OPT Robotics Jobs

Robotics jobs on OPT span hardware engineering, controls, motion planning, and computer vision roles at companies ranging from automotive manufacturers to surgical robotics startups. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in this field routinely sponsor H-1B visas for strong candidates.

See All OPT Robotics Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs450+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type89% On-site
Median Salary$101K
Top LocationMountain View, CA
Most JobsCushman & Wakefield

Showing 5 of 450+ Robotics jobs

Scottsdale Unified School District
Robotics and Coding Teacher
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Scottsdale Unified School District
Added 1d ago
Robotics and Coding Teacher
Scottsdale Unified School District
Scottsdale, Arizona
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$49,847/yr - $74,358/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Optimal Inc.
Robotics Integration Engineer
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Optimal Inc.
Added 2d ago
Robotics Integration Engineer
Optimal Inc.
Warren, Michigan
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Robotics Engineering
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Master's

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Pebble Mobility
Robotics Software Engineer
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Pebble Mobility
Added 2d ago
Robotics Software Engineer
Pebble Mobility
Fremont, California
Software Engineering
Specialized Engineering
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Robotics Engineering
Backend Engineering
$111,000/yr - $141,000/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Locus Robotics Corp.
Onsite Technical Specialist, Robotics (6AM-2:30PM ET)
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Locus Robotics Corp.
Added 2d ago
Onsite Technical Specialist, Robotics (6AM-2:30PM ET)
Locus Robotics Corp.
Louisville, Kentucky
Technical Product & Program Management
Specialized Engineering
Manufacturing Operations
Data Science & Analytics
Robotics Engineering
$50,000 - $80,000/yr
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Associate's

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Dallas Independent School District
Advanced Programming and Robotics Teacher
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Dallas Independent School District
Added 3d ago
Advanced Programming and Robotics Teacher
Dallas Independent School District
Dallas, Texas
Teaching & Instruction
K-12 Teaching
$68,000/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Robotics

Target STEM-designated roles explicitly

Robotics engineering positions almost always fall under STEM OPT's 36-month extension. Confirm the role's SOC code before accepting an offer. Codes 17-2199 and 15-1299 are common for robotics and mechatronics engineers and qualify without issue.

Prioritize employers with active H-1B filing histories

Companies that have sponsored H-1B visas in recent years are your safest bet for long-term authorization. Defense contractors, automotive OEMs, and surgical robotics firms like Intuitive Surgical consistently file H-1B petitions for engineering roles.

File your STEM OPT extension 90 days early

USCIS recommends submitting your STEM OPT extension application no later than 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Missing this window risks a gap in work authorization, which is especially disruptive mid-project in fast-moving robotics teams.

Get your E-Verify enrollment confirmed before day one

STEM OPT requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Confirm this with HR before signing your offer letter. Many smaller robotics startups are not yet enrolled and must register before your STEM extension is approved.

Document your training plan rigorously

STEM OPT requires a signed Form I-983 training plan. For robotics roles, map your job duties to specific STEM learning objectives: control systems design, sensor integration, ROS development. A vague plan increases the risk of a USCIS request for evidence.

Report employer changes to your DSO within 10 days

If you switch robotics employers during STEM OPT, you must notify your designated school official within 10 days and file a new I-983. Failing to update your records can jeopardize your current authorization and future H-1B sponsorship eligibility.

Robotics OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do robotics engineering roles qualify for the 36-month STEM OPT extension?

Yes. Most robotics positions fall under STEM-designated SOC codes, including mechanical engineering (17-2141), electrical engineering (17-2071), and computer occupations (15-1299). When your employer is E-Verify enrolled and your degree is from an accredited U.S. STEM program, you qualify for the full 24-month STEM extension on top of your initial 12-month OPT, for 36 months total.

Which types of robotics employers are most likely to sponsor visas?

Large defense contractors, automotive manufacturers, medical device companies, and well-funded robotics startups have the strongest H-1B sponsorship track records. Companies building autonomous vehicles, surgical robots, or industrial automation systems routinely sponsor engineers long-term. You can browse robotics roles from verified sponsoring employers on Migrate Mate to narrow your search to companies actively hiring OPT candidates.

Can I work on a robotics project that involves classified or ITAR-controlled technology while on OPT?

This is a real constraint for OPT students. Many defense and aerospace robotics roles require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency due to export control regulations under ITAR and EAR. If a job posting lists a security clearance requirement or references export-controlled technology, confirm your eligibility before applying. Civilian robotics roles in healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing typically do not have these restrictions.

What counts as a qualifying employer for STEM OPT in robotics?

Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and offer a job directly related to your STEM degree. For robotics OPT, your role should connect to fields like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, or systems engineering. Staffing agency arrangements, independent contracting, and self-employment do not satisfy STEM OPT employer requirements, regardless of how technical the work is.

How does the H-1B lottery affect OPT students in robotics?

H-1B registration opens each March, with a 65,000 general cap and an additional 20,000 slots for U.S. master's degree holders. Selection is random, and the odds have been roughly 25 to 30 percent in recent years. If you are not selected, your employer can re-enter you in the following year's lottery while your STEM OPT remains valid, provided you have enough time remaining on your authorized period.