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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Overview

Open Jobs356+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type93% On-site
Median Salary$130K
Top LocationCupertino, CA
Most JobsApple

Showing 5 of 356+ Mechanical Design Engineer jobs

Honeywell
Mechanical Design Engineer I
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Honeywell
Added 2d ago
Mechanical Design Engineer I
Honeywell
Mason, Ohio
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Hybrid
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Pebble Mobility
Mechanical Design Engineer
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Pebble Mobility
Added 4d ago
Mechanical Design Engineer
Pebble Mobility
Fremont, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
Bachelor's

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Fluor Corp.
Mechanical Design Engineer III
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Fluor Corp.
Added 6d ago
Mechanical Design Engineer III
Fluor Corp.
Greenville, South Carolina
Mechanical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
$92,000/yr - $171,000/yr
On-Site
6+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Industrial Automation
Mechanical Design Engineer Intern
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Industrial Automation
Added 1w ago
Mechanical Design Engineer Intern
Industrial Automation
Lewis Center, Ohio
Mechanical Engineering
Specialized Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

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Avery Dennison
Mechanical Design Engineer
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Avery Dennison
Added 1w ago
Mechanical Design Engineer
Avery Dennison
Azusa, California
Specialized Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips 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.

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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 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.

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