Tool Maker Jobs for OPT Students
Tool Maker jobs on OPT require hands-on precision manufacturing skills and typically fall under STEM-designated programs in engineering or industrial technology. Most roles qualify for the standard 12-month OPT period, and graduates in manufacturing engineering may be eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
See All Tool Maker JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 83+ Tool Maker jobs
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
Have you applied for this role?
See all 83+ Tool Maker jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Tool Maker roles.
Get Access To All JobsSummary
A toolmaker is responsible for making precision tools (such as jigs and dies), special guides and holding devices, which are then used in the manufacturing process to make products.
Job Description
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY
- Read and use calipers, micrometers, hole gages, depth gages, height gages, etc.
- Read and understand blueprints
- Operate Hydraulic Press, Horizontal Hone, Lathe, Surface Grinder, I.D./O.D. Grinder and Bridgeport machines.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- TROUBLE SHOOT WITH OPERATORS REGARDING TOOL BREAKAGE
- USE A COMPUTER AND SCANNER
- FABRICATE AND CLEAN TOOLS
CERTIFICATION AND EDUCATION
High School Diploma required
Experience
- 3-5 years’ tool room experience in manufacturing industry is preferred
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
- Effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task effectively
Physical Requirements
- Work activities may include constant standing, walking, climbing, sitting, kneeling, stooping, reaching, talking, hearing, seeing, and crouching. Involves some lifting, 50lbs or less. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Will be exposed to diverse manufacturing environments.
- Will be exposed to noise, vibration, dust, exhaust fumes, and other hazardous and non-hazardous material.
SAFETY
- Proper PPE to be worn while on the shop floor, to include safety glasses, hearing protection, “long pants” and steel toe boots if required and no loose or baggy clothing.
CLEANLINESS
- Ensure work center is clean and free of debris and oil, Make sure everything organized and clean.
WHISTLEBLOWER
Concerns regarding serious violation of policies or laws should be brought to supervisor according to the policy outlined in the company handbook.
IATF QUALITY STATEMENT
The team at B & D Cold Headed Products is passionate about connecting the things that people care about.
- Our employees are empowered to understand the importance of Customer expectations and produce fasteners that meet those expectations. Our focus is centered on the end product.
- The Quality Policy is communicated to all employees through our orientations process and regular meetings.
- Annually, Top Management will assess the effectiveness of the QMS and continual improvement projects via review of stated goals and objectives.
Summary
A toolmaker is responsible for making precision tools (such as jigs and dies), special guides and holding devices, which are then used in the manufacturing process to make products.
Job Description
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY
- Read and use calipers, micrometers, hole gages, depth gages, height gages, etc.
- Read and understand blueprints
- Operate Hydraulic Press, Horizontal Hone, Lathe, Surface Grinder, I.D./O.D. Grinder and Bridgeport machines.
OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- TROUBLE SHOOT WITH OPERATORS REGARDING TOOL BREAKAGE
- USE A COMPUTER AND SCANNER
- FABRICATE AND CLEAN TOOLS
CERTIFICATION AND EDUCATION
High School Diploma required
Experience
- 3-5 years’ tool room experience in manufacturing industry is preferred
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
- Effective interpersonal and written communication skills.
- Able to work in a fast-paced environment and multi-task effectively
Physical Requirements
- Work activities may include constant standing, walking, climbing, sitting, kneeling, stooping, reaching, talking, hearing, seeing, and crouching. Involves some lifting, 50lbs or less. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Will be exposed to diverse manufacturing environments.
- Will be exposed to noise, vibration, dust, exhaust fumes, and other hazardous and non-hazardous material.
SAFETY
- Proper PPE to be worn while on the shop floor, to include safety glasses, hearing protection, “long pants” and steel toe boots if required and no loose or baggy clothing.
CLEANLINESS
- Ensure work center is clean and free of debris and oil, Make sure everything organized and clean.
WHISTLEBLOWER
Concerns regarding serious violation of policies or laws should be brought to supervisor according to the policy outlined in the company handbook.
IATF QUALITY STATEMENT
The team at B & D Cold Headed Products is passionate about connecting the things that people care about.
- Our employees are empowered to understand the importance of Customer expectations and produce fasteners that meet those expectations. Our focus is centered on the end product.
- The Quality Policy is communicated to all employees through our orientations process and regular meetings.
- Annually, Top Management will assess the effectiveness of the QMS and continual improvement projects via review of stated goals and objectives.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Tool Maker
Confirm your program qualifies for STEM OPT
Manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering technology, and industrial engineering are common STEM-designated CIP codes. Verify your specific program's designation with your DSO before applying, since eligibility for the 24-month extension depends entirely on your degree field.
Target employers who already run apprenticeship programs
Manufacturers with registered apprenticeship programs are accustomed to structured training and compliance paperwork. These employers are far more likely to understand OPT authorization and willing to support international graduates through the work authorization process without extensive internal education.
Emphasize hands-on technical credentials in your application
Certifications in CNC programming, GD&T, or precision metrology signal job-ready skills to hiring managers. Tool Maker roles prioritize demonstrated shop floor competency over academic credentials alone, so list specific equipment experience, tolerances worked to, and manufacturing processes you have hands-on knowledge of.
Be transparent about OPT timelines early in the process
Bring up your OPT authorization window before the offer stage. Explain the 12-month period clearly and, if eligible, mention the STEM extension option. Employers who understand the timeline upfront are less likely to withdraw offers after learning about work authorization requirements later.
Focus your search on mid-size precision manufacturers
Mid-size shops in aerospace, medical device, and automotive tooling sectors frequently hire Tool Makers and often have HR teams experienced with employment eligibility verification. Large corporations may have rigid sponsorship policies, while very small shops may lack the administrative capacity to manage OPT paperwork.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly Tool Maker openings
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for OPT students, so you are not sorting through postings from employers who will not consider candidates requiring work authorization. Browsing roles there saves significant time and surfaces employers already open to hiring international graduates.
Tool Maker jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Tool Maker JobsSee all 83+ Tool Maker jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Tool Maker roles.
Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Do Tool Maker jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Tool Maker roles themselves do not determine STEM OPT eligibility. What matters is whether your degree program carries a STEM-designated CIP code. Graduates of mechanical engineering, manufacturing engineering technology, or industrial engineering programs are commonly eligible. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension.
How do I find Tool Maker employers open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Tool Maker roles from employers who are open to candidates on work authorization. Searching general job boards wastes time because most listings do not disclose sponsorship policies upfront. Focusing on OPT-friendly platforms significantly shortens your job search timeline.
Can I work as a Tool Maker on OPT without my employer filing any visa petition?
Yes. During your OPT period, your employer does not need to file a visa petition on your behalf. Your work authorization comes from your EAD card, which USCIS issues based on your F-1 status. Your employer simply needs to verify your EAD during the I-9 process. No H-1B or other petition is required while your OPT is valid.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I change Tool Maker employers?
You can change employers on OPT, but you must report the new employer to your DSO within 10 days and update your SEVIS record. Your EAD card remains valid regardless of employer changes. The key restriction is that your new role must still qualify as directly related to your degree field. A Tool Maker position at a different manufacturer typically satisfies that requirement for engineering or technology graduates.
Is Tool Maker work considered directly related to an engineering or technology degree for OPT purposes?
For OPT to remain valid, your job must be directly related to your degree. Tool Maker roles involve precision machining, blueprint reading, and applied engineering principles, which align closely with manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering technology, and industrial technology programs. Your DSO makes the final determination, so document the technical connection between your specific duties and your degree coursework when reporting employment.
See which Tool Maker employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Tool Maker Jobs