STEM OPT Industrial Engineer Jobs
Industrial Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. That gives you up to 36 months of work authorization to build your U.S. career in process optimization, supply chain, and operations management.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The pay range is $95,000.00 - $171,000.00. Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation. Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
About us
Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture.
TARGET GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS
is evolving at an incredible pace. We are constantly reimagining how we get the right product to the right guest even better, faster and more cost effectively than before. We are becoming more intelligent, automated and algorithmic in our decision-making, so that no matter how guests shop—in stores or on Target.com—we deliver the convenience and immediate gratification they demand and deserve. We are on a mission to win decisively over any competitor, with a seamless and superior guest service experience unlike any they can offer.
Our teams work with the agility our mission requires, and we constantly come together to implement new processes in record time. So we’re looking for exceptional people who are proactive, creative, independent, innovative, risk-savvy and comfortable working in varying degrees of ambiguity. Are you a critical thinker who seeks the root cause and can analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively? Are you a creative problem-solver who simplifies problems, quickly identifies solutions, commits to a plan and then positively influences others to execute it? If so, you will have success on one of our dynamic teams.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Lead Industrial Engineer in Supply Chain Operations, you will act as a technical leader responsible for enhancing overall business performance through the deployment of Engineered Labor Standards, maintenance of the Labor Management system, and application of the Industrial Engineering governance process to support process improvements. You will combine deep operational knowledge with Engineering methodologies, including quantitative analysis, time and motion studies, ELS, Lean principles, Six Sigma, Productivity Performance results, and Field leader insights to translate process improvements into measurable business results.
A key focus of this role will be leading the deployment of Engineered Labor Standards and the Labor Management System across multiple supply chain facilities. This will include time study validations, XYZ coordinate mapping, vehicle speed testing, configuring labor standards into the Labor Management System, leading onsite team trainings, and supporting the adoption of new leader and operational routines through effective change management. You will also complete ongoing maintenance and upkeep to the labor standards within the Labor Management System. In addition, you will identify process improvement opportunities that reduce operating costs, eliminate waste, and improve productivity.
You will provide engineering guidance, mentorship, and subject matter expertise to operational leaders, engineering teams, and cross-functional business partners. You will also support the development, implementation, and sustainment of Engineered Labor Standards, preferred work methods, productivity performance, and the labor management system.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 3+ years of experience as an Industrial Engineer within distribution, fulfillment, manufacturing, logistics, or retail operations; direct field operations experience strongly preferred
- Experience using process observation, elemental time analysis, work sampling, cycle time data, and related techniques to understand current state performance and quantify process loss
- Experience designing and maintaining Engineered Labor Standards and configuring them into a Labor Management System/platform; direct experience deploying Engineered Labor Standards to supply chain facilities preferred
- Demonstrated ability to develop and validate causal hypotheses using quantitative analysis and direct observation
- Demonstrated proficiency in structured problem-solving, including 8-step problem solving, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Visual Management, root cause analysis, and waste identification
- Demonstrated ability to analyze process performance and variation using descriptive statistics, segmentation, Pareto analysis, distributions, trend analysis, correlation where appropriate, and before/after performance comparisons
- Project management skills including scoping, problem statements, goal definition, benefit identification, implementation planning, and timeline management
- Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with partners across various teams and as part of cross-functional teams
- Change agent with proven ability to influence others and advocate for change where needed
- Excellent interpersonal communication, time management, presentation, and organizational skills with the ability to handle changing priorities and use good judgment in stressful situations
- Able to access all areas of distribution facilities, including mezzanine platforms
- Enjoys detailed work and communicating updates to various levels of leaders
- Must be located within commuting distance of Target Supply Chain facility (various) and major airport hub
- Ability to travel approximately 80% of the time and/or office within a Target Supply Chain facility up to 4 days a week
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Analytical Rigor: Does not accept the first plausible explanation; follows evidence to the causal mechanism
- Systems Thinking: Understands upstream/downstream consequences and avoids optimizing one metric at the expense of total-system performance
- Experimental Mindset: Frames assumptions as hypotheses, defines evidence before testing and is willing to stop or revise solutions that data do not support
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or demonstrated equivalent capability
- Experience with DMAIC/A3/8-step structured problem solving
- Experience analyzing high-volume transactional or operational data
- Experience with work measurement, labor standards and engineered labor-management systems
- Experience scaling large scale changes across multiple facilities
This position may be considered for a Remote or Hybrid (known internally at Target as "Flex for Your Day") work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Remote work arrangement means the team member works full-time from home or an alternate location that's not a Target location, does not have a desk at a Target location and may travel to HQ up to 4 times a year. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role may be performed either remote or onsite at a Target location depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target.
Benefits Eligibility
Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_E
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.
Application deadline is: 11/09/2026
INTRODUCTION
The pay range is $95,000.00 - $171,000.00. Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation. Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
About us
Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture.
TARGET GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN AND LOGISTICS
is evolving at an incredible pace. We are constantly reimagining how we get the right product to the right guest even better, faster and more cost effectively than before. We are becoming more intelligent, automated and algorithmic in our decision-making, so that no matter how guests shop—in stores or on Target.com—we deliver the convenience and immediate gratification they demand and deserve. We are on a mission to win decisively over any competitor, with a seamless and superior guest service experience unlike any they can offer.
Our teams work with the agility our mission requires, and we constantly come together to implement new processes in record time. So we’re looking for exceptional people who are proactive, creative, independent, innovative, risk-savvy and comfortable working in varying degrees of ambiguity. Are you a critical thinker who seeks the root cause and can analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively? Are you a creative problem-solver who simplifies problems, quickly identifies solutions, commits to a plan and then positively influences others to execute it? If so, you will have success on one of our dynamic teams.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
As a Lead Industrial Engineer in Supply Chain Operations, you will act as a technical leader responsible for enhancing overall business performance through the deployment of Engineered Labor Standards, maintenance of the Labor Management system, and application of the Industrial Engineering governance process to support process improvements. You will combine deep operational knowledge with Engineering methodologies, including quantitative analysis, time and motion studies, ELS, Lean principles, Six Sigma, Productivity Performance results, and Field leader insights to translate process improvements into measurable business results.
A key focus of this role will be leading the deployment of Engineered Labor Standards and the Labor Management System across multiple supply chain facilities. This will include time study validations, XYZ coordinate mapping, vehicle speed testing, configuring labor standards into the Labor Management System, leading onsite team trainings, and supporting the adoption of new leader and operational routines through effective change management. You will also complete ongoing maintenance and upkeep to the labor standards within the Labor Management System. In addition, you will identify process improvement opportunities that reduce operating costs, eliminate waste, and improve productivity.
You will provide engineering guidance, mentorship, and subject matter expertise to operational leaders, engineering teams, and cross-functional business partners. You will also support the development, implementation, and sustainment of Engineered Labor Standards, preferred work methods, productivity performance, and the labor management system.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
- 3+ years of experience as an Industrial Engineer within distribution, fulfillment, manufacturing, logistics, or retail operations; direct field operations experience strongly preferred
- Experience using process observation, elemental time analysis, work sampling, cycle time data, and related techniques to understand current state performance and quantify process loss
- Experience designing and maintaining Engineered Labor Standards and configuring them into a Labor Management System/platform; direct experience deploying Engineered Labor Standards to supply chain facilities preferred
- Demonstrated ability to develop and validate causal hypotheses using quantitative analysis and direct observation
- Demonstrated proficiency in structured problem-solving, including 8-step problem solving, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, Standardized Work, Visual Management, root cause analysis, and waste identification
- Demonstrated ability to analyze process performance and variation using descriptive statistics, segmentation, Pareto analysis, distributions, trend analysis, correlation where appropriate, and before/after performance comparisons
- Project management skills including scoping, problem statements, goal definition, benefit identification, implementation planning, and timeline management
- Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships with partners across various teams and as part of cross-functional teams
- Change agent with proven ability to influence others and advocate for change where needed
- Excellent interpersonal communication, time management, presentation, and organizational skills with the ability to handle changing priorities and use good judgment in stressful situations
- Able to access all areas of distribution facilities, including mezzanine platforms
- Enjoys detailed work and communicating updates to various levels of leaders
- Must be located within commuting distance of Target Supply Chain facility (various) and major airport hub
- Ability to travel approximately 80% of the time and/or office within a Target Supply Chain facility up to 4 days a week
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Analytical Rigor: Does not accept the first plausible explanation; follows evidence to the causal mechanism
- Systems Thinking: Understands upstream/downstream consequences and avoids optimizing one metric at the expense of total-system performance
- Experimental Mindset: Frames assumptions as hypotheses, defines evidence before testing and is willing to stop or revise solutions that data do not support
- Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or demonstrated equivalent capability
- Experience with DMAIC/A3/8-step structured problem solving
- Experience analyzing high-volume transactional or operational data
- Experience with work measurement, labor standards and engineered labor-management systems
- Experience scaling large scale changes across multiple facilities
This position may be considered for a Remote or Hybrid (known internally at Target as "Flex for Your Day") work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Remote work arrangement means the team member works full-time from home or an alternate location that's not a Target location, does not have a desk at a Target location and may travel to HQ up to 4 times a year. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role may be performed either remote or onsite at a Target location depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target.
Benefits Eligibility
Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_E
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.
Application deadline is: 11/09/2026
See all 90+ STEM OPT Industrial Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Industrial Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as an Industrial Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Industrial Engineering degrees typically fall under CIP code 14.3501, but your DSO confirms the exact code on your I-20. Check this before submitting applications so you can confirm STEM OPT eligibility to employers without hesitation.
Filter employers by E-Verify enrollment status
Use the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment before applying. Manufacturing, logistics, and defense contractors almost always participate, but smaller industrial consultancies often don't, and you can't start STEM OPT without a confirmed E-Verify employer.
Build your I-983 training plan around engineering deliverables
Your I-983 must tie each learning objective to a specific engineering task, like cycle-time reduction targets or lean implementation projects. Vague plans get flagged by your DSO. Draft the plan during offer negotiation so it's ready to sign on day one.
Target roles with DOL-certified LCA filings
Use Migrate Mate to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for Industrial Engineer roles under SOC code 17-2112. LCA history signals that a company has a documented process for sponsoring engineering positions and understands prevailing wage obligations.
Negotiate your start date around DSO approval timelines
Your DSO must recommend the STEM OPT extension before USCIS approves your new EAD. That process takes up to 90 days, so factor the timeline into your offer conversation. You can work during that window if your initial OPT EAD is still valid.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary conversation
Pull the prevailing wage for Industrial Engineers in your target metro using OFLC Wage Search before any compensation discussion. STEM OPT employers must pay at least the prevailing wage to remain compliant, so knowing Level II or III rates for your area puts you on solid ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an Industrial Engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, Industrial Engineering degrees typically qualify because the field falls under an approved STEM CIP code, most commonly 14.3501. Your DSO verifies the exact CIP code listed on your I-20 and confirms eligibility before recommending the extension. Degrees in related fields like Systems Engineering or Operations Research may also qualify depending on your specific CIP code.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you begin work on a STEM OPT extension. This is a federal requirement with no exceptions. You can confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool. If a company isn't enrolled, they can't legally employ you on STEM OPT, regardless of how well the role fits your degree.
How should I structure the I-983 training plan for an Industrial Engineer role?
Your I-983 training plan must connect each listed learning objective to a concrete engineering activity you'll perform on the job, such as implementing lean manufacturing protocols, reducing defect rates, or optimizing production scheduling. Generic objectives like 'gain professional experience' get rejected by DSOs. Work with your hiring manager during the offer stage to draft specific, measurable goals tied to your actual responsibilities.
Does cap-gap protection apply if my employer files an H-1B petition while I'm on STEM OPT?
Yes. If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. USCIS handles this automatically. You don't file separately, but your DSO should notate your SEVIS record once the petition is received.
Where can I find Industrial Engineer jobs where the employer already understands STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate shows Industrial Engineer roles filtered for employers with documented visa sponsorship history, so you're not guessing about a company's willingness to work with OPT students. You can search by location, industry sector, and employer E-Verify status, which cuts down the time you'd otherwise spend vetting companies before applying.