OPT Screw Machine Operator Jobs
Screw Machine Operator jobs involve setting up and running automated screw machines to produce precision metal parts, a hands-on manufacturing role that qualifies under STEM-adjacent skilled trades. F-1 OPT students with machining coursework or CNC training can work up to 12 months, with STEM OPT extension possible for qualifying programs.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Forge ahead with WSB. We are seeking a Senior Survey Crew Chief or Survey Crew Chief to add to our growing team. The ideal person will live in Southern Minnesota or Sioux Falls. You will work in the field and remotely without the need to report into an office daily.
You will lead field operations that ensure accurate, dependable survey data for a wide range of projects. We're looking for a skilled surveying professional who can manage daily crew activities, coordinate across multiple project teams, and maintain consistent technical standards. This role is ideal for someone who thrives outdoors, works efficiently in changing conditions, and brings strong experience with GPS and total station equipment. If you are an engineering technician, party chief, surveyor, or inspector with surveying experience based in Southern Minnesota or Sioux Falls, SD and align with our collaborative, forward-thinking culture, we invite you to apply and forge ahead with WSB.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you will do:
- You will lead all day-to-day operations of a survey crew for boundary, topographic and construction surveys for a wide variety of public and private projects.
- Direct and lead survey crew operations;
- Interoperate construction plans
- Ensure proper set-up and calibrations
- Use and maintenance of field equipment;
- Operate various types of survey equipment;
- Upload and download survey data into computer or survey controller.
- Travel within 100 miles, including overnight stays, is sometimes required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you will bring:
- Experience in construction, topographic, right of way and boundary surveys is preferred, education only, can be considered
- A two-year degree in civil engineering technology or land surveying OR two or more years of crew chief or other supervisory experience (preferred)
- Ability to schedule between multiple projects and communicate with project managers, inspection staff and contractors
- Ability to operate Trimble/Leica GPS, Total Stations, and other survey equipment
- Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and terrains
- A valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D or MicroStation/Geopak (preferred)
- Experience performing construction staking on large complex transportation projects (preferred)
- This position could be filled by an LSIT or a Professional Land Surveyor (preferred)
WHO WE ARE
WSB is a design and consulting firm specializing in Transportation, Community Planning, Environmental, Energy, Municipal, and Construction services. We provide solutions for the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. We offer services in more than 50 complementary areas across the nation.
COMPENSATION
Full time WSB employees qualify for competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, company paid short-and long-term disability, 401K with match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Part time employees can participate in the 401K plan and applicable earned paid leave.
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.
WSB strives to ensure that its careers website is accessible to all. If you need assistance completing your online application, please email wsbrecruiting@wsbeng.com.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, WSB is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please e-mail us at wsbrecruiting@wsbeng.com. In your e-mail, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.
Notice to Third Party Agencies: WSB does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by WSB, we reserve the right to pursue and hire any unsolicited candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.
INTRODUCTION
Forge ahead with WSB. We are seeking a Senior Survey Crew Chief or Survey Crew Chief to add to our growing team. The ideal person will live in Southern Minnesota or Sioux Falls. You will work in the field and remotely without the need to report into an office daily.
You will lead field operations that ensure accurate, dependable survey data for a wide range of projects. We're looking for a skilled surveying professional who can manage daily crew activities, coordinate across multiple project teams, and maintain consistent technical standards. This role is ideal for someone who thrives outdoors, works efficiently in changing conditions, and brings strong experience with GPS and total station equipment. If you are an engineering technician, party chief, surveyor, or inspector with surveying experience based in Southern Minnesota or Sioux Falls, SD and align with our collaborative, forward-thinking culture, we invite you to apply and forge ahead with WSB.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What you will do:
- You will lead all day-to-day operations of a survey crew for boundary, topographic and construction surveys for a wide variety of public and private projects.
- Direct and lead survey crew operations;
- Interoperate construction plans
- Ensure proper set-up and calibrations
- Use and maintenance of field equipment;
- Operate various types of survey equipment;
- Upload and download survey data into computer or survey controller.
- Travel within 100 miles, including overnight stays, is sometimes required.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What you will bring:
- Experience in construction, topographic, right of way and boundary surveys is preferred, education only, can be considered
- A two-year degree in civil engineering technology or land surveying OR two or more years of crew chief or other supervisory experience (preferred)
- Ability to schedule between multiple projects and communicate with project managers, inspection staff and contractors
- Ability to operate Trimble/Leica GPS, Total Stations, and other survey equipment
- Ability to work in a variety of weather conditions and terrains
- A valid driver's license and clean driving record
- Experience with AutoCAD, Civil 3D or MicroStation/Geopak (preferred)
- Experience performing construction staking on large complex transportation projects (preferred)
- This position could be filled by an LSIT or a Professional Land Surveyor (preferred)
WHO WE ARE
WSB is a design and consulting firm specializing in Transportation, Community Planning, Environmental, Energy, Municipal, and Construction services. We provide solutions for the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. We offer services in more than 50 complementary areas across the nation.
COMPENSATION
Full time WSB employees qualify for competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, life insurance, company paid short-and long-term disability, 401K with match, paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and opportunities for professional growth and development. Part time employees can participate in the 401K plan and applicable earned paid leave.
As an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran or disability status.
WSB strives to ensure that its careers website is accessible to all. If you need assistance completing your online application, please email wsbrecruiting@wsbeng.com.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, WSB is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please e-mail us at wsbrecruiting@wsbeng.com. In your e-mail, please include a description of the specific accommodation you are requesting as well as the job title and requisition number of the position for which you are applying.
Notice to Third Party Agencies: WSB does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by WSB, we reserve the right to pursue and hire any unsolicited candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.
See all 45+ OPT Screw Machine Operator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Screw Machine Operator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Screw Machine Operator
Highlight CNC and Blueprint Reading Skills
Employers hiring Screw Machine Operators prioritize candidates who can read technical drawings and operate CNC or multi-spindle machines. List specific equipment you've trained on, including brand names and machine types, to stand out from general applicants.
Target Precision Manufacturing and Aerospace Shops
Small precision machine shops and aerospace component manufacturers hire Screw Machine Operators regularly and are more familiar with OPT work authorization than general manufacturers. These employers often sponsor H-1B visa or TN visas for skilled machinists who perform well.
Apply Before Your OPT Start Date
Manufacturing employers often need operators to start within days of hire. Begin your job search at least 60 to 90 days before your OPT authorization begins so your start date aligns with employer timelines without creating compliance gaps.
Clarify Your Work Authorization Early
Many small machine shops are unfamiliar with OPT. When reaching out, briefly explain that your EAD card authorizes you to work without employer sponsorship for up to 12 months, removing the immediate cost and paperwork concern they may assume exists.
Get Quality Certifications to Strengthen Your Profile
Industry credentials such as the NIMS Machining Level I certification signal verified competency to employers in precision manufacturing. Certifications are especially valuable for OPT students competing against candidates with longer domestic work histories in skilled trades.
Document All Related Work Experience Carefully
For STEM OPT extension eligibility, your role must directly relate to your degree program. Keep detailed records of how your Screw Machine Operator duties connect to your manufacturing, engineering technology, or materials science coursework from day one of employment.
Screw Machine Operator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Screw Machine Operator on F-1 OPT?
Yes, provided your degree program is related to manufacturing, engineering technology, industrial technology, or a similar field. OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your major area of study. A machining or precision manufacturing role tied to an engineering technology degree will generally satisfy this requirement. If you're unsure whether your specific role qualifies, confirm with your Designated School Official before accepting an offer.
Does a Screw Machine Operator job qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It can, but two conditions must be met. First, your degree must appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which includes programs like manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering technology, and materials science. Second, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. STEM OPT adds 24 months to your standard 12-month authorization, giving you up to three years total to work in the U.S. on F-1 status.
Do Screw Machine Operator employers typically sponsor visas after OPT?
Visa sponsorship in precision manufacturing varies by employer size and role. Larger aerospace and defense manufacturers, as well as companies with dedicated HR departments, are more likely to sponsor H-1B or other work visas for skilled operators who demonstrate strong performance. Smaller job shops may be less familiar with the process. Using Migrate Mate to filter for OPT-friendly employers helps identify companies already experienced with international worker sponsorship.
What happens if my OPT authorization expires before I secure a permanent visa?
You must stop working immediately when your OPT EAD expires unless you have an approved extension or a change of status pending. For Screw Machine Operators pursuing long-term U.S. employment, timing your H-1B application or other visa petition well before your OPT end date is critical. Your employer's immigration attorney can help map out a transition plan, and some employers will cover legal fees for retained employees they intend to keep.
How do I find Screw Machine Operator jobs that are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters job listings by employers who are open to or experienced with OPT work authorization. Searching there saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering authorization barriers late in the process. Focus your search on precision manufacturing, aerospace components, and contract machining employers, as these industries have the highest concentration of OPT-compatible Screw Machine Operator openings.