Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Illinois
Manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois draw engineers, production technologists, and quality specialists to a state home to major employers like Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, and Deere & Company. Chicago, Peoria, and the broader Chicagoland corridor are the primary hiring centers, with aerospace, food manufacturing, and industrial machinery sectors actively filing Labor Condition Applications for STEM OPT candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsCareer Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself
Role Definition
Caterpillar’s Advanced Materials Technology Department is currently seeking a Controls & Automation Engineering Specialist to support heat treat operations, induction processing systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. This role blends metallurgical engineering expertise with automation, process control, and manufacturing systems integration to optimize product quality, process capability, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
What You Will Do
PLC, Controls & Automation Systems
- Own troubleshooting, modification, and support of PLC-controlled manufacturing systems in production environments
- Maintain and optimize PLC ladder logic, HMI/SCADA systems (including Wonderware), and controls architecture
- Integrate new equipment, sensors, and systems into existing PLC frameworks
- Diagnose system faults and implement corrective actions to restore uptime
Heat Treat & Induction Equipment
- Provide controls and electrical support for heat treat furnaces, induction systems, and related equipment
- Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of furnace cells and automation systems
- Execute control revisions and upgrades for new and existing heat treat technologies
Manufacturing Systems Integration
- Lead integration of automation systems including robotics, MECCO printers, vision systems, and material handling
- Configure communication between PLCs, HMIs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Support recipe management, data collection systems, and plant-level automation architecture
On-Floor Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
- Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems in live production environments
- Provide rapid response support to minimize downtime across multiple facilities
- Deliver both on-site and remote technical support across geographically distributed operations
Energy Monitoring & Digital Systems
- Design, install, and integrate power and gas metering systems into manufacturing equipment
- Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards for energy monitoring and reporting
- Enable data-driven decision making through system integration and reporting tools
Capital Projects & Commissioning
- Support implementation of capital projects including furnace installations, automation upgrades, and new production cells
- Perform equipment commissioning, system validation, and startup support
- Bridge manpower gaps on high-impact projects to ensure successful delivery
Training & Cross-Site Support
- Train maintenance teams on troubleshooting PLC and automation systems to increase plant self-sufficiency
- Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to operations and engineering teams
- Support multiple facilities across the U.S. and Mexico through travel and remote engagement
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering required.
What you must have (skills)
- Controls Engineering: Strong PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial automation experience
- Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production system issues under pressure
- Systems Integration: Experience connecting equipment, PLCs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Manufacturing Engineering: Knowledge of industrial equipment, particularly heat treat and automated systems
- Data & Analytics: Experience with data collection and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
- Project Execution: Ability to support commissioning, upgrades, and capital projects
- Communication: Ability to work across sites, teams, and functions effectively
- Self-Directed Execution: Comfortable operating as a primary or sole controls resource across multiple locations
Additional Information
- This position posting will close on 9/18/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building AD).
- Domestic relocation is Available
- VISA Sponsorship is Available
- Travel requirements will be less than 10%.
Final details
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
-
Tuition Reimbursement
-
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
Posting Dates:
September 11, 2026 - September 18, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
Career Area:
Engineering
Job Description:
Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.
When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.
Hear about the Caterpillar Experience for yourself
Role Definition
Caterpillar’s Advanced Materials Technology Department is currently seeking a Controls & Automation Engineering Specialist to support heat treat operations, induction processing systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies across multiple facilities. This role blends metallurgical engineering expertise with automation, process control, and manufacturing systems integration to optimize product quality, process capability, equipment reliability, and operational efficiency.
What You Will Do
PLC, Controls & Automation Systems
- Own troubleshooting, modification, and support of PLC-controlled manufacturing systems in production environments
- Maintain and optimize PLC ladder logic, HMI/SCADA systems (including Wonderware), and controls architecture
- Integrate new equipment, sensors, and systems into existing PLC frameworks
- Diagnose system faults and implement corrective actions to restore uptime
Heat Treat & Induction Equipment
- Provide controls and electrical support for heat treat furnaces, induction systems, and related equipment
- Support commissioning, startup, and troubleshooting of furnace cells and automation systems
- Execute control revisions and upgrades for new and existing heat treat technologies
Manufacturing Systems Integration
- Lead integration of automation systems including robotics, MECCO printers, vision systems, and material handling
- Configure communication between PLCs, HMIs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Support recipe management, data collection systems, and plant-level automation architecture
On-Floor Diagnostics & Troubleshooting
- Perform advanced troubleshooting of electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems in live production environments
- Provide rapid response support to minimize downtime across multiple facilities
- Deliver both on-site and remote technical support across geographically distributed operations
Energy Monitoring & Digital Systems
- Design, install, and integrate power and gas metering systems into manufacturing equipment
- Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards for energy monitoring and reporting
- Enable data-driven decision making through system integration and reporting tools
Capital Projects & Commissioning
- Support implementation of capital projects including furnace installations, automation upgrades, and new production cells
- Perform equipment commissioning, system validation, and startup support
- Bridge manpower gaps on high-impact projects to ensure successful delivery
Training & Cross-Site Support
- Train maintenance teams on troubleshooting PLC and automation systems to increase plant self-sufficiency
- Provide technical mentorship and knowledge transfer to operations and engineering teams
- Support multiple facilities across the U.S. and Mexico through travel and remote engagement
Degree Requirement
Bachelor's degree in Computer or Electrical Engineering required.
What you must have (skills)
- Controls Engineering: Strong PLC, HMI/SCADA, and industrial automation experience
- Troubleshooting: Ability to diagnose and resolve complex production system issues under pressure
- Systems Integration: Experience connecting equipment, PLCs, databases, and enterprise systems
- Manufacturing Engineering: Knowledge of industrial equipment, particularly heat treat and automated systems
- Data & Analytics: Experience with data collection and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
- Project Execution: Ability to support commissioning, upgrades, and capital projects
- Communication: Ability to work across sites, teams, and functions effectively
- Self-Directed Execution: Comfortable operating as a primary or sole controls resource across multiple locations
Additional Information
- This position posting will close on 9/18/2026 at 11:59 p.m.
- This position will be located onsite 5 days a week in East Peoria, IL (Building AD).
- Domestic relocation is Available
- VISA Sponsorship is Available
- Travel requirements will be less than 10%.
Final details
Please frequently check the email associated with your application, including the junk/spam folder, as this is the primary correspondence method. If you wish to know the status of your application – please use the candidate log-in on our career website as it will reflect any updates to your status.
Summary Pay Range:
$128,470.00 - $192,710.00
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.
Benefits:
Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.
- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
-
Tuition Reimbursement
-
These benefits also apply to part-time employees
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
Relocation is available for this position.
Visa sponsorship is available for eligible applicants.
Posting Dates:
September 11, 2026 - September 18, 2026
Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.
Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.
Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.
STEM OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Illinois
See all 120+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Illinois
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in IllinoisManufacturing STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Illinois?
Illinois-based manufacturers with documented STEM OPT and H-1B visa filing histories include Caterpillar, Abbott Laboratories, Deere and Company, Kraft Heinz, and Illinois Tool Works. Boeing and Baxter International also have significant Illinois operations and have filed Labor Condition Applications for engineering and technical roles. Filing history varies by location, business unit, and hiring cycle, so it is worth reviewing OFLC disclosure data for the most current employer-level records.
Which cities in Illinois have the most manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago and the surrounding Chicagoland suburbs, including Schaumburg, Deerfield, and North Chicago, concentrate the largest share of manufacturing sponsorship activity, driven by corporate headquarters and research-linked production facilities. Peoria is a strong secondary market, anchored by Caterpillar's global headquarters. Rockford has an established aerospace and precision machining cluster, while the Quad Cities region along the Iowa border sees consistent industrial hiring from agricultural equipment manufacturers.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify must be directly related to a STEM-designated degree field. In Illinois manufacturing, this commonly includes process engineers, manufacturing engineers, quality assurance engineers, supply chain analysts with quantitative backgrounds, automation and controls engineers, and materials scientists. Job titles in production management or operations may qualify if the employer confirms the role requires the application of a specific STEM discipline rather than general business or administrative skills. USCIS and O*NET classifications are useful reference points for determining eligibility.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. You can filter by Illinois, by the F-1 STEM OPT visa type, and by the manufacturing industry to see employers with verified Labor Condition Application filing histories in the state. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that have never sponsored international employees. Reviewing employer LCA filing records through Migrate Mate helps you prioritize roles where sponsorship is part of an established hiring pattern rather than a one-off exception.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Illinois manufacturing?
Illinois does not impose additional state-level immigration requirements beyond federal USCIS and DOL rules, but manufacturing employers in the state are concentrated in regulated industries, food production, medical devices, and defense contracting, where E-Verify participation is often mandatory. Employers in federally contracted manufacturing segments must use E-Verify, which is a standard part of STEM OPT onboarding regardless of state. Illinois also has a dense community of mid-size manufacturers where immigration infrastructure varies widely, so confirming an employer's prior sponsorship experience before applying is advisable.