity, having a positive attitude, and being solutions oriented. In our recently expanded headquarters in Kansas City, our employees conduct their work in a 40-acre, state-of-the-art, climate-controlled facility. We take pride in how we conduct business, and our leadership team values and supports employee growth and advancement, fostering a positive work environment maximized on success. For people looking to build their skills, advance their careers, and grow in their professions, now is the perfect time to be a part of Master's Transportation.
Benefits:
- Generous Paid Leave and 12 Paid Holidays.
- Competitive health insurance, dental, vision, company-paid life insurance, and short/long-term disability benefits.
- 401(k) with company match.
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
- Discounts on travel, entertainment and more.
- Investment in Employee Development.
Job Summary:
The Production Technician I specializing in Upholstery is responsible for crafting and installing high-quality interior finishes in luxury vehicles, ensuring superior fit and appearance. This role includes wrapping panels, trimming, sewing, padding, and installing materials such as vinyl, leather, and carpet. Our Technicians are instrumental in delivering high-quality, customized transportation solutions that meet the diverse needs of customers while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.
Essential Functions:
- Manufacture and Assembly:
- Prepares and assembles interior components of luxury vans according to design specifications and quality standards.
- Cuts, shapes, and installs materials such as leather, vinyl, foam, and carpet for seats, panels, headliners, and flooring.
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Collaborates with the production team to align upholstery work with overall vehicle assembly and design plans.
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Installation:
- Installs wrapped panels, trim pieces, padded surfaces, and carpets with precision, ensuring a clean, wrinkle-free finish.
- Performs detailed sewing and stitching for seats, cushions, and interior panels using industrial sewing machines.
- Applies adhesives, fasteners, and hardware to securely install upholstered components and interior finishes.
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Ensures fitment and appearance meet luxury-level standards and customer specifications.
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Alignment:
- Aligns upholstery components such as panels, seats, and flooring with van interiors for a seamless, professional appearance.
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Ensures symmetry, proper tension, and consistent spacing across all upholstered areas.
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Fastening and Securing:
- Uses correct fasteners, clips, adhesives, and mounting methods to secure upholstery components safely and effectively.
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Verifies that all materials and finishes are installed with lasting durability and resistance to wear.
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Customization:
- Crafts and installs customized upholstery features such as embroidered logos, decorative stitching, and bespoke trim patterns.
- Works with leather, suede, vinyl, and other premium materials to achieve customer-specific luxury finishes.
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Collaborates with production teams to develop new upholstery concepts or improvements.
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Quality Assurance:
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Performs inspections throughout the production process to ensure proper fit, finish, alignment, functionality, and that all components meet quality and safety standards, including testing systems and ensuring that the final product is free from defects.
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Troubleshooting:
- Identifies problems and implements solutions quickly in the event of production issues or customer complaints.
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Makes repairs or adjustments to ensure the vehicle operates efficiently.
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Documentation:
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Keeps accurate records of completed work, production processes, modifications, and inspections to adhere to quality standards and compliance with industry regulations.
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Safety Compliance:
- Adheres to all safety regulations and guidelines, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and participates in safety training programs.
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Keeps work area organized and clean.
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Team Collaboration:
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Collaborates with other technicians, engineers, fabricators, welders, and supervisors to ensure smooth workflow, timely completion of projects, and adherence to quality standards.
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Continuous Learning:
- Stays updated with industry trends, technology, and best practices related to assembly, installation, and customization.
- Proactively shares knowledge with the team.
Competencies:
- Technical Skills
- Product Expertise
- Quality
- Teamwork
- Sense of Urgency
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Work Environment:
Manufacturing Plant Environment: 100%
Personal Protective Equipment recommended and/or required on production floor:
- Safety glasses, or prescription safety glasses that meet ANSI Z 87.1
- Hearing Protection that meets ANSI S 12.6
- Steel-toed shoes with anti-slip soles that meets ASTM F2413
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job:
- The employee is frequently required to stand or walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects; and reach with hands and arms.
- The employee frequently is required to walk.
- The employee is frequently required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
- The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- The employee is occasionally required to sit for extended periods of time.
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.
- Ability to bend, stoop, and squat.
- Ability to work with arms above head.
- Able to read and follow written and verbal instructions.
Required Education/Experience/Certifications:
- High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Minimum of one (1) year of experience in automotive, marine, or furniture upholstery.
- Skilled in cutting, sewing, wrapping, and installing a variety of upholstery materials.
- Proficient in operating industrial sewing machines and using hand/power tools for trimming and fitting.
- Must be able to read blueprints and read/use a measuring tape.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Must have a professional attitude.
- Must be punctual.
- Personal tools not required.
Preferred Education/Experience/Certifications:
- Two (2) years of experience in the upfitting or assembly of passenger transport vehicles or similar industry experience.
- Experience with custom or luxury interiors strongly preferred.
- Proficiency in using various air tools and machinery related to vehicle production.
- Experience in welding, mechanical, and electrical systems.
- CDL license preferred.
- Basic knowledge of OSHA workplace safety standards, 5S, and Kaizen initiatives.
- Experience in an ISO 9000/9001 environment.
- Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
Travel Requirements: None
Other Duties
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
AAP/EEO Statement
Master’s Transportation is committed to the principles of equal employment. We are committed to complying with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. It is our intent to maintain a work environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation because of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), physical or mental disability, genetic information (including testing and characteristics), veteran status, uniformed service member status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. Master's Transportation is dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay, and other compensation, termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment.
See all 49+ OPT Production Technician Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Production Technician
Target manufacturers with existing H-1B track records
Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas for Production Technicians before are far more likely to do it again. Search OFLC disclosure data to verify which manufacturers have filed LCAs for this exact job title before applying.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Production Technician roles typically qualify under engineering and manufacturing CIP codes, but confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer. A 24-month STEM extension dramatically improves your chances of clearing two H-1B lottery cycles.
Raise sponsorship early in the hiring process
Bring up your OPT status before the final interview round, not after an offer. Hiring managers in manufacturing prefer knowing upfront so HR can assess sponsorship timelines alongside your start date and production needs.
Emphasize specialized technical certifications
Certifications in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or equipment-specific systems make sponsorship a stronger business case for employers. Documented skills that are hard to replace locally reduce resistance to the time and cost of H-1B filing.
Understand your OPT reporting obligations during employment
Report any changes in employer, job title, or work location to your DSO within 10 days. Production roles sometimes involve shift changes or facility transfers that could affect your SEVIS record if not properly reported.
File your STEM OPT extension application at least 90 days early
USCIS processing times for EAD renewals can exceed 90 days. Submit your STEM OPT extension application well before your current EAD expires so you maintain continuous work authorization without interrupting production floor shifts.
Production Technician OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Production Technician jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Production Technician roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under engineering or applied science CIP codes. Your offer letter job duties need to align with your STEM-designated degree field. Confirm eligibility with your DSO and get written confirmation from your employer before assuming you qualify, since job titles alone don't determine eligibility.
How do I find Production Technician employers that sponsor OPT and H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is the most direct way to find Production Technician roles from employers open to OPT and H-1B sponsorship. Beyond the job board, you can cross-reference OFLC disclosure data to see which manufacturers have a history of filing Labor Condition Applications for this role, which is a strong signal they'll sponsor future visa holders as well.
Can I work for a staffing agency as a Production Technician on OPT?
Yes, but with important caveats. Your employer of record must match what's reported in SEVIS. If you're placed at a client facility through a staffing agency, the agency is typically your legal employer and must be listed accordingly. Your actual work location and duties must still align with your degree field to maintain valid OPT authorization.
What happens to my OPT if my production facility changes locations or shifts?
A change in work site address counts as a material change that must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. This is especially relevant for Production Technicians who may be reassigned to different facilities within the same company. Failing to update your SEVIS record with the new location can create compliance issues even if your employer and job title stay the same.
Does hands-on production floor work count as a qualifying OPT job?
Yes, as long as the work is directly related to your degree field. A Production Technician role grounded in mechanical engineering, industrial technology, or materials science satisfies OPT's requirement that employment be in a job related to your area of study. Purely manual labor with no connection to your degree field would not qualify, so reviewing your offer letter duties against your degree description matters.