Distribution & Wholesale STEM OPT Jobs in Indiana
Distribution and wholesale employers in Indiana, including major logistics hubs around Indianapolis, Columbus, and Fort Wayne, regularly hire for supply chain, operations, and data analytics roles that qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship. Companies like Cummins, Berry Global, and Eli Lilly's distribution network have active STEM hiring programs, making Indiana a strong market for international students in this sector.
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If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, take pride in accuracy and safety, and want to be part of a team dedicated to excellence, this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact every day.
Shift Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Specialist to support automation systems and material handling equipment within our fulfillment center. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the commissioning, validation, reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of conveyor and warehouse automation systems while supporting facility operations and safety.
You will troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize automated material handling systems, interface with WMS/PLC controls, and collaborate closely with Operations, IT, Facilities, Safety, and external vendors to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted distribution center performance.
Responsibilities:
Serve as the site expert for maintaining and supporting automation systems that are critical to fulfillment center operations.
- Understand, maintain, and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC, conveyor drivers, Goods To Person system.
- Support commissioning, testing, and optimization of new automation equipment, upgrades, and system expansions.
- Diagnose and resolve issues related to industrial networks and controls, including Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, Motor control systems, Servo drives and variable frequency drives (VFDs), Electrical distribution and control panels.
- Maintain and optimize motor-driven roller (MDR), including belts, motors, scanners, printers, sensors, diverts, merges, and print-and-apply automation.
- Partner with WMS providers, automation software vendors, and IT teams to resolve system-level issues and implement performance improvements.
- Utilize WMS tools to monitor conveyor flow, clear jams, adjust photo-eyes, and optimize routing logic.
- Strong understanding of Fanuc robotic systems, LIDAR sensors and Cobots.
- Monitor material handling equipment (MHE) performance metrics including uptime, throughput, fault trends, and downtime.
- Partner with maintenance and operations teams to address system performance issues and provide data-driven analysis across all fulfillment operations.
- Identify recurring automation issues and lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation.
- Develop, execute, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs for automation and control systems.
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with site safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
- Provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely, during automation and controls troubleshooting.
- Train and mentor technicians and operators on automation systems, diagnostics, and safe maintenance practices.
- Partner with Safety to support health, safety, and compliance initiatives, proactively identifying and mitigating automation-related hazards.
- Drive Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives across automation, maintenance, and operational processes.
- Document system designs, testing procedures, and maintenance protocols to support ongoing operations.
- Stay up to date with advancements in warehouse technology and recommend improvements or upgrades as needed.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Technical vocational training or Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of warehouse automation and material handling systems.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled automation systems, sensors, pneumatics, electrical systems, servo drives, and VFDs.
- Working knowledge of industrial communication networks (Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus).
- Experience using CMMS and WCS platforms in a fulfillment or distribution center environment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, CAD layouts, and mechanical drawings.
- Analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to debug and optimize complex systems.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with technicians, operations, IT, vendors, and contractors.
- Ability to provide on-call support outside of standard shift hours as required.
Preferred
- Experience supporting high-speed, high-volume fulfillment center automation.
- Experience with preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and automation reporting tools.
- 2+ years of experience with Ladder Logic and structure programming from Allen-Bradley.
Job Environment:
Distribution warehouse environment. Applicant will walk and occasionally sit, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift up to 40lbs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Must be flexible to work varying schedules, hours, and overtime as needed.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a global leader in medical device innovation, driving cutting-edge manufacturing solutions that improve lives worldwide. This role offers the opportunity to lead transformative projects and shape the future of molding operations.
- Joining us is more than saying "yes" to making the world a healthier place. It's discovering a career that's challenging, supportive and inspiring. Where a culture driven by excellence helps you not only meet your goals but also create new ones. We focus on creating a diverse and inclusive culture, encouraging individual expression in the workplace and thrive on the innovative ideas this generates.
You can make a difference! Let's take your skills and expand your career!
If you enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, take pride in accuracy and safety, and want to be part of a team dedicated to excellence, this role offers the opportunity to make a real impact every day.
Shift Hours: Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Job Overview
We are seeking an experienced Automation Specialist to support automation systems and material handling equipment within our fulfillment center. In this role, you will be responsible for ensuring the commissioning, validation, reliability, performance, and continuous improvement of conveyor and warehouse automation systems while supporting facility operations and safety.
You will troubleshoot, maintain, and optimize automated material handling systems, interface with WMS/PLC controls, and collaborate closely with Operations, IT, Facilities, Safety, and external vendors to ensure safe, efficient, and uninterrupted distribution center performance.
Responsibilities:
Serve as the site expert for maintaining and supporting automation systems that are critical to fulfillment center operations.
- Understand, maintain, and troubleshoot material handling control systems, including PLC, conveyor drivers, Goods To Person system.
- Support commissioning, testing, and optimization of new automation equipment, upgrades, and system expansions.
- Diagnose and resolve issues related to industrial networks and controls, including Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus, Motor control systems, Servo drives and variable frequency drives (VFDs), Electrical distribution and control panels.
- Maintain and optimize motor-driven roller (MDR), including belts, motors, scanners, printers, sensors, diverts, merges, and print-and-apply automation.
- Partner with WMS providers, automation software vendors, and IT teams to resolve system-level issues and implement performance improvements.
- Utilize WMS tools to monitor conveyor flow, clear jams, adjust photo-eyes, and optimize routing logic.
- Strong understanding of Fanuc robotic systems, LIDAR sensors and Cobots.
- Monitor material handling equipment (MHE) performance metrics including uptime, throughput, fault trends, and downtime.
- Partner with maintenance and operations teams to address system performance issues and provide data-driven analysis across all fulfillment operations.
- Identify recurring automation issues and lead root cause analysis (RCA) and corrective action implementation.
- Develop, execute, and continuously improve preventive and predictive maintenance programs for automation and control systems.
- Ensure all maintenance activities comply with site safety policies, including Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
- Provide first-level escalation support for site technicians, both locally and remotely, during automation and controls troubleshooting.
- Train and mentor technicians and operators on automation systems, diagnostics, and safe maintenance practices.
- Partner with Safety to support health, safety, and compliance initiatives, proactively identifying and mitigating automation-related hazards.
- Drive Lean, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives across automation, maintenance, and operational processes.
- Document system designs, testing procedures, and maintenance protocols to support ongoing operations.
- Stay up to date with advancements in warehouse technology and recommend improvements or upgrades as needed.
Qualifications & Experience
Required
- Technical vocational training or Bachelor's degree in Automation, Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or equivalent experience.
- Strong technical knowledge of warehouse automation and material handling systems.
- Hands-on experience troubleshooting PLC-controlled automation systems, sensors, pneumatics, electrical systems, servo drives, and VFDs.
- Working knowledge of industrial communication networks (Ethernet/IP, ControlNet, DeviceNet, Profibus).
- Experience using CMMS and WCS platforms in a fulfillment or distribution center environment.
- Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, CAD layouts, and mechanical drawings.
- Analytical problem-solving skills, with the ability to debug and optimize complex systems.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills with technicians, operations, IT, vendors, and contractors.
- Ability to provide on-call support outside of standard shift hours as required.
Preferred
- Experience supporting high-speed, high-volume fulfillment center automation.
- Experience with preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and automation reporting tools.
- 2+ years of experience with Ladder Logic and structure programming from Allen-Bradley.
Job Environment:
Distribution warehouse environment. Applicant will walk and occasionally sit, kneel, crouch, crawl, and lift up to 40lbs. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to high. Must be flexible to work varying schedules, hours, and overtime as needed.
Why Join Us?
- Be part of a global leader in medical device innovation, driving cutting-edge manufacturing solutions that improve lives worldwide. This role offers the opportunity to lead transformative projects and shape the future of molding operations.
- Joining us is more than saying "yes" to making the world a healthier place. It's discovering a career that's challenging, supportive and inspiring. Where a culture driven by excellence helps you not only meet your goals but also create new ones. We focus on creating a diverse and inclusive culture, encouraging individual expression in the workplace and thrive on the innovative ideas this generates.
STEM OPT Distribution & Wholesale Job Roles in Indiana
See all Distribution & Wholesale STEM OPT Jobs in Indiana
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Search Distribution & Wholesale Jobs in IndianaDistribution & Wholesale STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Indiana: Frequently Asked Questions
Which distribution and wholesale companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Indiana?
Indiana-based distributors and wholesalers with documented STEM OPT hiring include Cummins, Berry Global, and Corteva Agriscience, along with large third-party logistics operators that maintain fulfillment centers near Indianapolis and Columbus. Companies enrolled in E-Verify are required partners for STEM OPT extensions, so filtering for E-Verify-enrolled employers in Indiana's distribution sector is a practical starting point when evaluating sponsorship eligibility.
Which cities in Indiana have the most distribution and wholesale F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Indianapolis is Indiana's primary hub for distribution and wholesale STEM OPT roles, benefiting from its position at the intersection of several interstate corridors and its concentration of logistics and supply chain employers. Fort Wayne and Columbus also have notable wholesale and distribution activity, particularly in manufacturing-adjacent distribution. Plainfield and Whitestown, as Indianapolis suburbs, host large fulfillment and distribution center operations that increasingly recruit for data and operations roles.
What types of distribution and wholesale roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify must align with a STEM-designated degree field as listed by the Department of Homeland Security. In distribution and wholesale, qualifying positions commonly include supply chain analyst, demand planning analyst, logistics data analyst, operations research specialist, and procurement analyst. These roles draw on fields like industrial engineering, computer science, statistics, and operations research. Roles classified under Standard Occupational Classification codes tied to STEM fields are eligible; O*NET occupation profiles can help confirm alignment.
How do I find distribution and wholesale F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Indiana?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and workers seeking visa sponsorship employment. You can filter by visa type, industry, and state to surface distribution and wholesale employers in Indiana that have a history of sponsoring F-1 STEM OPT workers. This is more targeted than general job searches because Migrate Mate cross-references DOL Labor Condition Application filings to identify employers with actual sponsorship activity in this sector.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Indiana's distribution and wholesale sector?
Indiana does not impose state-level restrictions on F-1 STEM OPT employment beyond federal requirements. However, Indiana's distribution sector is heavily tied to manufacturing and agricultural supply chains, which can influence the STEM degree fields in demand. Employers in these industries often prioritize industrial engineering, agricultural science, and logistics technology backgrounds. STEM OPT authorization requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify and your role to match your STEM degree field, which USCIS and DOL jointly oversee.