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 JobsWHY DO WE NEED YOU?
Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing personnel, equipment, and the safe, efficient operation of the Chicago, IL facility, a unionized site. This role provides leadership across all aspects of plant operations, ensuring production goals are achieved while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and customer service.
The Assistant Plant Manager will lead operational excellence initiatives by driving lab and rework improvements, managing wash water handling and reuse programs, and implementing process improvements for microfiber and top cast product lines to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
The Assistant Plant Manager will develop workforce capabilities by leading 5S events, coordinating employee cross-training programs across the factory, and providing leadership and operational oversight for 2nd Shift to ensure a safe, productive, and engaged work environment.
The Assistant Plant Manager will champion customer service improvements, including Admix-related initiatives, while partnering with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, strengthen customer satisfaction, and improve overall plant performance.
Working hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Assistant Plant Manager covers for Shift Supervisors when they are on vacation. 1st shift is 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM and 2nd shift is 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of experience
- Experience in a fast-paced union manufacturing environment
- Strong aptitude for basic math and attention to detail in sequential work
- Basic understanding of computers and computer-controlled equipment, with general knowledge and user skills with: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Internet
- Command of the English language
- Ability to work Mon-Fri from 10AM to 7PM. The Assistant Plant Manager covers for Shift Supervisors when they are on vacation. 1st shift is 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM and 2nd shift is 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
LI-KM1
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
Chryso and GCP, Saint-Gobain brands in our Construction Chemicals business, are leading global designer and manufacturer of high-quality concrete admixture thanks to a strong commitment to research and innovation, coupled with adherence to the strictest manufacturing standards in the industry. Our admixtures are engineered to optimize the performance of our customers’ specific concrete materials in a way that will maximize user satisfaction and economy. We deliver significant added value and support to its clients, which includes assistance with client inventory control and prompt product deliveries.
LEGAL STATEMENT
Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.
Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at SGNA_HR_Compliance@saint-gobain.com.
BENEFITS IN JOINING US
Certain locations require pay information be provided in job postings. Saint-Gobain aims to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support our employees’ wellbeing and help improve daily life for themselves and their families. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer potential candidates. Provided is the national pay range for this position which is $81,500 to $126,500 per year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus. The targeted bonus amount is 10% of base salary based on company and individual performance measures. The Total Target Cash range (base pay and annual bonus) for this position is $89,650 to $139,150. Bonus payments are part of variable compensation and by nature can vary based on company and individual performance and is not a guarantee.
Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs:
Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Healthcare Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- LiveWell Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
Retirement and Protection – Helping to make the future life you want a reality
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want
- Group Legal
- Identity Theft Protection
- Auto and Home Insurance
- Pet Insurance and Discounts
- Back-up Child & Elder Care
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
Job Reference: USA15106
WHY DO WE NEED YOU?
Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Assistant Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing personnel, equipment, and the safe, efficient operation of the Chicago, IL facility, a unionized site. This role provides leadership across all aspects of plant operations, ensuring production goals are achieved while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and customer service.
The Assistant Plant Manager will lead operational excellence initiatives by driving lab and rework improvements, managing wash water handling and reuse programs, and implementing process improvements for microfiber and top cast product lines to enhance efficiency, quality, and sustainability.
The Assistant Plant Manager will develop workforce capabilities by leading 5S events, coordinating employee cross-training programs across the factory, and providing leadership and operational oversight for 2nd Shift to ensure a safe, productive, and engaged work environment.
The Assistant Plant Manager will champion customer service improvements, including Admix-related initiatives, while partnering with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, strengthen customer satisfaction, and improve overall plant performance.
Working hours: Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Assistant Plant Manager covers for Shift Supervisors when they are on vacation. 1st shift is 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM and 2nd shift is 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent level of experience
- Experience in a fast-paced union manufacturing environment
- Strong aptitude for basic math and attention to detail in sequential work
- Basic understanding of computers and computer-controlled equipment, with general knowledge and user skills with: Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word, Internet
- Command of the English language
- Ability to work Mon-Fri from 10AM to 7PM. The Assistant Plant Manager covers for Shift Supervisors when they are on vacation. 1st shift is 6:30 AM - 2:30 PM and 2nd shift is 2:30 PM to 10:30 PM.
LI-KM1
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
Chryso and GCP, Saint-Gobain brands in our Construction Chemicals business, are leading global designer and manufacturer of high-quality concrete admixture thanks to a strong commitment to research and innovation, coupled with adherence to the strictest manufacturing standards in the industry. Our admixtures are engineered to optimize the performance of our customers’ specific concrete materials in a way that will maximize user satisfaction and economy. We deliver significant added value and support to its clients, which includes assistance with client inventory control and prompt product deliveries.
LEGAL STATEMENT
Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.
Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at SGNA_HR_Compliance@saint-gobain.com.
BENEFITS IN JOINING US
Certain locations require pay information be provided in job postings. Saint-Gobain aims to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support our employees’ wellbeing and help improve daily life for themselves and their families. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer potential candidates. Provided is the national pay range for this position which is $81,500 to $126,500 per year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus. The targeted bonus amount is 10% of base salary based on company and individual performance measures. The Total Target Cash range (base pay and annual bonus) for this position is $89,650 to $139,150. Bonus payments are part of variable compensation and by nature can vary based on company and individual performance and is not a guarantee.
Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs:
Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Healthcare Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- LiveWell Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
Retirement and Protection – Helping to make the future life you want a reality
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want
- Group Legal
- Identity Theft Protection
- Auto and Home Insurance
- Pet Insurance and Discounts
- Back-up Child & Elder Care
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
Job Reference: USA15106
See all 56+ STEM OPT Plant Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Plant Engineer Jobs.
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.