Manufacturing OPT Jobs in Indiana
Indiana's manufacturing sector is one of the largest in the U.S., with major employers like Eli Lilly, Cummins, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and Steel Technologies operating across Indianapolis, Columbus, Lafayette, and Fort Wayne. F-1 OPT students in engineering, supply chain, and production management find strong sponsorship opportunities here, particularly in automotive, pharmaceutical, and advanced manufacturing.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Project Engineer II – Strategic Ops
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Engineer II is responsible for executing engineering and operational projects that support manufacturing efficiency, process improvements, and strategic initiatives within Milwaukee Tool's Kitting, Manufacturing, and Service operations. Individuals in this position will provide project management and necessary technical direction to assure successful and timely implementation of projects.
Working cross-functionally, this individual will manage assigned projects from concept through implementation while developing the skills to lead increasingly complex initiatives.
You'll Be DISRUPTIVE Through These Duties and Responsibilities
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Lead small to moderately complex engineering and operational projects, ensuring successful execution of scope, timelines, and deliverables.
-
Support manufacturing & service strategies, NPD launches, process improvements, and operational readiness initiatives.
-
Evaluate manufacturing processes, equipment, layouts, and capacity to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, quality, and productivity.
-
Develop project plans, track milestones, identify risks, and communicate progress to key stakeholders.
-
Utilize data analysis and structured problem-solving to develop and implement sustainable operational solutions.
-
Support equipment installations, process changes, manufacturing transfers, and production ramp-ups.
-
Assist in developing business cases, cost estimates, and feasibility assessments for proposed initiatives.
-
Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and external partners to ensure project alignment and execution.
-
Coordinate project implementation, stabilization, and handoff to site Operations and Continuous Improvement teams.
-
Review work of manufacturing engineers, process engineers and other project team members.
-
Identify opportunities to standardize processes and support continuous improvement across Kitting, Manufacturing, and Service operations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
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Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
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2+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, project execution, or related operations.
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Demonstrated ability to manage project activities, timelines, and deliverables.
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Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
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Ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams and manage competing priorities.
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Willingness to travel as necessary for successful project completion.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Experience in manufacturing, service, kitting, or distribution operations.
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Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
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Experience with equipment implementation, process improvements, or manufacturing layouts.
-
Familiarity with project management tools, capital projects, and NPD processes.
Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.
INTRODUCTION
Project Engineer II – Strategic Ops
YOUR ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Project Engineer II is responsible for executing engineering and operational projects that support manufacturing efficiency, process improvements, and strategic initiatives within Milwaukee Tool's Kitting, Manufacturing, and Service operations. Individuals in this position will provide project management and necessary technical direction to assure successful and timely implementation of projects.
Working cross-functionally, this individual will manage assigned projects from concept through implementation while developing the skills to lead increasingly complex initiatives.
You'll Be DISRUPTIVE Through These Duties and Responsibilities
-
Lead small to moderately complex engineering and operational projects, ensuring successful execution of scope, timelines, and deliverables.
-
Support manufacturing & service strategies, NPD launches, process improvements, and operational readiness initiatives.
-
Evaluate manufacturing processes, equipment, layouts, and capacity to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, quality, and productivity.
-
Develop project plans, track milestones, identify risks, and communicate progress to key stakeholders.
-
Utilize data analysis and structured problem-solving to develop and implement sustainable operational solutions.
-
Support equipment installations, process changes, manufacturing transfers, and production ramp-ups.
-
Assist in developing business cases, cost estimates, and feasibility assessments for proposed initiatives.
-
Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and external partners to ensure project alignment and execution.
-
Coordinate project implementation, stabilization, and handoff to site Operations and Continuous Improvement teams.
-
Review work of manufacturing engineers, process engineers and other project team members.
-
Identify opportunities to standardize processes and support continuous improvement across Kitting, Manufacturing, and Service operations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
-
Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related technical field.
-
2+ years of experience in engineering, manufacturing, project execution, or related operations.
-
Demonstrated ability to manage project activities, timelines, and deliverables.
-
Strong analytical, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
-
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint.
-
Ability to collaborate effectively across functional teams and manage competing priorities.
-
Willingness to travel as necessary for successful project completion.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
-
Experience in manufacturing, service, kitting, or distribution operations.
-
Knowledge of Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
-
Experience with equipment implementation, process improvements, or manufacturing layouts.
-
Familiarity with project management tools, capital projects, and NPD processes.
Milwaukee Tool is an equal opportunity employer.
OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Indiana
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in IndianaManufacturing OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies in Indiana sponsor F-1 OPT visas?
Several large Indiana manufacturers have a track record of hiring F-1 OPT workers, including Cummins, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Eli Lilly, Rolls-Royce, and ArcelorMittal. These companies regularly hire engineers, quality analysts, and supply chain professionals on OPT. Sponsorship availability varies by role, department, and hiring cycle, so confirming OPT acceptance directly with the employer during the application process is important.
Which cities in Indiana have the most manufacturing F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Indianapolis, Columbus, Lafayette, Fort Wayne, and Kokomo are Indiana's strongest cities for manufacturing OPT roles. Indianapolis anchors pharmaceutical and advanced manufacturing, Columbus hosts Cummins' global headquarters, Lafayette supports Subaru's automotive plant, and Fort Wayne and Kokomo have deep roots in metals and auto parts manufacturing. Proximity to Purdue University in West Lafayette also means many employers in that corridor actively recruit international students.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Indiana?
Roles that align with a STEM-designated degree program are most commonly sponsored for F-1 OPT in Indiana manufacturing. These include mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, process engineering, supply chain management, and materials science positions. Roles requiring hands-on production work without a technical degree component are less likely to qualify. STEM OPT extension eligibility depends on your degree classification, not just the job title.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Indiana?
Migrate Mate lists manufacturing jobs in Indiana that are open to F-1 OPT candidates, so you can filter by visa type and industry without sorting through listings that don't support OPT. Beyond the job board, targeting employers with existing OPT hiring patterns, reaching out to Purdue or IU career centers, and attending Indiana manufacturing industry events can strengthen your search. Confirming OPT eligibility with each employer before applying saves time.
Are there any Indiana-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in manufacturing?
Indiana's manufacturing sector is heavily concentrated in automotive and industrial equipment, meaning many roles tie closely to STEM-eligible degree programs, which helps with STEM OPT extension applications (providing up to 24 additional months of work authorization). Indiana does not impose state-level restrictions on OPT employment. However, some smaller regional manufacturers may be less familiar with OPT requirements, so clearly explaining your authorization status and timeline during the interview process is worthwhile.