STEM OPT Engineering Design Manager Jobs
Engineering Design Manager roles qualify for STEM OPT when your degree aligns with the position's technical requirements. The 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months total to build management experience while your employer, who must be enrolled in E-Verify, files a training plan through your DSO.
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Get Access To All JobsSUMMARY
As a Product Design Engineering Program Manager you will be a part of the team responsible for the technical management of the development and implementation process for the mechanical components designed by our development teams. In this role you will drive the exciting challenge of executing the overall program objectives focusing on engineering, development planning and validation cycles. This involves engaging and contributing to the large collaborative engineering teams to balance several competing objectives while meeting aggressive timelines in a creative fashion!
DESCRIPTION
- Support product definition and drive closure of architecture and technical opens in early stages of a project.
- Establish and contribute to program feature baseline, scheduling, budget, critical paths, and technology risk areas for execution through final delivery of the product
- Identify and highlight technical risk areas and mitigation strategies in partnership with impacted teams to help drive them to closure
- Enable the development effort by creating and monitoring an efficient, detailed process
- Drive drawing releases and tooling kickoff with PD Engineering and the vendors to meet aggressive schedules
- Plan and execute prototype builds by directing OEM partners
- Lead cross functional communication between project teams and external vendors
- Drive challenging activities to meet overall project objectives including calling and running meetings collaborating with diverse teams
- Offer multiple levels of status across a wide spectrum of individual contributors to executive management via written and verbal communication
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS engineering degree required
- 1-4+ years of project management experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent communication, organizational, presentation and leadership skills
- Self motivated and proactive with demonstrated creative and critical thinking capabilities
- Understands and deals well with rapid development cycles; remains flexible when faced with uncertainty and changes in direction
- Knowledge of product development processes as well as an understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical engineering fundamentals; prior experience with metal stamping, forging, machining (CNC), die casting, plastic injection and metal injection molding (MIM) is highly desirable
- Strong attention to detail and ability to effectively manage complex design strategies
- Participated in delivering products comprised of multiple materials and high esthetic quality
- Experience interfacing with proficient design teams including Mechanical Engineering and Design, Systems Engineering, Reliability, Operations, and Marketing.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
SUMMARY
As a Product Design Engineering Program Manager you will be a part of the team responsible for the technical management of the development and implementation process for the mechanical components designed by our development teams. In this role you will drive the exciting challenge of executing the overall program objectives focusing on engineering, development planning and validation cycles. This involves engaging and contributing to the large collaborative engineering teams to balance several competing objectives while meeting aggressive timelines in a creative fashion!
DESCRIPTION
- Support product definition and drive closure of architecture and technical opens in early stages of a project.
- Establish and contribute to program feature baseline, scheduling, budget, critical paths, and technology risk areas for execution through final delivery of the product
- Identify and highlight technical risk areas and mitigation strategies in partnership with impacted teams to help drive them to closure
- Enable the development effort by creating and monitoring an efficient, detailed process
- Drive drawing releases and tooling kickoff with PD Engineering and the vendors to meet aggressive schedules
- Plan and execute prototype builds by directing OEM partners
- Lead cross functional communication between project teams and external vendors
- Drive challenging activities to meet overall project objectives including calling and running meetings collaborating with diverse teams
- Offer multiple levels of status across a wide spectrum of individual contributors to executive management via written and verbal communication
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- BS engineering degree required
- 1-4+ years of project management experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Excellent communication, organizational, presentation and leadership skills
- Self motivated and proactive with demonstrated creative and critical thinking capabilities
- Understands and deals well with rapid development cycles; remains flexible when faced with uncertainty and changes in direction
- Knowledge of product development processes as well as an understanding of manufacturing processes, mechanical engineering fundamentals; prior experience with metal stamping, forging, machining (CNC), die casting, plastic injection and metal injection molding (MIM) is highly desirable
- Strong attention to detail and ability to effectively manage complex design strategies
- Participated in delivering products comprised of multiple materials and high esthetic quality
- Experience interfacing with proficient design teams including Mechanical Engineering and Design, Systems Engineering, Reliability, Operations, and Marketing.
COMPENSATION
- Base pay range for this role is between $144,600 and $263,800, and your base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
Apple employees also have the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder through participation in Apple’s discretionary employee stock programs. Apple employees are eligible for discretionary restricted stock unit awards, and can purchase Apple stock at a discount if voluntarily participating in Apple’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You’ll also receive benefits including: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage, retirement benefits, a range of discounted products and free services, and for formal education related to advancing your career at Apple, reimbursement for certain educational expenses — including tuition. Additionally, this role might be eligible for discretionary bonuses or commission payments as well as relocation.
Note: Apple benefit, compensation and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements and other terms of the applicable plan or program.
Apple is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We seek to promote equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.
Apple believes accessibility is a fundamental human right. You’ll find that idea reflected in everything here — in our culture, our benefits and our digital tools. By welcoming as many perspectives as possible, we help you build a career where you feel like you belong.
Apple accepts applications to this posting on an ongoing basis.
See all STEM OPT Engineering Design Manager Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Engineering Design Manager
Verify your CIP code before applying
Pull your degree's CIP code from your I-20 and cross-reference it against the STEM Designated Degree Program List that USCIS maintains. Engineering design roles typically require engineering or industrial design degrees, so a mismatch disqualifies the extension before you start.
Check E-Verify status before accepting offers
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before you invest time in interviews. Hiring managers at smaller engineering firms often don't know their E-Verify status off the top of their head, so ask HR specifically.
Build a portfolio showing cross-functional leadership
Engineering Design Manager roles require demonstrated team leadership, not just technical output. Compile documentation of design reviews you led, engineers you mentored, and product decisions you owned, because hiring panels screen for managerial readiness before visa considerations.
Use Migrate Mate to target verified employers
Search Engineering Design Manager listings on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment. This cuts the dead-end applications that come from pursuing companies that can't legally support your STEM OPT extension.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan scope early
The I-983 must document specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, not just your job duties. Before signing an offer, confirm with HR that they'll support a training plan naming engineering design methodologies, systems development cycles, or equivalent technical competencies relevant to the role.
Understand cap-gap coverage if your OPT expires mid-hiring
If your employer files an H-1B visa petition before your OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap protection extends your authorization through September 30. Time your application cycle around USCIS registration windows to avoid gaps between your OPT end date and H-1B activation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Engineering Design Manager role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your underlying degree is in a STEM field listed on the USCIS Designated Degree Program List and the role requires that technical foundation. Engineering design management typically draws on mechanical, electrical, industrial, or systems engineering degrees. Your DSO confirms eligibility by matching your CIP code to the role's requirements before recommending the extension.
How does the I-983 training plan apply to a management role?
The I-983 must identify specific STEM-related learning goals, which for a design manager means documenting objectives like engineering project methodologies, design systems oversight, or technical team development. Generic management duties alone won't satisfy the requirement. Your employer's HR or engineering leadership typically drafts this with input from your DSO to ensure the plan reflects your degree's technical scope.
What does the E-Verify requirement mean for Engineering Design Manager applicants?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before you can begin STEM OPT employment. Enrollment is the employer's responsibility, but the obligation to confirm it is yours. Many mid-size engineering firms participate but haven't extended enrollment to all subsidiaries or acquired entities, so verify the specific legal entity that will employ you, not just the parent company's status.
Where can I find Engineering Design Manager jobs that support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Engineering Design Manager roles filtered for employers with E-Verify enrollment, which is the baseline requirement for STEM OPT eligibility. Searching there reduces time spent pursuing companies that can't legally support your extension and surfaces firms already familiar with STEM OPT training plan obligations.
What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer loses E-Verify status?
If your employer's E-Verify enrollment lapses or is terminated after you've started, your STEM OPT authorization is at risk. USCIS requires continuous E-Verify enrollment for the duration of your extension. You should notify your DSO immediately and begin identifying a compliant employer, as working for a non-enrolled employer violates your OPT terms and can affect future visa eligibility.