Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Nebraska
Manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Nebraska are concentrated around Omaha, Lincoln, and Grand Island, where employers in food processing, agricultural equipment, and industrial automation actively hire engineering and operations graduates. Companies like Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing and JBS USA have established STEM OPT sponsorship histories, making Nebraska a practical option for F-1 students seeking hands-on manufacturing careers.
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15000 Valmont Plaza Omaha Nebraska 68154
Why Valmont
We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
LOCATION
Location: Valley, NE Campus (onsite)
A Brief Summary Of This Position
The Controls & Automation Engineer designs, programs, and supports industrial automation systems used in advanced manufacturing operations. This role supports automation and capital projects from concept through commissioning, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, and industrial networking. Working closely with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams, the engineer drives equipment reliability, safety, productivity, and continuous improvement while contributing to the company's automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives. This position requires strong technical problem-solving skills, cross-functional collaboration, and up to 25% travel to support projects across manufacturing locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, program, troubleshoot, and commission PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, motion control, and industrial networking systems.
- Support capital projects involving automated manufacturing equipment, robotic welding, material handling, and fabrication systems.
- Develop controls documentation, electrical schematics, and engineering standards.
- Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
- Support machine safety, risk assessments, and compliance with applicable industry standards.
- Partner with manufacturing, maintenance, suppliers, and system integrators to deliver automation solutions.
- Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, data collection, connectivity, and process optimization.
- Contribute to technology roadmaps, standardization efforts, and strategic automation initiatives across the organization.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
- 3-5 years of controls engineering experience in industrial automation.
- Experience with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, robotics, motion control, and industrial networks.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software.
- Knowledge of machine safety standards and automation best practices.
- Experience troubleshooting and supporting manufacturing equipment.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, data integration, and manufacturing systems.
- Experience in steel fabrication, welding, cutting, forming, assembly, or heavy manufacturing environments.
- Strong communication, project execution, and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:
- Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employer paid life insurance
- Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
- Work Life Support
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
- Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more
Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.
INTRODUCTION
15000 Valmont Plaza Omaha Nebraska 68154
Why Valmont
We’re Here to Move the World Forward. Valmont impacts millions of people around the world every day, yet they might not realize the many ways. Our technology is helping feed the growing population, supplying the world with more reliable energy and access to renewables, enhancing connectivity in remote and urban locations to create a sustainable future and so much more. Simply put, Valmont is advancing agricultural productivity and reimagining vital infrastructure to make life better. Join a Fortune 1000 company that respects hard work, honors diversity and invests in our employees as we focus on creating the world of tomorrow, today. We are the modern workforce. Are you ready to move the world forward? Apply now.
LOCATION
Location: Valley, NE Campus (onsite)
A Brief Summary Of This Position
The Controls & Automation Engineer designs, programs, and supports industrial automation systems used in advanced manufacturing operations. This role supports automation and capital projects from concept through commissioning, including PLCs, HMIs, robotics, motion control, vision systems, and industrial networking. Working closely with manufacturing, maintenance, and engineering teams, the engineer drives equipment reliability, safety, productivity, and continuous improvement while contributing to the company's automation and Industry 4.0 initiatives. This position requires strong technical problem-solving skills, cross-functional collaboration, and up to 25% travel to support projects across manufacturing locations.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, program, troubleshoot, and commission PLC, HMI, SCADA, robotics, motion control, and industrial networking systems.
- Support capital projects involving automated manufacturing equipment, robotic welding, material handling, and fabrication systems.
- Develop controls documentation, electrical schematics, and engineering standards.
- Troubleshoot equipment issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement corrective actions.
- Support machine safety, risk assessments, and compliance with applicable industry standards.
- Partner with manufacturing, maintenance, suppliers, and system integrators to deliver automation solutions.
- Support Industry 4.0 initiatives, data collection, connectivity, and process optimization.
- Contribute to technology roadmaps, standardization efforts, and strategic automation initiatives across the organization.
Required Qualifications
- Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
- 3-5 years of controls engineering experience in industrial automation.
- Experience with PLC programming, HMI/SCADA systems, robotics, motion control, and industrial networks.
- Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical or similar electrical design software.
- Knowledge of machine safety standards and automation best practices.
- Experience troubleshooting and supporting manufacturing equipment.
- Familiarity with Industry 4.0 technologies, data integration, and manufacturing systems.
- Experience in steel fabrication, welding, cutting, forming, assembly, or heavy manufacturing environments.
- Strong communication, project execution, and problem-solving skills.
Benefits
Valmont offers employees and their families a comprehensive Total Wellbeing benefit package to ensure their individual and family’s overall wellness needs are met. Some offerings are dependent upon the role, work schedule, or location and can include the following:
- Healthcare (medical, prescription drugs, dental and vision)
- 401k retirement plan with company match
- Paid time off
- Employer paid life insurance
- Employer paid short-term and long-term disability including maternity leave
- Work Life Support
- Tuition Reimbursement up to $5,250 per year
- Voluntary programs like tobacco cessation, Type 2 diabetes reversal, one-on-one health coaching, mortgage services and more
Valmont does not discriminate against any employee or applicant in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you have a disability and require any assistance in filling out the application for employment email EEOCompliance@Valmont.com.
STEM OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Nebraska
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in NebraskaManufacturing STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Nebraska: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Nebraska?
Nebraska manufacturers with documented F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship activity include Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing in Lincoln, JBS USA in Grand Island, Tyson Foods in Dakota City, and Becton Dickinson in Columbus. Agricultural equipment manufacturers and food processing facilities represent the largest share of STEM OPT sponsors in the state. Reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data through OFLC Wage Search can help you identify which companies have active sponsorship histories for specific engineering and technical roles.
Which cities in Nebraska have the most manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Omaha and Lincoln account for the highest concentration of manufacturing STEM OPT sponsorship opportunities in Nebraska, with Lincoln home to several large production facilities including automotive and industrial equipment plants. Grand Island and Columbus are secondary hubs, driven by food processing and medical device manufacturing. Norfolk and Hastings also have smaller but active manufacturing employers who have historically filed LCAs for STEM-related engineering and quality assurance roles.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Nebraska?
Migrate Mate lets you filter manufacturing jobs in Nebraska specifically by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, surfacing employers with verified sponsorship histories based on DOL filing data. This removes the guesswork of cold-applying to companies that may not be familiar with STEM OPT authorization. Focus your search on roles in industrial engineering, quality control, manufacturing engineering, and operations management, which are the titles most frequently linked to STEM OPT filings by Nebraska manufacturers.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Nebraska?
Roles that most consistently qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Nebraska manufacturing include industrial engineers, manufacturing engineers, process engineers, quality engineers, supply chain analysts, and automation technicians. These positions require a STEM-designated degree such as mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering, or a related field classified under the DHS STEM OPT designated degree program list. Production management and operations research roles with quantitative requirements also frequently qualify when paired with an eligible degree.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Nebraska manufacturing?
Nebraska does not impose additional state-level requirements beyond federal STEM OPT rules, but the state's manufacturing sector is heavily concentrated in food processing and agricultural equipment, industries that operate on tight seasonal production cycles. Employers in these sectors may time hiring around production schedules, so applications submitted well before peak seasons can improve response rates. Nebraska's relatively low cost of living also means prevailing wage thresholds for STEM roles are generally lower than coastal markets, which can make sponsorship more financially straightforward for mid-size manufacturers.