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.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
AMMM Production Engineering is hiring two Tool Engineering Sr Staff (E5) to support the C-130 Digitization effort. These engineers will serve as Subject Matter experts (SMEs), and will be part of the scanning workflow, with emphasis on the validation process for tools and parts. The candidates selected will partner with direct employees and contractors to support the overall digitization effort.
These roles are part of our Strategy & Readiness Organization and will report to the Digitization Tool Engineering Manager. In this new role, you will contribute to the business by serving as a subject matter expert in tooling engineering, applying sound engineering judgment to resolve complex tooling and scanning issues, evaluate all tooling configurations, and ensure tooling supports engineering definition, manufacturing requirements, and product quality. Engineers will work with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Tool Fabrication, Tool Inspection, and supplier organizations to support aircraft digitization efforts.
As Tool Engineering Sr Staff supporting Digitization, you will review tool designs and prepare work for scanning cells, perform validation of scans in accordance to released command media, resolve technical conflicts arising from digitizing a tool controlled aircraft, and provide overall technical support to ensure tooling and part scans are configuration controlled and provide for overall program success. Scope will be inclusive of supporting Model Based Digitization efforts in NX and Teamcenter.
The ideal candidates will possess a background around tool engineering and metrology. The candidates must excel in cross-functional collaboration, exhibit strong communication skills, project management capabilities, and quickly develop relationships to influence outcomes. Additionally, the candidates must embrace a culture of performance.
This position is located in Marietta, GA.
This role may require infrequent travel and possible weekend/off-hour support. This vacancy will be utilized to fill two positions.
Designs, develops and implements industrial machinery and equipment, tools, dies, gauges, jigs, fixtures, prototype model production and machine attachments required for production or experimental use, considering such factors as accessibility, economy, mobility, and performance requirements. May use CAD/CAM to design tools.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (STEM required) or 10+ years of experience as a tool engineer / manufacturing engineer / design engineering, supporting aircraft production
- Experience in aerospace tooling engineering, manufacturing engineering, or aircraft production support role
- Demonstrated proficiency with CATIA V5, including 3D modeling, model interpretation, and engineering design review
- Experience with legacy aircraft fabrication tooling, tooling drawings, manufacturing processes, and historical engineering definitions
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex engineering drawings (2D / paper), geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and manufacturing requirements
- Experience working directly with suppliers to resolve tooling design, fabrication, inspection, and configuration issues
- Experience with tooling lifecycles and processes (i.e. tool design, design review, procurement, funding, etc.)
- Familiarity with aerospace quality systems, material and process requirements, and engineering change processes
- Presentation, verbal & written communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with the Aeronautics Line of Business and awareness of Aero Code and local site policies and procedures
- Experience developing and implementing tools required for production or experimental use
- Strong technical problem-solving, written communication, and cross-functional coordination skills
- Ability to independently manage complex technical issues and develop documented, defensible engineering recommendations
- Experience supporting military aircraft programs, including C-130, C-130J, or other legacy aircraft platforms
- NX and Teamcenter experience
- Experience with fabrication tooling, assembly tooling, master gauges, templates, fixtures, and drill jigs
- Familiarity with tooling inspection, metrology, laser tracking, 3D scanning, and digital tooling verification
- Experience with tooling digitization, legacy drawing conversion, model-based definition, and configuration management
- Experience supporting domestic and international suppliers
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $129000.00 - $239600.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market (work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS OFFERED
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full-time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
INTRODUCTION
AMMM Production Engineering is hiring two Tool Engineering Sr Staff (E5) to support the C-130 Digitization effort. These engineers will serve as Subject Matter experts (SMEs), and will be part of the scanning workflow, with emphasis on the validation process for tools and parts. The candidates selected will partner with direct employees and contractors to support the overall digitization effort.
These roles are part of our Strategy & Readiness Organization and will report to the Digitization Tool Engineering Manager. In this new role, you will contribute to the business by serving as a subject matter expert in tooling engineering, applying sound engineering judgment to resolve complex tooling and scanning issues, evaluate all tooling configurations, and ensure tooling supports engineering definition, manufacturing requirements, and product quality. Engineers will work with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, Tool Fabrication, Tool Inspection, and supplier organizations to support aircraft digitization efforts.
As Tool Engineering Sr Staff supporting Digitization, you will review tool designs and prepare work for scanning cells, perform validation of scans in accordance to released command media, resolve technical conflicts arising from digitizing a tool controlled aircraft, and provide overall technical support to ensure tooling and part scans are configuration controlled and provide for overall program success. Scope will be inclusive of supporting Model Based Digitization efforts in NX and Teamcenter.
The ideal candidates will possess a background around tool engineering and metrology. The candidates must excel in cross-functional collaboration, exhibit strong communication skills, project management capabilities, and quickly develop relationships to influence outcomes. Additionally, the candidates must embrace a culture of performance.
This position is located in Marietta, GA.
This role may require infrequent travel and possible weekend/off-hour support. This vacancy will be utilized to fill two positions.
Designs, develops and implements industrial machinery and equipment, tools, dies, gauges, jigs, fixtures, prototype model production and machine attachments required for production or experimental use, considering such factors as accessibility, economy, mobility, and performance requirements. May use CAD/CAM to design tools.
Proficient in AI prompting as it applies to this position and practice.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree (STEM required) or 10+ years of experience as a tool engineer / manufacturing engineer / design engineering, supporting aircraft production
- Experience in aerospace tooling engineering, manufacturing engineering, or aircraft production support role
- Demonstrated proficiency with CATIA V5, including 3D modeling, model interpretation, and engineering design review
- Experience with legacy aircraft fabrication tooling, tooling drawings, manufacturing processes, and historical engineering definitions
- Demonstrated ability to interpret complex engineering drawings (2D / paper), geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T), and manufacturing requirements
- Experience working directly with suppliers to resolve tooling design, fabrication, inspection, and configuration issues
- Experience with tooling lifecycles and processes (i.e. tool design, design review, procurement, funding, etc.)
- Familiarity with aerospace quality systems, material and process requirements, and engineering change processes
- Presentation, verbal & written communication skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with the Aeronautics Line of Business and awareness of Aero Code and local site policies and procedures
- Experience developing and implementing tools required for production or experimental use
- Strong technical problem-solving, written communication, and cross-functional coordination skills
- Ability to independently manage complex technical issues and develop documented, defensible engineering recommendations
- Experience supporting military aircraft programs, including C-130, C-130J, or other legacy aircraft platforms
- NX and Teamcenter experience
- Experience with fabrication tooling, assembly tooling, master gauges, templates, fixtures, and drill jigs
- Familiarity with tooling inspection, metrology, laser tracking, 3D scanning, and digital tooling verification
- Experience with tooling digitization, legacy drawing conversion, model-based definition, and configuration management
- Experience supporting domestic and international suppliers
PAY INFORMATION
Full-Time Salary Range: $129000.00 - $239600.00
At Lockheed Martin, we know mission success starts with taking care of our people. Our Total Rewards program is designed to attract top talent, support your well-being, and help you grow—both professionally and personally.
The salary range for this position is as listed on the requisition. Please note that the salary information listed is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills as well as market (work location) and business considerations when extending an offer.
BENEFITS OFFERED
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.
- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays. Represented full-time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year.
See all OPT Tool Engineer Jobs
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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.