Manufacturing CPT Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is one of the Midwest's largest manufacturing hubs, home to companies like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Illinois Tool Works that regularly bring on F-1 CPT students for engineering, operations, and supply chain roles. Chicago, Peoria, and Rockford anchor the state's manufacturing activity, giving CPT students access to internship opportunities across advanced manufacturing, medical devices, and industrial equipment.
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What We're Seeking:
SWD Inc., located in Addison, IL, is looking for a Fall 2025 Safety Intern! You will report to SWD’s Safety Champion and Maintenance Department. This Safety Intern will take on hands-on projects to improve our safety program!
We are looking for current students pursuing a Bachelors' degree in Safety Management, Environmental Engineering, Occupational Safety and Health, Environmental Safety, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), or a related field. This internship will be 100% on-site in Addison, IL. You must be able to commute to our facility. This internship is PAID at $18.00 per hour.
This internship will span over the Fall semester (August-December). However, we are flexible on the starting and ending dates depending on your classes and schedule. Hours are flexible! We know you may have classes and homework to complete. Hours will range between 20-35 hours per week, Monday-Friday.
Responsibilities/Duties:
- Assist in the focus on Life Safety compliance
- Analyze various job tasks and equipment to streamline processes in a safe manner
- Assist and make recommendations on safety policies and procedures
- Assist with safety inspections and audits
- Other projects to come!
Qualifications
- Commitment to Safety: A strong commitment to safety principles and a proactive approach to identifying and resolving safety issues are highly valued
- The ability to identify and analyze safety hazards and develop solutions
- Strong written and verbal communication skills are needed for interacting with colleagues, documenting findings, and presenting information
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- The ability to identify discrepancies and ensure accuracy in data and documentation
- Prior experience in a manufacturing or construction environment can be a plus
- Knowledge of OSHA regulations and other safety standards can be a plus
About us:
SWD Inc. opened for business in March 1980 with three employees in a 9,000 sq. ft. leased facility and began black oxiding, cleaning, and pickling operations with used equipment. In late 1980, the company began passivating stainless steel and in 1981 purchased Fastener Sorting Corporation. Today, a recognized leader in the Metal Finishing and Fastener Sorting fields, SWD Inc. has around 250 employees and runs three shifts per day in its 250,000 sq. ft. facility just west of Chicago in Addison, Illinois.
Note: SWD is a Drug-Free workplace. All job offers are contingent on successful completion of a Background Check, Drug Screen, and Pre-Employment Physical.
Please Note: This role uses AI-assisted tools in parts of the hiring process, as required to be disclosed under Illinois law.
CPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in IllinoisManufacturing CPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies in Illinois are known to sponsor F-1 CPT visas?
Large Illinois-based manufacturers including Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, Illinois Tool Works, Deere and Company (with significant Illinois operations), and Motorola Solutions have historically offered internship and co-op programs that accommodate F-1 CPT authorization. Mid-size manufacturers in the Chicago metro and Peoria areas also participate, though CPT sponsorship availability varies by semester, department, and whether the role meets your school's CPT requirements. Always confirm CPT eligibility with your DSO before accepting an offer.
Which cities in Illinois have the most manufacturing F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago and its suburbs, particularly the I-88 corridor through Downers Grove, Lisle, and Aurora, account for the largest share of manufacturing F-1 CPT opportunities in Illinois due to the concentration of corporate headquarters and research facilities. Peoria is a strong secondary market, anchored by Caterpillar's global headquarters. Rockford has a dense base of precision manufacturing and aerospace suppliers, and Decatur hosts major agribusiness and food processing operations.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 CPT sponsorship in Illinois?
Roles that align directly with a student's field of study are the qualifying factor for CPT, not the job title itself. In Illinois manufacturing, that commonly includes industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, supply chain and operations management, quality assurance, process engineering, and manufacturing systems internships. Roles in R&D, product development, and automation engineering at companies like Illinois Tool Works or Abbott also tend to fit CPT requirements for engineering and applied science students.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 CPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 CPT, and by industry, so you can search directly for manufacturing roles in Illinois without sorting through positions that don't accommodate CPT. Beyond Migrate Mate, your university's career center and on-campus recruiting events are worth attending, as Illinois schools like University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Northwestern have established relationships with major in-state manufacturers.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for F-1 CPT students pursuing manufacturing jobs?
Illinois does not impose state-level restrictions on F-1 CPT employment beyond federal DSO authorization requirements, but manufacturing roles in certain sectors, such as defense-adjacent suppliers or companies with export-controlled technology, may involve additional screening under federal export control regulations. Students from certain countries may face longer background check timelines. It's worth asking the employer early in the process whether the role involves export-controlled technology or security clearance prerequisites, and consulting your DSO before accepting.