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
The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, testing, and production support of custom and catalog motors, actuators, and related electromechanical systems for aerospace, defense, industrial, and commercial applications. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, including electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test engineering, to ensure products meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and customer requirements.
General Responsibilities
- Leverages engineering fundamentals and organization to make sound decisions on complex technical issues
- Detailed understanding of market and implications for business
- Proactively challenge and drives the organization to deliver improved quality and performance related to engineering design
- Product Strategy participant and driver
- Maintain product documentation (drawings and specifications)
- Direct interaction with customers to solicit product specifications requirements, schedule expectations and budget
- Corrosion research and welding characterization & has a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, materials, mechanics, fluid, thermo and heat transfer
- Advanced knowledge of basic electrical circuits, microelectronic assembly, statistical methods, process control fundamentals and product test processes
- Familiarity with manufacturing methods – welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, machining, stamping, molding, and forming. Basic knowledge of core manufacturing processes
- Lead mechanical design activities while participating on cross-functional New Product Development (NPD) teams
- Assist with design prototype builds and production validation activities in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and supply
- Familiarity with design, fabrication, modification, and evaluation in support of manufacturing operations such as machining, metal forming, plastics processing, welding and brazing, assembly, and material handling
Experience / Qualifications
- A university degree required (i.e. Bachelors degree) or equivalent relevant work experience
- Must be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands
- Strong communication skills; oral, written and presentation
- Strong organization, planning and time management skills to achieve results
- Strong personal and professional ethical values and integrity
- Holds self-accountable to achieving goals and standards
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Strong interpersonal & collaboration skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization including suppliers and/or external customers
- Knowledge of advanced motor and actuator design, including electromagnetic principles, electromechanical integration and state of the art design, analysis and test methods
- Design, develop, and validate tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids to support prototype and production manufacturing processes
- Experience designing semi and fully automated equipment for the assembly of low, medium and high-volume motor and actuator assemblies
- Familiarity with advanced engineering materials, modern assembly processes, and design for manufacturability (DFM) practices
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings and finite element analysis using SolidWorks (preferred) or equivalent CAD software
- Understanding of environmental qualification requirements, including vibration, shock, thermal, humidity, and corrosion considerations
- Experience supporting products in aerospace, defense, industrial, or other highly regulated industries
- Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product performance, quality, and manufacturability
This position requires eligibility to obtain authorization under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non-US Persons, as defined in the ITAR and EAR, may not be eligible to obtain authorization.
Base Salary Range:
$104,560.00 - $143,770.00
At Sensata, our employees are the key to our success and growth. We recognize that each individual brings their own unique experience, therefore the base salary range information shown above is a general guideline only. Sensata considers several factors when extending an offer, including, but not limited to, a candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. In addition to base salary, Sensata offers competitive medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, along with education reimbursement, wellness programs, a 401(k) retirement plan with Company matching, and a variety of paid time off, such as vacation or flex-time, sick, bereavement, and parental leave. Certain positions are also eligible for short-term incentive and long-term incentive programs.
Smarter Together
Collaborating at Sensata means working with some of the world’s most talented people in an enriching environment that is constantly pushing towards the next best thing. Employees work across functions, countries and cultures gaining new perspectives through mutual respect and open communication. As OneSensata, we are working together to make things work together.
Click here to view Sensata Recruitment Privacy Statement
Click here to view our Sensata Recruitment Privacy Statement for China
NOTE: If you are a current Sensata employee (or one of our Affiliates), please back out of this application and log into Workday via the Company Intranet to apply directly. Type "FIND JOBS" in the Workday search bar.
INTRODUCTION
The Mechanical Design Engineer will be responsible for the design, development, testing, and production support of custom and catalog motors, actuators, and related electromechanical systems for aerospace, defense, industrial, and commercial applications. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, including electrical, manufacturing, quality, and test engineering, to ensure products meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and customer requirements.
General Responsibilities
- Leverages engineering fundamentals and organization to make sound decisions on complex technical issues
- Detailed understanding of market and implications for business
- Proactively challenge and drives the organization to deliver improved quality and performance related to engineering design
- Product Strategy participant and driver
- Maintain product documentation (drawings and specifications)
- Direct interaction with customers to solicit product specifications requirements, schedule expectations and budget
- Corrosion research and welding characterization & has a strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles, materials, mechanics, fluid, thermo and heat transfer
- Advanced knowledge of basic electrical circuits, microelectronic assembly, statistical methods, process control fundamentals and product test processes
- Familiarity with manufacturing methods – welding, brazing, soldering, adhesive bonding, machining, stamping, molding, and forming. Basic knowledge of core manufacturing processes
- Lead mechanical design activities while participating on cross-functional New Product Development (NPD) teams
- Assist with design prototype builds and production validation activities in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, and supply
- Familiarity with design, fabrication, modification, and evaluation in support of manufacturing operations such as machining, metal forming, plastics processing, welding and brazing, assembly, and material handling
Experience / Qualifications
- A university degree required (i.e. Bachelors degree) or equivalent relevant work experience
- Must be a team player able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands
- Strong communication skills; oral, written and presentation
- Strong organization, planning and time management skills to achieve results
- Strong personal and professional ethical values and integrity
- Holds self-accountable to achieving goals and standards
- Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
- Strong interpersonal & collaboration skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization including suppliers and/or external customers
- Knowledge of advanced motor and actuator design, including electromagnetic principles, electromechanical integration and state of the art design, analysis and test methods
- Design, develop, and validate tooling, fixtures, and assembly aids to support prototype and production manufacturing processes
- Experience designing semi and fully automated equipment for the assembly of low, medium and high-volume motor and actuator assemblies
- Familiarity with advanced engineering materials, modern assembly processes, and design for manufacturability (DFM) practices
- Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings and finite element analysis using SolidWorks (preferred) or equivalent CAD software
- Understanding of environmental qualification requirements, including vibration, shock, thermal, humidity, and corrosion considerations
- Experience supporting products in aerospace, defense, industrial, or other highly regulated industries
- Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product performance, quality, and manufacturability
This position requires eligibility to obtain authorization under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Non-US Persons, as defined in the ITAR and EAR, may not be eligible to obtain authorization.
Base Salary Range:
$104,560.00 - $143,770.00
At Sensata, our employees are the key to our success and growth. We recognize that each individual brings their own unique experience, therefore the base salary range information shown above is a general guideline only. Sensata considers several factors when extending an offer, including, but not limited to, a candidate’s experience and qualifications, as well as internal equity, market and business considerations. In addition to base salary, Sensata offers competitive medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans, along with education reimbursement, wellness programs, a 401(k) retirement plan with Company matching, and a variety of paid time off, such as vacation or flex-time, sick, bereavement, and parental leave. Certain positions are also eligible for short-term incentive and long-term incentive programs.
Smarter Together
Collaborating at Sensata means working with some of the world’s most talented people in an enriching environment that is constantly pushing towards the next best thing. Employees work across functions, countries and cultures gaining new perspectives through mutual respect and open communication. As OneSensata, we are working together to make things work together.
Click here to view Sensata Recruitment Privacy Statement
Click here to view our Sensata Recruitment Privacy Statement for China
NOTE: If you are a current Sensata employee (or one of our Affiliates), please back out of this application and log into Workday via the Company Intranet to apply directly. Type "FIND JOBS" in the Workday search bar.
See all 358+ STEM OPT Mechanical Design Engineer Jobs
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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.