STEM OPT Plant Engineer Jobs
Plant Engineer roles qualify for STEM OPT because they draw on engineering degrees in fields like mechanical, industrial, or chemical engineering. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree unlocks a 24-month OPT extension beyond the initial 12 months, giving you up to 36 months to build experience in manufacturing operations, process optimization, and facilities management.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
PTI Quality Containment Solutions, LLC is a Premier Supplier of Quality Containment Solutions, Supply Chain Services and Engineered Coatings, serving the Automotive and Manufacturing Industries. Striving to be more than a vendor, PTI-QCS aspires to be a partner, sharing ownership in promoting and celebrating customer success. PTI specializes in coatings of automotive components.
We are currently seeking a Plant Engineer that is responsible for leading the direction of production processes, workflow, and plant efficiency. Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Analyze equipment, processes, and workflow and develop methods to improve quality and reduce cost.
- Lead and/or be part of teams to implement these changes and improvements.
- Prepare cost justification documentation for new capital equipment initiatives.
- Assist with the implementation of new machinery and technologies, working closely with operations, maintenance, and outside vendors.
- Lead and support Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement activities.
- Apply statistical methods and time studies to set production rates and standards.
- Work closely with new and existing machinery and technology vendors to ensure the successful implementation of their products into our manufacturing process.
- Must have hands-on experience with CAD Software.
- PPE must be worn.
- Ensuring customer requirements are being met.
- Responsible for 5S in Work Area.
- Employee must adhere to all 5S and safety rules.
- Required participation in semi-annual work reviews.
- Employee must adhere to all ISO/IATF procedures and work instructions.
- Perform all other assigned duties.
- Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Manufacturing Facility.
- Ability to read CAD Blueprints.
- Strong Leadership Skills, must have at least 2 years in a Leadership Role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's (Preferred).
- Process engineering: 1 year (Preferred).
- Automotive Manufacturing: 1 year (Required).
JOB TYPE
- Full-time.
BENEFITS
- Dental insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Referral program.
- Vision insurance.
SCHEDULE
- 10 hour shift.
- 8 hour shift.
- Day shift.
- Monday to Friday.
- Weekend availability.
ABILITY TO COMMUTE/RELOCATE
- Roseville, MI 48066: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred).
- Sterling Heights, MI 48312 (Preferred).
PAY
- From $70,000.00 per year.
WORK LOCATION
- In person.
INTRODUCTION
PTI Quality Containment Solutions, LLC is a Premier Supplier of Quality Containment Solutions, Supply Chain Services and Engineered Coatings, serving the Automotive and Manufacturing Industries. Striving to be more than a vendor, PTI-QCS aspires to be a partner, sharing ownership in promoting and celebrating customer success. PTI specializes in coatings of automotive components.
We are currently seeking a Plant Engineer that is responsible for leading the direction of production processes, workflow, and plant efficiency. Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Analyze equipment, processes, and workflow and develop methods to improve quality and reduce cost.
- Lead and/or be part of teams to implement these changes and improvements.
- Prepare cost justification documentation for new capital equipment initiatives.
- Assist with the implementation of new machinery and technologies, working closely with operations, maintenance, and outside vendors.
- Lead and support Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement activities.
- Apply statistical methods and time studies to set production rates and standards.
- Work closely with new and existing machinery and technology vendors to ensure the successful implementation of their products into our manufacturing process.
- Must have hands-on experience with CAD Software.
- PPE must be worn.
- Ensuring customer requirements are being met.
- Responsible for 5S in Work Area.
- Employee must adhere to all 5S and safety rules.
- Required participation in semi-annual work reviews.
- Employee must adhere to all ISO/IATF procedures and work instructions.
- Perform all other assigned duties.
- Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in Manufacturing Facility.
- Ability to read CAD Blueprints.
- Strong Leadership Skills, must have at least 2 years in a Leadership Role.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's (Preferred).
- Process engineering: 1 year (Preferred).
- Automotive Manufacturing: 1 year (Required).
JOB TYPE
- Full-time.
BENEFITS
- Dental insurance.
- Health insurance.
- Paid time off.
- Referral program.
- Vision insurance.
SCHEDULE
- 10 hour shift.
- 8 hour shift.
- Day shift.
- Monday to Friday.
- Weekend availability.
ABILITY TO COMMUTE/RELOCATE
- Roseville, MI 48066: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Preferred).
- Sterling Heights, MI 48312 (Preferred).
PAY
- From $70,000.00 per year.
WORK LOCATION
- In person.
See all 129+ STEM OPT Plant Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Plant Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Plant Engineer roles typically map to CIP codes in mechanical, industrial, or chemical engineering. Check your diploma and transcripts to confirm your degree's CIP code qualifies for STEM OPT extension before submitting applications, so you don't lose time pursuing roles at non-qualifying employers.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor your STEM OPT extension. Ask HR directly during the offer stage or search the E-Verify employer search tool to confirm enrollment status before signing, since unenrolled employers cannot legally extend your work authorization.
Target manufacturers with engineering headcount and filing history
Large-scale manufacturers in automotive, aerospace, food processing, and chemicals hire plant engineers regularly and tend to have established processes for OPT students. Use Migrate Mate to filter employers by STEM OPT hiring history and E-Verify status so you're targeting the right facilities.
Align your I-983 training plan to plant operations goals
Your I-983 must show a direct connection between your STEM degree and your on-the-job training objectives. For plant engineering roles, frame learning goals around process improvement methodologies, equipment reliability, or safety compliance, and get your supervisor to co-sign specific performance benchmarks before your OPT extension is filed.
Time your STEM OPT extension filing around plant hiring cycles
Manufacturing facilities often ramp hiring in Q1 and Q3 ahead of production cycles. USCIS recommends filing your STEM OPT extension up to 90 days before your current OPT expires. Coordinating your application timeline with peak hiring periods reduces the risk of a work authorization gap between roles.
Use O*NET to document specialty occupation eligibility
Plant Engineer maps to SOC 17-2112 in O*NET with a Job Zone 4 classification, indicating a bachelor's degree requirement. Print the O*NET occupation profile and include it in your employer's documentation to support STEM OPT training plan approval and any future H-1B visa petition for specialty occupation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Plant Engineer role qualify for STEM OPT?
Yes, if your degree is in a qualifying STEM field such as mechanical, industrial, chemical, or manufacturing engineering. The role must also directly relate to your degree program, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. USCIS evaluates both the degree field and the job's connection to that field when approving a STEM OPT extension.
How do I find Plant Engineer employers who are enrolled in E-Verify?
You can search Migrate Mate to browse Plant Engineer openings filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers, which is required for your STEM OPT extension. You can also verify any employer independently through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting an offer, since enrollment status can change and your DSO will need confirmation before filing your I-983.
What does the I-983 training plan need to include for a Plant Engineer?
Your I-983 must describe how your on-the-job training directly relates to your STEM degree. For plant engineering, this means documenting learning objectives tied to areas like process control, facility operations, or engineering analysis. Both you and your employer's supervisor must sign the plan, and it needs to be updated if your role or responsibilities change materially.
What happens to my work authorization if my Plant Engineer offer comes after my OPT expires?
If you're in a cap-gap period because your employer has filed an H-1B petition on your behalf, USCIS automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. Outside of cap-gap, there's no grace period for expired OPT. Filing your STEM OPT extension before your current OPT end date is the only way to maintain continuous authorization.
Can I switch Plant Engineer employers during my STEM OPT extension?
Yes, but you must report the change to your DSO within 10 days and submit a new or updated I-983 training plan with your new employer. The new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. USCIS does not require a new EAD for an employer change during STEM OPT, but your DSO must update your SEVIS record to reflect the transition.