OPT Jobs in Iowa
Iowa's agriculture, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and growing tech sectors all hire F-1 OPT candidates, with Des Moines, Iowa City, and Ames offering the strongest employer density. Universities like Iowa State and the University of Iowa feed directly into regional hiring pipelines.
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Get Access To All JobsPART TIME/TEMPORARY POSITION | FLEXIBLE HOURS
The Lockout/Tagout Technician will be responsible for developing energy control procedures, delivering associate training on the topic, and managing the required periodic inspection processes in full compliance with OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.
- Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, and 3rd-party Contractors to ensure compliance with OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulations.
- Be able to verify lockout points using such resources as electrical single line and three line diagrams; mechanical and plumbing drawings; power distribution panel drawings and legend; P&IDs; equipment manuals.
- Combine pieces of equipment where possible.
- Maintain good housekeeping and regularly clean work area, machines, and equipment.
- Identify and contribute to continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
- Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor/manager in discussing matters of importance.
- Adhere to established company values, practices, policies and procedures at all times. Follow and support compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, regulations, and standards.
- Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location. May be required to work irregular shifts and be on call.
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Marginal Functions
The individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested by management.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
An individual qualified for this job must be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulations.
- Demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
- Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Accurately multiply, divide, add, and subtract whole numbers to resolve practical problems.
- Operate a computer—PC proficiency; use spreadsheets and reporting software effectively.
- Wear/use required PPE (personal protective equipment).
- Understand written instruction and complete appropriate documentation as directed.
- Use a logical approach to troubleshooting issues and prioritizing production needs.
- Recognize problems when they occur and to work toward the solution of those problems.
- Pay attention to details and pursue quality in accomplishing work duties and tasks. Look for opportunities to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
- Handle challenges skillfully, thoroughly, and effectively.
- Effectively and professionally communicate with co-workers, team members, and internal or external customers. Present information clearly and accurately.
- Independently take advantage of opportunities to improve or increase skills, abilities and job knowledge.
- Make sure that work is delivered on time and of high quality.
- Develop good work practices in order to get the job done.
- Use equipment, resources and time in an efficient and effective manner.
- Use good judgment when making decisions.
- Perform work in a safe manner at all times.
- Work in a cooperative manner with management, co-workers, internal/external customers, and vendors.
- Do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
Minimum Experience, Education, and Certifications
An individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:
- 2 to 4-year technical degree in a related field and 3 or more years of related work experience, or any satisfactory combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties.
Physical Demands OF Essential Functions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery.
- Remain in a stationary position while troubleshooting and repairing equipment.
- Regularly move about to access different parts of the plant and when transporting parts, equipment and sections of conveyor weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Move and position products when installing and repairing motors, gearboxes, and conveyors weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Position products on pallets/carts and maneuver gearboxes and motors requiring up to 85 pounds of force.
- Position oneself to access lower levels of equipment when repairing, troubleshooting, or installing parts.
- Reach forward and overhead when accessing various areas of equipment.
- Ascend/descend stairs/ladders to access and work atop conveyors, using scissor and boom lifts, and when troubleshooting and hanging conveyors.
- Operate, position, and use a wide variety of hand tools and equipment, as well as a computer keyboard and mouse.
- Perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels and have the ability to exchange detailed information.
- Move about the manufacturing facility to observe and effectively communicate with team members and perform job duties.
- Visually observe and interact with associates and equipment in the plant setting.
Environmental Conditions
The environmental conditions described here are representative of those the associate encounters while performing the Essential Functions of the job.
- The individual will be expected to work in a manufacturing plant environment, which may include being exposed to work in high, precarious and confined spaces, outdoor weather conditions, work near moving mechanical parts, and extreme heat. Typical noise level is loud. The individual may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
ADA/ADAAA
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments.
Disclaimer
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
PART TIME/TEMPORARY POSITION | FLEXIBLE HOURS
The Lockout/Tagout Technician will be responsible for developing energy control procedures, delivering associate training on the topic, and managing the required periodic inspection processes in full compliance with OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulations.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.
- Collaborate with Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, and 3rd-party Contractors to ensure compliance with OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulations.
- Be able to verify lockout points using such resources as electrical single line and three line diagrams; mechanical and plumbing drawings; power distribution panel drawings and legend; P&IDs; equipment manuals.
- Combine pieces of equipment where possible.
- Maintain good housekeeping and regularly clean work area, machines, and equipment.
- Identify and contribute to continuous improvement efforts to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
- Maintain an open and candid working relationship with immediate supervisor/manager in discussing matters of importance.
- Adhere to established company values, practices, policies and procedures at all times. Follow and support compliance with all applicable safety rules, laws, regulations, and standards.
- Demonstrate regular and punctual attendance at the assigned work location. May be required to work irregular shifts and be on call.
This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Marginal Functions
The individual may be asked to perform other duties as requested by management.
Required knowledge, skills, and abilities
An individual qualified for this job must be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of OSHA’s Control of Hazardous Energy regulations.
- Demonstrate mechanical aptitude.
- Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Accurately multiply, divide, add, and subtract whole numbers to resolve practical problems.
- Operate a computer—PC proficiency; use spreadsheets and reporting software effectively.
- Wear/use required PPE (personal protective equipment).
- Understand written instruction and complete appropriate documentation as directed.
- Use a logical approach to troubleshooting issues and prioritizing production needs.
- Recognize problems when they occur and to work toward the solution of those problems.
- Pay attention to details and pursue quality in accomplishing work duties and tasks. Look for opportunities to reduce costs or increase productivity without reducing effectiveness.
- Handle challenges skillfully, thoroughly, and effectively.
- Effectively and professionally communicate with co-workers, team members, and internal or external customers. Present information clearly and accurately.
- Independently take advantage of opportunities to improve or increase skills, abilities and job knowledge.
- Make sure that work is delivered on time and of high quality.
- Develop good work practices in order to get the job done.
- Use equipment, resources and time in an efficient and effective manner.
- Use good judgment when making decisions.
- Perform work in a safe manner at all times.
- Work in a cooperative manner with management, co-workers, internal/external customers, and vendors.
- Do the right thing, even when it is difficult.
Minimum Experience, Education, and Certifications
An individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:
- 2 to 4-year technical degree in a related field and 3 or more years of related work experience, or any satisfactory combination of education and experience that demonstrates the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the above duties.
Physical Demands OF Essential Functions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Occasional need to work near hazardous equipment and machinery.
- Remain in a stationary position while troubleshooting and repairing equipment.
- Regularly move about to access different parts of the plant and when transporting parts, equipment and sections of conveyor weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Move and position products when installing and repairing motors, gearboxes, and conveyors weighing up to 40 pounds.
- Position products on pallets/carts and maneuver gearboxes and motors requiring up to 85 pounds of force.
- Position oneself to access lower levels of equipment when repairing, troubleshooting, or installing parts.
- Reach forward and overhead when accessing various areas of equipment.
- Ascend/descend stairs/ladders to access and work atop conveyors, using scissor and boom lifts, and when troubleshooting and hanging conveyors.
- Operate, position, and use a wide variety of hand tools and equipment, as well as a computer keyboard and mouse.
- Perceive the nature of sounds at normal speaking levels and have the ability to exchange detailed information.
- Move about the manufacturing facility to observe and effectively communicate with team members and perform job duties.
- Visually observe and interact with associates and equipment in the plant setting.
Environmental Conditions
The environmental conditions described here are representative of those the associate encounters while performing the Essential Functions of the job.
- The individual will be expected to work in a manufacturing plant environment, which may include being exposed to work in high, precarious and confined spaces, outdoor weather conditions, work near moving mechanical parts, and extreme heat. Typical noise level is loud. The individual may be exposed to toxic or caustic chemicals.
ADA/ADAAA
The Company will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments.
Disclaimer
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions. It will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.
Search F-1 OPT Jobs by Industry in Iowa
Tips for Finding OPT Jobs in Iowa
Target Iowa's university research corridors
Iowa State University in Ames and the University of Iowa in Iowa City anchor dense clusters of research labs, biotech firms, and engineering companies that regularly hire OPT candidates. These corridors are worth prioritizing before expanding your search statewide.
Look beyond agriculture into agtech and food science
Iowa's agricultural economy has spawned a strong agtech and food science sector with companies like Corteva and Kemin Industries. These employers hire engineers, data scientists, and researchers on OPT far more actively than traditional farming operations.
Use Migrate Mate to filter by OPT-friendly employers
Searching broadly wastes time on employers unfamiliar with OPT authorization. Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for companies that have sponsored F-1 OPT candidates in Iowa, so your applications go to employers already set up to hire you.
Pursue Des Moines financial services firms early
Des Moines is a national insurance and financial services hub with major employers like Principal Financial and Nationwide. Finance, actuarial, and data analytics roles in this sector frequently qualify as specialty occupations under OPT's STEM and non-STEM tracks.
Align your OPT application timeline with Iowa hiring cycles
Many Iowa employers, particularly in manufacturing and financial services, hire on a January or June start cycle. Apply to USCIS for your OPT EAD at least 90 days before your intended start date so your work authorization aligns with these windows.
Verify STEM OPT eligibility before applying to extension-eligible roles
If your degree is in a STEM field, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension, giving employers three years of OPT-based work authorization. Confirm your program's CIP code qualifies before emphasizing this benefit to Iowa employers in your outreach.
See all 1,105+ F-1 OPT jobs in Iowa
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 OPT jobs in Iowa.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 OPT Jobs in Iowa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Iowa sponsor the most F-1 OPT visas?
Financial services and insurance, advanced manufacturing, engineering, agtech and food science, and healthcare technology are the strongest F-1 OPT sponsoring industries in Iowa. Des Moines-based insurers and financial firms, along with engineering and research operations tied to Iowa State University and the University of Iowa, account for a large share of OPT hires in the state.
Which cities in Iowa have the most F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Des Moines has the highest concentration of F-1 OPT sponsoring employers in Iowa, driven by its financial services and insurance sectors. Iowa City and Ames follow closely, with hiring closely tied to the University of Iowa and Iowa State University research ecosystems. Cedar Rapids and Davenport also offer opportunities in manufacturing and healthcare.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship in Iowa?
Roles in software engineering, data analytics, financial analysis, actuarial science, mechanical and electrical engineering, food science, and biomedical research are among the most common qualifying positions in Iowa. A qualifying OPT role must be directly related to your field of study, so the connection between your degree and the job description is what matters most.
How do I find F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Iowa?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. It filters job listings by visa type so you can see Iowa employers who have a history of sponsoring F-1 OPT candidates, rather than applying broadly and discovering late that an employer won't work with OPT authorization. Your university's career center is also a strong local resource for employer relationships specific to Iowa.
Are there any Iowa-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship I should know about?
Iowa does not impose state-level restrictions on OPT employment beyond federal requirements. One practical consideration: many Iowa employers outside Des Moines are mid-size or regional companies with less experience processing OPT authorization paperwork. Being prepared to explain your work authorization clearly, including STEM extension eligibility if applicable, can reduce friction during the hiring process with these employers.