Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Alabama
Manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Alabama are concentrated around Huntsville's aerospace and defense corridor, Birmingham's automotive supply chain, and the Mercedes-Benz and Honda assembly plants in Tuscaloosa and Lincoln. Engineering, process improvement, and advanced manufacturing roles at these facilities frequently qualify for STEM OPT authorization, making Alabama one of the more active Southern states for manufacturing STEM talent.
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Get Access To All JobsA leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions. The company also offers digital solutions including contractor planning and utility grid resiliency as well as field services including cable testing, rejuvenation and replacement to support our customers as a value-add partner. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, employee benefits, tuition reimbursement and unlimited growth opportunities. Our more than seven decades of progressive growth can be attributed to our determination to developing innovative systems and solutions, exercising environmental stewardship and enhancing the well-being of the communities in which we work and live. How will you power what’s possible?
Location: Heflin, AL
Job Summary
The Lean Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing programs for facility modifications and revisions to operating methods. The Lean Specialist will participate on multiple projects and apply continuous improvement techniques leveraging Six Sigma and Lean methodologies to solve problems (DMAIC) and build new capabilities. This position is a change agent who challenges organizational leaders to drive continuous improvements; remove organizational barriers to continuous improvement processes.
Key Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Assist the Lean Leader and/or lead cross-functional projects designed to analyze and design sequence of operations and workflows to improve efficiencies.
- Assist in controlling studies pertaining to cost, cost reduction, inventory control, and production record systems.
- Interfacing with other departments to identify improvement opportunities to drive high quality and efficient processes.
- Help mobilizing problem solving teams and supporting groups to streamline processes.
- Co-facilitate Kaizen events as appropriate to expand skills in driving continuous improvements in operations and office areas.
- Share best practices with other site Lean Specialists and develop coordinated plans.
Required Education & Experience
Education:
BS/BA Degree or equivalent experience.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 1-5 years of business experience showing progressive responsibility.
- Participated in continuous improvement/Lean/Six Sigma efforts and enabling efficiency, effectiveness, and tangible financial benefit.
- Hands-on and demonstrated experience with continuous improvement programs up to and including deployment of Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
- Demonstrated successful project leader experience and acumen.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and able to interpret and determine a way forward.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability and willingness to achieve Green Belt Certification within 12 - 18 months.
Travel
The ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
Physical Requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include; close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Working Conditions
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work in office environment or Work in a manufacturing environment.
May occasionally be required to perform job duties outside the typical office setting for 8 or more hours at a time.
Competencies
- Nimble Learning
- Customer Focus
- Plans and Aligns
- Collaborates
- Balances Stakeholders
- Action Oriented
Benefits We Offer:
- 401k with Matching
- Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision)
- Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
- Long & Short-Term Disability
- Supplemental Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Programs
- Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities
- Parental Leave
- & More
Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
A leader in technology and innovation, Southwire Company, LLC is one of North America’s largest wire and cable producers. Southwire and its subsidiaries manufacture building wire and cable, utility products, metal-clad cable, portable and electronic cord products, OEM wire products and engineered products. In addition, Southwire supplies assembled products, contractor equipment, electrical components, hand tools and jobsite power and lighting solutions. The company also offers digital solutions including contractor planning and utility grid resiliency as well as field services including cable testing, rejuvenation and replacement to support our customers as a value-add partner. We are proud to offer competitive compensation, employee benefits, tuition reimbursement and unlimited growth opportunities. Our more than seven decades of progressive growth can be attributed to our determination to developing innovative systems and solutions, exercising environmental stewardship and enhancing the well-being of the communities in which we work and live. How will you power what’s possible?
Location: Heflin, AL
Job Summary
The Lean Specialist is responsible for planning and implementing programs for facility modifications and revisions to operating methods. The Lean Specialist will participate on multiple projects and apply continuous improvement techniques leveraging Six Sigma and Lean methodologies to solve problems (DMAIC) and build new capabilities. This position is a change agent who challenges organizational leaders to drive continuous improvements; remove organizational barriers to continuous improvement processes.
Key Responsibilities
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
- Assist the Lean Leader and/or lead cross-functional projects designed to analyze and design sequence of operations and workflows to improve efficiencies.
- Assist in controlling studies pertaining to cost, cost reduction, inventory control, and production record systems.
- Interfacing with other departments to identify improvement opportunities to drive high quality and efficient processes.
- Help mobilizing problem solving teams and supporting groups to streamline processes.
- Co-facilitate Kaizen events as appropriate to expand skills in driving continuous improvements in operations and office areas.
- Share best practices with other site Lean Specialists and develop coordinated plans.
Required Education & Experience
Education:
BS/BA Degree or equivalent experience.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 1-5 years of business experience showing progressive responsibility.
- Participated in continuous improvement/Lean/Six Sigma efforts and enabling efficiency, effectiveness, and tangible financial benefit.
- Hands-on and demonstrated experience with continuous improvement programs up to and including deployment of Lean and Six Sigma tools and methodologies.
- Demonstrated successful project leader experience and acumen.
- Comfortable with ambiguity and able to interpret and determine a way forward.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability and willingness to achieve Green Belt Certification within 12 - 18 months.
Travel
The ability to travel up to 10% of the time.
Physical Requirements
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, talk, and/or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 45 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include; close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Working Conditions
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work in office environment or Work in a manufacturing environment.
May occasionally be required to perform job duties outside the typical office setting for 8 or more hours at a time.
Competencies
- Nimble Learning
- Customer Focus
- Plans and Aligns
- Collaborates
- Balances Stakeholders
- Action Oriented
Benefits We Offer:
- 401k with Matching
- Family and Individual Insurance Packages (Health, Life, Dental, and Vision)
- Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
- Long & Short-Term Disability
- Supplemental Insurance Plans
- Employee Assistance Program
- Employee Referral Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Programs
- Advancement & Professional Growth opportunities
- Parental Leave
- & More
Southwire is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
STEM OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Alabama
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in AlabamaManufacturing STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Alabama: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Alabama?
Alabama manufacturers with documented F-1 STEM OPT hiring include Mercedes-Benz U.S. International in Vance, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama in Lincoln, Boeing and Lockheed Martin in Huntsville, and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama in Montgomery. These employers have established STEM-designated employer programs and regularly file Labor Condition Applications for engineering and technical roles, which is a reliable indicator of sponsorship activity.
Which cities in Alabama have the most manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Huntsville leads Alabama for STEM-eligible manufacturing roles, driven by its aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors. Birmingham follows with automotive supply chain and metals manufacturing employers. Montgomery and the Tuscaloosa-Vance corridor are strong for automotive assembly and related engineering positions. Decatur and Mobile also have active industrial manufacturing employers that hire STEM OPT candidates in engineering and quality roles.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Alabama?
Migrate Mate filters manufacturing job listings specifically by STEM OPT eligibility and employer sponsorship history, so you can search Alabama roles without sorting through employers who don't sponsor. Focus on job titles with USCIS-designated STEM degree classifications tied to STEM fields, such as industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, and quality systems. Confirming the employer is E-Verify enrolled is also an essential step before applying for any STEM OPT position.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Alabama?
Roles that qualify must fall under STEM-designated STEM degree classifications as defined by USCIS and DHS. In Alabama manufacturing, these typically include industrial engineers, mechanical engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality assurance engineers, process engineers, materials scientists, and automation or robotics engineers. Production supervisor or general operations roles without a qualifying STEM degree requirement generally do not qualify, so confirming the STEM degree classification with your DSO before accepting an offer is important.
Are there any Alabama-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT manufacturing jobs?
Alabama has no state-level immigration licensing requirements that directly affect STEM OPT eligibility, but the state's manufacturing sector is heavily tied to federal defense contracts, particularly in Huntsville. Some defense-sector manufacturing roles may require security clearances that non-U.S. citizens on STEM OPT cannot obtain, which can limit access to certain positions at facilities like Redstone Arsenal contractors. Confirming clearance requirements before applying saves significant time in the job search.