OPT Tool Engineer Jobs
Tool Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor manufacturing regularly hire through OPT.
Find OPT Tool Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 31+ Tool Engineer jobs
See all 31+ Tool Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Tool Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsDate: Aug 7, 2026
Location: Mount Vernon, WA, US, 98273-9671
Company: PACCAR
The Vehicle Software and Diagnostic Test Engineer plays a key role in driving the quality and performance of PACCAR’s DAVIE4 Service Tool—the powerhouse behind deploying and updating vehicle software and delivering diagnostics for Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. In this fast‑paced role, you’ll jump into in‑vehicle testing, tackle complex technical challenges, and collaborate across PACCAR divisions to troubleshoot issues and keep development moving forward. You’ll also help elevate our test benches by integrating new hardware and enhancing automation scripts, ensuring our tools stay sharp, efficient, and ready for what’s next.
Company Information
PACCAR is a Fortune 500 company established in 1905. PACCAR Inc is recognized as a global leader in the commercial vehicle, financial, and customer service fields with internationally recognized brands such as Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF trucks. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines and also provides customized financial services, information technology and truck parts related to its principal business.
Whether you want to design the transportation technology of tomorrow, support the staff functions of a dynamic, international leader, or build our excellent products and services — you can develop the career you desire with PACCAR. Get started!
Division Information
The PACCAR Technical Center provides engineering excellence to the truck and engine divisions of PACCAR Inc through innovative product development and testing. The Technical Center is located in the Skagit Valley about 65 miles north of Seattle, Washington.
Job Functions / Responsibilities
- Perform vehicle and engine diagnostic software testing using both test benches and in‑vehicle setups
- Plan, coordinate, and execute small to moderate‑scope projects with minimal supervision
- Ensure all functionality is validated through comprehensive, executable test cases
- Recommend the most effective test method (bench or in‑vehicle) based on engineering judgment and system capabilities
- Validate defect fixes for closure and provide stakeholders with clear assessments of customer impact
- Foster strong communication and maintain productive working relationships across teams
Qualifications
- 0-2 years of engineering experience
- Foundational understanding of software testing principles and test methodologies
- Familiarity with Controller Area Network (CAN) protocols, especially J1939
- Ability to interpret simple to moderately complex electrical systems and schematics
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Proven ability to summarize technical issues and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
- Strong workload management skills, with flexibility and initiative to adapt to shifting project priorities
- Strong presentation skills
Education
BS Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or applicable field
Paccar Benefits
As a U.S. PACCAR employee, you have a full range of benefit options including:
- Competitive salary and 401k with up to a 5% company match
- Fully funded pension plan that provides monthly benefits after retirement
- Comprehensive paid time off – Minimum of 10 paid vacation days, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education
- Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings account (HSA)
- Paid short-and long-term disability program
- Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- EAP services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more
- Global Fortune 500 company with a wide array of growth and development opportunities
- Work alongside experienced goal-oriented colleagues recognized as experts in their field
PACCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability. At PACCAR, we value talent and promote growth and development. We carefully consider numerous compensation factors, including your education, training, or experience. The salary range for Vehicle Software and Diagnostics Tool Test Engineer is $70,500 - $105,800 annually. Additionally, this role is eligible for a full range of benefit options listed above.
Job Segment: Testing, Test Engineer, Software Engineer, Developer, Electrical, Technology, Engineering
Date: Aug 7, 2026
Location: Mount Vernon, WA, US, 98273-9671
Company: PACCAR
The Vehicle Software and Diagnostic Test Engineer plays a key role in driving the quality and performance of PACCAR’s DAVIE4 Service Tool—the powerhouse behind deploying and updating vehicle software and delivering diagnostics for Kenworth and Peterbilt trucks. In this fast‑paced role, you’ll jump into in‑vehicle testing, tackle complex technical challenges, and collaborate across PACCAR divisions to troubleshoot issues and keep development moving forward. You’ll also help elevate our test benches by integrating new hardware and enhancing automation scripts, ensuring our tools stay sharp, efficient, and ready for what’s next.
Company Information
PACCAR is a Fortune 500 company established in 1905. PACCAR Inc is recognized as a global leader in the commercial vehicle, financial, and customer service fields with internationally recognized brands such as Kenworth, Peterbilt, and DAF trucks. PACCAR is a global technology leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of high-quality light-, medium- and heavy-duty trucks under the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. PACCAR designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines and also provides customized financial services, information technology and truck parts related to its principal business.
Whether you want to design the transportation technology of tomorrow, support the staff functions of a dynamic, international leader, or build our excellent products and services — you can develop the career you desire with PACCAR. Get started!
Division Information
The PACCAR Technical Center provides engineering excellence to the truck and engine divisions of PACCAR Inc through innovative product development and testing. The Technical Center is located in the Skagit Valley about 65 miles north of Seattle, Washington.
Job Functions / Responsibilities
- Perform vehicle and engine diagnostic software testing using both test benches and in‑vehicle setups
- Plan, coordinate, and execute small to moderate‑scope projects with minimal supervision
- Ensure all functionality is validated through comprehensive, executable test cases
- Recommend the most effective test method (bench or in‑vehicle) based on engineering judgment and system capabilities
- Validate defect fixes for closure and provide stakeholders with clear assessments of customer impact
- Foster strong communication and maintain productive working relationships across teams
Qualifications
- 0-2 years of engineering experience
- Foundational understanding of software testing principles and test methodologies
- Familiarity with Controller Area Network (CAN) protocols, especially J1939
- Ability to interpret simple to moderately complex electrical systems and schematics
- Strong collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
- Proven ability to summarize technical issues and communicate clearly with diverse stakeholders
- Strong workload management skills, with flexibility and initiative to adapt to shifting project priorities
- Strong presentation skills
Education
BS Degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or applicable field
Paccar Benefits
As a U.S. PACCAR employee, you have a full range of benefit options including:
- Competitive salary and 401k with up to a 5% company match
- Fully funded pension plan that provides monthly benefits after retirement
- Comprehensive paid time off – Minimum of 10 paid vacation days, 12 paid holidays, and sick leave
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education
- Medical, dental, and vision plans for you and your family
- Flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings account (HSA)
- Paid short-and long-term disability program
- Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
- EAP services including wellness plans, estate planning, financial counseling and more
- Global Fortune 500 company with a wide array of growth and development opportunities
- Work alongside experienced goal-oriented colleagues recognized as experts in their field
PACCAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability. At PACCAR, we value talent and promote growth and development. We carefully consider numerous compensation factors, including your education, training, or experience. The salary range for Vehicle Software and Diagnostics Tool Test Engineer is $70,500 - $105,800 annually. Additionally, this role is eligible for a full range of benefit options listed above.
Job Segment: Testing, Test Engineer, Software Engineer, Developer, Electrical, Technology, Engineering
See all 31+ OPT Tool Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Tool Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Tool Engineer
Confirm your degree supports STEM OPT
Tool Engineer roles typically require a mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering degree. Verify your CIP code qualifies for the 24-month STEM extension before applying, so you can confidently tell employers you have up to 36 months of OPT authorization.
Apply to manufacturers with established OPT pipelines
Automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor manufacturers hire Tool Engineers regularly and often have HR teams familiar with OPT paperwork. Targeting companies with existing international employees reduces friction and increases the likelihood your work authorization won't be a dealbreaker.
Address OPT timing early in the process
Tool Engineer hiring cycles can run 4 to 8 weeks. If your OPT start date is approaching, communicate your authorization timeline clearly with recruiters upfront so there are no surprises once an offer is extended and onboarding begins.
Highlight hands-on lab and tooling experience
Employers want Tool Engineers who can step in quickly. Emphasize CAD modeling, fixture design, GD&T, or any CNC or toolpath work from internships or coursework. Concrete technical skills reduce perceived onboarding risk for employers new to hiring OPT candidates.
Prepare documentation before you get an offer
Have your EAD card, I-20 with OPT authorization, and STEM extension eligibility details ready before your first interview. Employers unfamiliar with OPT often ask about paperwork during the offer stage, and being prepared builds confidence in your candidacy.
Target roles explicitly tied to your engineering field
STEM OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. A Tool Engineer role must connect clearly to mechanical, industrial, or manufacturing engineering. Review the job description before applying and document the connection for your DSO and employer.
Tool Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Tool Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Tool Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical, industrial, manufacturing, or a related engineering field. The role must be directly related to your degree and your school must be SEVP-certified. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before applying to avoid any issues at the extension stage.
How do I find Tool Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you can browse Tool Engineer openings without filtering out companies that won't consider work authorization. Searching on general job boards makes it difficult to know upfront which employers are willing to hire OPT candidates, which wastes time during a window where timing matters.
Can I work as a Tool Engineer on OPT if my degree is in industrial engineering?
Yes. Industrial engineering is a STEM-designated field and Tool Engineer roles typically fall within the scope of industrial or manufacturing engineering work. Your job duties should involve process improvement, fixture design, tooling systems, or related technical functions. Document the connection clearly on your STEM OPT employer reporting form to satisfy USCIS requirements.
What happens to my OPT status if I'm laid off from a Tool Engineer role?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer during your OPT period, cumulative across all employers. If you lose your Tool Engineer job, you can continue searching for a new qualifying role within that window. Exceeding 90 days of unemployment triggers a violation of your F-1 status, so starting your next job search immediately after a layoff is important.
Do Tool Engineer employers need to file anything with USCIS for OPT hires?
No USCIS filing is required for standard OPT. Your employer verifies your EAD through Form I-9, and that's the extent of their obligation at hire. For STEM OPT extensions, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign a formal training plan. Most large manufacturers in automotive and aerospace already meet this requirement.