OPT Resident Engineer Jobs
Resident Engineer jobs on OPT require active F-1 work authorization through STEM OPT or standard OPT. Most roles sit within construction, infrastructure, or systems integration and expect on-site presence, making employer sponsorship conversations straightforward since the work is inherently U.S.-based.
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Job Description:
Resident Service Engineer - Chicago, IL
Schedule: Thursday-Sunday 6pm-4:30am
About Packsize
Packsize is redefining the way businesses and their customers use and experience packaging around the world. We build the technology, design the right solutions, and automate the processes that propel the industry forward. To us, packaging is much more than a box—it’s delivering what’s right for our customers, their customers, our people, and the planet.
About the role
A Packsize Machine Technician will install, configure and maintain Packsize equipment solutions onsite at a designated customer’s facilities. They must be a creative problem solver with the ability to identify, analyze, maintain and repair complex mechanical equipment and answer difficult customer questions about product features. A Machine Technician will perform start-up testing and deliver customer training on product capabilities, features and general maintenance of the product. They will build and maintain a strong, trust-based customer relationship with their assigned customer(s) and will work closely with other supporting Packsize team members to provide exceptional customer service.
What You’ll Do
- Scheduling tasks at a customer’s job sites
- Troubleshooting issues, quickly and effectively, using technical drawings and documentation
- Work cross-functionally with R&D, Software and Quality Engineering teams
- Performing routine maintenance and emergency services as they arise
- Analyze customer Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) to identify new or ongoing machine performance issues resulting in problem-solving and machine maintenance
- Continuous learning, including the customer’s operational processes, packaging designs, technical specifications
- Installation of Packsize solutions and training others to use and maintain it
- Basic clerical and administrative duties, including timely reading and responding to emails, preparing and submitting expense reports, making travel arrangements, writing detailed technical reports, etc.
- Responsively and productively communicate information and ideas with Packsize and customer’s personnel so they will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
- Adhere to all Packsize and customer’s safety requirements, and safety protocols related to exposed moving parts and electricity
- Excellent work ethic and time management skills
Machine Operation
Clearing jams, loading Z-fold, changing labels, changing bander paper and adding glue to the machine.
What You’ll Bring
- Customer service focus
- Knowledge of Windows platforms
- Knowledge of and effective use of hand tools
- Knowledge of mechanical platforms
- Ability to work independently with little or no direct supervision
- Basic Microsoft (Excel, Word) or Google Suite (Sheets, Docs) experience is helpful, but not required
- Associates Degree, Vocational Training or equivalent experience
- Bachelor's Degree in a related area preferred
Working Environment and Physical Demands
The following are representative of the typical working environment and physical demands of this position. To successfully perform the essential functions of this job, you will be required to:
- Communicate with others to exchange information
- Work within a production facility, warehouse, or manufacturing environment
- Move yourself in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments, including tight and confined spaces
- Convey yourself great distances within and around various work sites and from one work site to another
- Remain in a stationary position, often standing for prolonged periods.
- Work in a noisy environment at various temperatures
- Move objects (equipment, machinery, and products) weighing up to 50 lbs
- Ascend and descend ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, steps stools, and the like
- Perform tasks that require you to bend, stretch, push, pull, carry, and reach
Travel Requirements
- All work is performed at customer’s facilities
- Available on-call
- Overnight travel may be required, for initial and periodic training
- Ability to travel by vehicle or airplane, domestically.
What We Offer
The hourly rate for this role is $33-$36/hr + 10% night shift differential, however, Packsize considers several factors when determining compensation when extending a job offer, including but not limited to, the role being offered, the associated responsibilities, the candidate's prior work experience education/training, and any special skills. At Packsize, we’re committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; Paid Time Off; Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA); and life and disability insurance. Additional voluntary benefits include critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, and legal/ID theft protection. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your overall well-being.
If this role excites you but you don’t meet each requirement listed, we encourage you to apply anyway. At Packsize, we welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and understand that the best candidates may come from the most unlikely of places.
Packsize considers several factors when determining compensation when extending a job offer, including but not limited to, the role being offered, the associated responsibilities, the candidate's prior work experience, education/training, and any special skills. At Packsize, we’re committed to supporting the health, well-being, and financial security of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage; a 401(k) retirement plan; Paid Time Off; Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts (HSA/FSA); and life and disability insurance. Additional voluntary benefits include critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident, and legal/ID theft protection. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to support your overall well-being.
Packsize is an Equal Opportunity employer and is committed to diversity in its workforce. In compliance with applicable federal and state laws, Packsize policy of equal employment opportunity prohibits discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, veteran’s status, status as a qualified person with a disability, or genetic information. Individuals from historically underrepresented groups, such as minorities, women, qualified persons with disabilities, and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Resident Engineer
Target infrastructure-heavy employers first
Large engineering and construction firms, transit agencies, and utilities regularly hire Resident Engineers and have established OPT onboarding processes. These employers file Labor Condition Applications routinely, making OPT-to-H-1B visa transitions more predictable than at smaller firms.
Emphasize your on-site availability clearly
Resident Engineers are expected to be physically present at project sites. Explicitly stating your local availability and willingness to be on-site removes a common employer hesitation about hiring international students on work authorization.
Apply before your OPT start date if possible
Many employers need four to eight weeks to process paperwork for OPT hires. Starting your search two to three months before your OPT begins gives you a realistic runway to receive an offer and complete onboarding on time.
Know your STEM OPT extension eligibility
Engineering degrees in civil, mechanical, electrical, and systems disciplines typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirming your program's CIP code eligibility before interviews lets you confidently discuss your three-year total authorization window.
Connect your degree field directly to the role
OPT authorization must align with your degree field. When applying, make clear how your engineering degree maps to Resident Engineer duties like construction oversight, quality control, or systems commissioning to satisfy both employers and your DSO.
Prepare your employment verification documents in advance
Have your EAD card, I-20 with OPT authorization, and university DSO contact details ready before any offer is extended. Employers unfamiliar with OPT move faster when you remove uncertainty by presenting complete documentation proactively.
Resident Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Resident Engineer on OPT?
Yes, provided your OPT is authorized for your engineering degree field and the Resident Engineer role falls within that field. Most Resident Engineer positions in civil, mechanical, or systems engineering align directly with qualifying STEM degrees, making OPT authorization straightforward. Confirm the fit with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Do Resident Engineer employers commonly sponsor OPT students?
Infrastructure contractors, transit agencies, and engineering consulting firms hire OPT students regularly because Resident Engineer roles require on-site U.S. presence, making international remote workarounds impractical. Employers in these sectors are generally familiar with OPT documentation requirements. Migrate Mate lists Resident Engineer roles specifically from employers open to OPT candidates, so you can filter for those opportunities directly.
Does a Resident Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. If your engineering degree is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, and your Resident Engineer duties substantively relate to that field, you qualify for the 24-month extension. Check your I-20's CIP code against the official STEM list and confirm with your DSO.
What happens if my OPT expires mid-project?
Your employer would need to file an H-1B petition or another nonimmigrant work visa to keep you on. For Resident Engineers, employers often pursue H-1B sponsorship because replacing someone mid-project carries real operational cost. Proactively discuss the H-1B timeline with your employer well before your OPT end date to avoid a gap in authorization.
How do I find Resident Engineer jobs that accept OPT students?
Standard job boards rarely filter for OPT eligibility, which means significant time spent applying to roles where sponsorship was never an option. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Resident Engineer roles from employers who have sponsored work visas before, so you can focus your applications where authorization is genuinely on the table.