STEM OPT Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs
Manufacturing Engineering Manager roles qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in engineering or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
See All Manufacturing Engineering Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 31+ Manufacturing Engineering Manager 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 31+ Manufacturing Engineering Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing Engineering Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Neapco is seeking a results-driven individual to join our team as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of manufacturing processes which maintain proper product functionality as well as cost efficiency. This position will report to the Plant Manager and is based at our Components in Beatrice, Nebraska. It is extremely important this team member be aligned with Neapco’s Core Values of Partnership, Passion, Agility, Teamwork, Integrity, and Diversity and Neapco’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility goals and objectives. Compensation dependent upon qualifications.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Including but not limited to:
- Ensure that the manufacturing process is established with equipment, tooling, and process controls that can meet customer, risk, and operation targets
- Support capital planning initiatives, recommending equipment upgrades and technology enhancements to support operational scalability
- Direct activities of manufacturing engineers in developing labor standards, work instructions, operational description sheets, and labor costing
- Provide technical guidance for CNC turning, centerless grinding, broaching, spline rolling, drilling, and related machining operations
- Support heat treatment processes including induction hardening, carburizing, quenching, and tempering to meet metallurgical specifications
- Develop process control plans, PFMEAs, and standard work instructions to ensure consistent product quality
- Ensure processes comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements
- Support PPAP documentation and launch readiness for new and modified products
- Maintain metrics on equipment and tooling capacity utilization, regulatory conformance, launch performance, process performance, process control, PM performance, and labor standards conformance
- Perform other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive or industrial production
- 7+ years manufacturing engineering experience in automotive or heavy industrial production, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- Strong background in machining (turning, grinding, broaching) and heat treat operations
- Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies
- Proficient with CAD/CAM, CNC programming fundamentals, and industrial automation concepts
- Knowledge of metallurgy, GD&T, and precision measurement tools
- Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer or Industrial Engineer or equivalent degree preferred.
Neapco recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited. In return for their expertise and shared commitment to our goals, we offer our team members competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
INTRODUCTION
Neapco is seeking a results-driven individual to join our team as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager. The Manufacturing Engineering Manager will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of manufacturing processes which maintain proper product functionality as well as cost efficiency. This position will report to the Plant Manager and is based at our Components in Beatrice, Nebraska. It is extremely important this team member be aligned with Neapco’s Core Values of Partnership, Passion, Agility, Teamwork, Integrity, and Diversity and Neapco’s Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility goals and objectives. Compensation dependent upon qualifications.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Including but not limited to:
- Ensure that the manufacturing process is established with equipment, tooling, and process controls that can meet customer, risk, and operation targets
- Support capital planning initiatives, recommending equipment upgrades and technology enhancements to support operational scalability
- Direct activities of manufacturing engineers in developing labor standards, work instructions, operational description sheets, and labor costing
- Provide technical guidance for CNC turning, centerless grinding, broaching, spline rolling, drilling, and related machining operations
- Support heat treatment processes including induction hardening, carburizing, quenching, and tempering to meet metallurgical specifications
- Develop process control plans, PFMEAs, and standard work instructions to ensure consistent product quality
- Ensure processes comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and customer-specific requirements
- Support PPAP documentation and launch readiness for new and modified products
- Maintain metrics on equipment and tooling capacity utilization, regulatory conformance, launch performance, process performance, process control, PM performance, and labor standards conformance
- Perform other duties as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive or industrial production
- 7+ years manufacturing engineering experience in automotive or heavy industrial production, with at least 3 years in a leadership role
- Strong background in machining (turning, grinding, broaching) and heat treat operations
- Demonstrated experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and problem-solving methodologies
- Proficient with CAD/CAM, CNC programming fundamentals, and industrial automation concepts
- Knowledge of metallurgy, GD&T, and precision measurement tools
- Excellent leadership, communication, and project management skills
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer or Industrial Engineer or equivalent degree preferred.
Neapco recognizes that our team members are our most valuable asset, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, drug-free workplace fostering respect and ethical treatment. Unlawful discrimination in employment decisions based on race, color, religion, ethnic/national origin, age, sex, veteran status, disability, or any similar protected status is strictly prohibited. In return for their expertise and shared commitment to our goals, we offer our team members competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package.
See all 31+ Manufacturing Engineering Manager jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Manufacturing Engineering Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Manufacturing engineering and industrial engineering degrees typically qualify, but mechanical engineering programs vary by school, confirm with your DSO before targeting roles.
Search E-Verify status before interviewing
Ask your recruiter directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before your first interview. Many mid-size manufacturers aren't enrolled, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT employers regardless of how strong your candidacy is.
Build a training plan aligned to manufacturing management
Draft your I-983 before you have an offer. Map your learning objectives to production planning, lean manufacturing, and cross-functional team leadership so your DSO and employer can approve it quickly once an offer comes through.
Target manufacturers with existing H-1B filing history
Use Migrate Mate to filter Manufacturing Engineering Manager roles by employers who've filed LCAs, signaling that they understand visa-sponsored hiring and have processes in place for international candidates with work authorization requirements.
Confirm your start date clears the 60-day grace period
If you're between jobs or finishing your initial OPT, your STEM extension isn't automatic. File your I-765 through USCIS early enough so your EAD arrives before your current authorization expires, especially for roles with fixed onboarding cycles in manufacturing.
Check prevailing wage requirements for your target region
Manufacturing Engineering Manager wages vary significantly by metro area and industry segment. Use the OFLC Wage Search to verify that your offer meets the prevailing wage for your SOC code and location before signing, since your employer's LCA must certify this.
Manufacturing Engineering Manager jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Manufacturing Engineering Manager JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Manufacturing Engineering Manager role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your underlying degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering typically qualify. The role itself doesn't determine eligibility, your CIP code does. Confirm with your DSO that your specific program and institution are listed before you apply for the extension through USCIS.
What does my employer need to do to support my STEM OPT extension?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and co-sign your I-983 training plan before your extension begins. For a Manufacturing Engineering Manager role, the I-983 should outline concrete learning goals tied to production systems, process improvement, or team leadership. The employer also agrees to report material changes to your DSO within five business days.
How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm working as a Manufacturing Engineering Manager?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before April 1 and your OPT or STEM OPT expires before October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization until your H-1B start date. You can continue in your Manufacturing Engineering Manager role without interruption. USCIS issues an updated I-20 reflecting the extension, which you'll need for your employer's records.
What should my I-983 training plan cover for a manufacturing management role?
Your I-983 must describe how the role provides practical training directly related to your STEM degree. For a Manufacturing Engineering Manager, relevant goals include applying engineering principles to optimize production workflows, managing cross-functional teams through quantitative methods, and using data analysis to reduce defect rates. Generic management objectives that don't connect to your STEM coursework are unlikely to be approved by your DSO.
Where can I find Manufacturing Engineering Manager jobs at E-Verify-enrolled employers?
Migrate Mate filters Manufacturing Engineering Manager listings to surface employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history, which removes the guesswork of vetting each company individually. You can search by location, industry, and role type to find positions where the employer already has experience hiring candidates on work authorization. This is especially useful for F-1 students on STEM OPT who can't afford to accept an offer from a non-enrolled employer.
See which Manufacturing Engineering Manager employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
Search Manufacturing Engineering Manager Jobs