STEM OPT Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs
Mechanical Design Engineer roles in CAD modeling, product development, and systems integration qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in mechanical, aerospace, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and co-sign your I-983 training plan before your extension begins.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Are you a passionate Mechanical Design Engineer eager to work on innovative projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? At Quality Electrical Systems (QES), we specialize in designing and developing advanced mechanical and electrical solutions. We’re seeking a skilled engineer to join our team and make an impact on high-profile projects while driving continuous improvement.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using SolidWorks.
- Collaborate with crossfunctional teams to ensure designs meet functional and manufacturability requirements.
- Perform engineering calculations, simulations, and analyses to validate designs.
- Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and documentation for manufacturing and assembly.
- Participate in design reviews, offering and receiving constructive feedback.
- Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and process enhancements.
- Apply continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing principles.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of mechanical design and integration experience using SolidWorks.
- Strong knowledge of engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Proficiency in stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and engineering calculations.
- Experience with Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA).
- Familiarity with CAD and PLM systems (e.g., SolidWorks PDM).
- Excellent problemsolving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives (a plus).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Engaging projects with cuttingedge technologies
- Opportunities for growth and career advancement
- A collaborative, innovationdriven culture
BENEFITS
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- HSA, HRA, and FSA options
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Telehealth and wellness resources
- Additional voluntary benefit options available
ABOUT QUALITY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Quality Electrical Systems is an electrical equipment manufacturer in West Jordan, UT. Our state-of-the-art facility has 350,000 square ft of manufacturing space and 75,000 square ft of inventory space. We’re an innovative company with countless years of combined experience in the industrial electrical industry. Our primary markets are data centers, oil/gas, water/wastewater, and mining and we have OEM manufacturing contracts with many major international manufactures such as GE/ABB, Yaskawa, Danfoss, TMEIC, and others. After 30 years of business, we now produce a wide variety of custom electrical products including Switchgear, PDCs, VFDs, and more that ship to customers worldwide.
INTRODUCTION
Are you a passionate Mechanical Design Engineer eager to work on innovative projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environment? At Quality Electrical Systems (QES), we specialize in designing and developing advanced mechanical and electrical solutions. We’re seeking a skilled engineer to join our team and make an impact on high-profile projects while driving continuous improvement.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and systems using SolidWorks.
- Collaborate with crossfunctional teams to ensure designs meet functional and manufacturability requirements.
- Perform engineering calculations, simulations, and analyses to validate designs.
- Prepare detailed drawings, specifications, and documentation for manufacturing and assembly.
- Participate in design reviews, offering and receiving constructive feedback.
- Support prototype builds, testing, and validation activities.
- Identify opportunities for cost reduction, efficiency improvements, and process enhancements.
- Apply continuous improvement methodologies, including Lean Manufacturing principles.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field.
- 3+ years of mechanical design and integration experience using SolidWorks.
- Strong knowledge of engineering principles, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Proficiency in stress analysis, tolerance analysis, and engineering calculations.
- Experience with Design for Manufacturability and Assembly (DFMA).
- Familiarity with CAD and PLM systems (e.g., SolidWorks PDM).
- Excellent problemsolving skills and attention to detail.
- Strong communication and collaboration abilities.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing or continuous improvement initiatives (a plus).
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Engaging projects with cuttingedge technologies
- Opportunities for growth and career advancement
- A collaborative, innovationdriven culture
BENEFITS
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- HSA, HRA, and FSA options
- Life and disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Telehealth and wellness resources
- Additional voluntary benefit options available
ABOUT QUALITY ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Quality Electrical Systems is an electrical equipment manufacturer in West Jordan, UT. Our state-of-the-art facility has 350,000 square ft of manufacturing space and 75,000 square ft of inventory space. We’re an innovative company with countless years of combined experience in the industrial electrical industry. Our primary markets are data centers, oil/gas, water/wastewater, and mining and we have OEM manufacturing contracts with many major international manufactures such as GE/ABB, Yaskawa, Danfoss, TMEIC, and others. After 30 years of business, we now produce a wide variety of custom electrical products including Switchgear, PDCs, VFDs, and more that ship to customers worldwide.
See all 552+ STEM OPT Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Mechanical Design Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code determines STEM OPT eligibility. Mechanical engineering typically maps to CIP 14.1901, but interdisciplinary programs vary. Confirm your DSO has the correct code on your I-20 before you submit any extension paperwork.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
An employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify to legally hire you on STEM OPT. Search the E-Verify employer search tool by company name and location to confirm enrollment status before you reach the offer stage, not after.
Target engineering firms with federal contracts
Federal contractors are legally required to use E-Verify for all new hires, which removes the enrollment guesswork. Defense, aerospace, and infrastructure firms commonly fall into this category and are experienced hiring STEM OPT students for design roles.
Use O*NET to align your training plan goals
The I-983 training plan requires specific learning objectives tied to your role. Pull the Mechanical Design Engineer occupation profile from O*NET to identify core skills and tasks, then map each objective to engineering work you'll perform on the job.
Search Migrate Mate to filter STEM OPT employers
Migrate Mate shows verified E-Verify enrollment and DOL Labor Condition Application filing history by role, so you can identify Mechanical Design Engineer positions at companies already set up to hire on STEM OPT before you spend time on applications.
Negotiate your start date around I-983 approval timing
Your STEM OPT extension must be approved and your new EAD in hand before your initial OPT expires. Build at least 90 days of lead time into your start date negotiation to account for DSO processing and USCIS adjudication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a mechanical engineering degree qualify me for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, mechanical engineering degrees are explicitly covered under the STEM OPT extension, as the field maps to a designated CIP code on the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security. Interdisciplinary or combined programs such as mechatronics or manufacturing engineering also often qualify, but you should confirm the exact CIP code with your DSO before filing your extension application with USCIS.
What does my employer need to do before I can start on STEM OPT?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify and must co-sign your I-983 Training Plan for STEM OPT Students before your extension is approved. The I-983 must describe the specific engineering skills and learning objectives tied to your Mechanical Design Engineer role, including mentorship structure and how the position relates to your degree field. You submit the signed I-983 to your DSO, who then recommends the extension in SEVIS before you file with USCIS.
What is the I-983 training plan and what should it include for a design engineering role?
The I-983 is a formal training agreement between you and your employer that documents how your Mechanical Design Engineer position provides practical training connected to your STEM degree. For design roles, it should outline specific objectives such as developing proficiency in CAD tools, applying finite element analysis, learning product lifecycle processes, or working within cross-functional engineering teams. USCIS requires the plan to detail compensation, supervision, and how you'll evaluate progress at regular intervals.
How does cap-gap protection work if my employer files for H-1B before my STEM OPT expires?
If your employer files a timely H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires, cap-gap protection automatically extends your work authorization until October 1 of the fiscal year the H-1B takes effect. You can continue working as a Mechanical Design Engineer without interruption during that bridge period. USCIS provides guidance confirming that cap-gap covers both status and employment authorization when a properly filed H-1B petition is pending.
How do I find Mechanical Design Engineer jobs where the employer is already set up for STEM OPT hiring?
The fastest way is to use Migrate Mate, which filters job listings by verified E-Verify enrollment and shows DOL filing history for each employer, so you can confirm an employer has experience with STEM work authorization before you apply. Engineering firms with federal contracts are also a reliable category to target, since federal prime contractors are required by law to use E-Verify for all new hires.