STEM OPT Mechanical Designer Jobs
Mechanical Designer roles in CAD modeling, tooling, and product development qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign a Form I-983 training plan before your extension begins. This page surfaces Mechanical Designer openings at verified E-Verify employers.
See All STEM OPT Mechanical Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 99+ Mechanical Designer 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 99+ Mechanical Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Mechanical Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Molex is seeking an innovative Mechanical Designer to join our R&D team. This team is responsible for the conceptualization of industry leading fiber optic systems in rapidly growing markets in cloud computing, AI, and hyperscale applications. Our team is comprised of highly skilled professionals who thrive in an environment of constant learning and innovation. A successful applicant will have the ability to appropriately plan and see assignments through to completion; develop timing, meet project schedules, manage risks, and systematically solve problems of a complex scope.
OUR TEAM
Molex's Optical Connectivity Group is at the forefront of designing and delivering cutting-edge optical solutions that power data centers, telecom infrastructure, and next-gen computing. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and transformative technology development across global markets.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Create design concepts and solutions that solve our customer problems
- Perform 3D modeling for new product components and assemblies in NX software
- Manage CAD file versions in the SAP database
- Coordinate requests for prototypes of new designs
- Document designs by creating drawings and bills of materials (BOM) per Molex and GD&T standards and specifications
- Collaborate with Mechanical Engineers to ensure materials and designs will meet performance specifications
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to ensure designs are efficient to manufacture and cost-competitive by applying DFM/DFA principles
- Gain and apply understanding of fiber optic products, installation, and test methods to all new product development projects
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's Degree in Mechanical Design, Industrial Design, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in creation of complex 3D models and drawings
- Proficiency in parametric modeling (NX, Creo, SolidWorks)
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Basic understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) analysis
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with stakeholders
- Desire to learn, be challenged and interact in a cross-functional team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, insert molding, sheet-metal forming, machining, extrusion)
- Experience with 3D printing and additive manufacturing
- Ability to create modular parametric designs
- Familiarity of product development process
- Strong computer skills and adaptability to emerging technologies, including AI
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
HIRING PHILOSOPHY
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
WHO WE ARE
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
OUR BENEFITS
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).
INTRODUCTION
Molex is seeking an innovative Mechanical Designer to join our R&D team. This team is responsible for the conceptualization of industry leading fiber optic systems in rapidly growing markets in cloud computing, AI, and hyperscale applications. Our team is comprised of highly skilled professionals who thrive in an environment of constant learning and innovation. A successful applicant will have the ability to appropriately plan and see assignments through to completion; develop timing, meet project schedules, manage risks, and systematically solve problems of a complex scope.
OUR TEAM
Molex's Optical Connectivity Group is at the forefront of designing and delivering cutting-edge optical solutions that power data centers, telecom infrastructure, and next-gen computing. With a presence in more than 40 countries, Molex fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and transformative technology development across global markets.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Create design concepts and solutions that solve our customer problems
- Perform 3D modeling for new product components and assemblies in NX software
- Manage CAD file versions in the SAP database
- Coordinate requests for prototypes of new designs
- Document designs by creating drawings and bills of materials (BOM) per Molex and GD&T standards and specifications
- Collaborate with Mechanical Engineers to ensure materials and designs will meet performance specifications
- Collaborate with Manufacturing Engineers to ensure designs are efficient to manufacture and cost-competitive by applying DFM/DFA principles
- Gain and apply understanding of fiber optic products, installation, and test methods to all new product development projects
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Associate's Degree in Mechanical Design, Industrial Design, or a related field
- 3+ years of experience in creation of complex 3D models and drawings
- Proficiency in parametric modeling (NX, Creo, SolidWorks)
- Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
- Basic understanding of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) analysis
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and communicate effectively with stakeholders
- Desire to learn, be challenged and interact in a cross-functional team environment
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Design experience with multiple manufacturing techniques (injection molding, insert molding, sheet-metal forming, machining, extrusion)
- Experience with 3D printing and additive manufacturing
- Ability to create modular parametric designs
- Familiarity of product development process
- Strong computer skills and adaptability to emerging technologies, including AI
COMPENSATION
- Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 per year
This role is eligible for variable pay, issued as a monetary bonus or in another form.
At Koch companies, we are entrepreneurs. This means we openly challenge the status quo, find new ways to create value and get rewarded for our individual contributions. Any compensation range provided for a role is an estimate determined by available market data. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the range provided considering each candidate's knowledge, skills, abilities, and geographic location. If you have questions, please speak to your recruiter about the flexibility and detail of our compensation philosophy.
HIRING PHILOSOPHY
All Koch companies value diversity of thought, perspectives, aptitudes, experiences, and backgrounds. We are Military Ready and Second Chance employers. Learn more about our hiring philosophy here.
WHO WE ARE
As a Koch company, Molex is a leading supplier of connectors and interconnect components, driving innovation in electronics and supporting industries from automotive to health care and consumer to data communications. The thousands of innovators who work for Molex have made us a global electronics leader. Our experienced people, groundbreaking products and leading-edge technologies help us deliver a wider array of solutions to more markets than ever before.
At Koch, employees are empowered to do what they do best to make life better. Learn how our business philosophy helps employees unleash their potential while creating value for themselves and the company.
OUR BENEFITS
Our goal is for each employee, and their families, to live fulfilling and healthy lives. We provide essential resources and support to build and maintain physical, financial, and emotional strength - focusing on overall wellbeing so you can focus on what matters most. Our benefits plan includes - medical, dental, vision, flexible spending and health savings accounts, life insurance, ADD, disability, retirement, paid vacation/time off, educational assistance, and may also include infertility assistance, paid parental leave and adoption assistance. Specific eligibility criteria is set by the applicable Summary Plan Description, policy or guideline and benefits may vary by geographic region. If you have questions on what benefits apply to you, please speak to your recruiter.
Additionally, everyone has individual work and personal needs. We seek to enable the best work environment that helps you and the business work together to produce superior results.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. Except where prohibited by state law, some offers of employment are conditioned upon successfully passing a drug test. This employer uses E-Verify. Please click here for additional information. (For Illinois E-Verify information click here, aquí, or tu).
See all 99+ STEM OPT Mechanical Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Mechanical Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Mechanical Designer
Verify your CIP code maps correctly
Mechanical Engineering Technology and Manufacturing Engineering both carry CIP codes that qualify for STEM OPT, but your DSO must confirm the exact code on your I-20 before approving the extension. A mismatch delays your filing and can cut into your authorized period.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask hiring managers directly whether their company is enrolled in E-Verify before you sign anything. Employers can look up their own status in the E-Verify portal, and you can ask for their E-Verify company ID as confirmation.
Search Mechanical Designer roles on Migrate Mate
Migrate Mate filters Mechanical Designer openings by E-Verify enrollment, so you're only seeing employers who can legally support your STEM OPT extension, not just companies that look relevant in a general job search.
Tailor your I-983 to mechanical design work
Your Form I-983 training plan must connect your day-to-day tasks, such as SolidWorks modeling or GD&T review, to learning objectives tied to your STEM degree. Generic job descriptions get flagged during USCIS audits, so be specific about engineering skills you're developing.
Target employers filing LCAs for design roles
Run your target companies through the OFLC Wage Search to see whether they've filed Labor Condition Applications for Mechanical Designer or similar roles. Regular LCA activity signals an established process for employing international workers in technical positions.
Check O*NET to document specialty occupation fit
The O*NET profile for Mechanical Designers specifies the degree requirements and core competencies that define the role. Referencing this in your I-983 and in conversations with HR strengthens the case that your work qualifies under STEM OPT's training plan requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Mechanical Designer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or Engineering Technology, and the role involves applying that technical training directly. Your DSO confirms eligibility by checking the CIP code on your I-20 against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. The job title alone doesn't determine eligibility; the degree-to-role connection does.
What does the E-Verify requirement mean for my Mechanical Designer job search?
Every employer who hires you on STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal employment eligibility verification system. If an employer isn't enrolled at the time you start, your extension is invalid regardless of approval. Before you invest time in an application or interview process, confirm enrollment directly with HR or through E-Verify's public employer search. Migrate Mate surfaces Mechanical Designer roles at employers already confirmed in E-Verify.
What goes into the Form I-983 training plan for a Mechanical Designer?
The I-983 must describe how your daily tasks, such as 3D modeling, tolerance stack-up analysis, or design-for-manufacturability review, connect to learning objectives rooted in your STEM degree. You list the skills you're developing, the supervision structure, and how your employer will evaluate your progress. Both you and your employer sign it, and your DSO must approve it before USCIS processes the extension. A vague or generic plan is a common audit trigger.
How does cap-gap coverage work if I'm applying for H-1B while on STEM OPT?
If your STEM OPT is still valid when you file an H-1B visa petition and your status doesn't expire before October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. For Mechanical Designers, this means you can keep working at your E-Verify employer without interruption while USCIS adjudicates the H-1B. You don't need to take any separate action; the extension is triggered by the timely H-1B filing itself.
How do I find Mechanical Designer employers who support STEM OPT?
Start with employers who have a track record of filing Labor Condition Applications for engineering roles, which you can verify through the OFLC Wage Search. E-Verify enrollment is the other non-negotiable filter. Migrate Mate combines both signals, showing you Mechanical Designer openings at employers who meet the E-Verify requirement and have demonstrated history of sponsoring technical roles, so you're not researching each company manually.