Manufacturing OPT Jobs in Wisconsin
Manufacturing F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Wisconsin span everything from precision engineering at Rockwell Automation in Milwaukee to food processing operations in Green Bay and medical device manufacturing in the Fox Valley corridor. Wisconsin's deep industrial base makes it one of the Midwest's stronger states for OPT students in manufacturing disciplines seeking hands-on work authorization experience.
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Get Access To All JobsWhy Waupaca Foundry?
Wapaca Foundry, Inc. is North America’s leading supplier of iron castings and has a history of innovation with a legacy of product quality. Waupaca Foundry employs approximately 4,000 people company-wide. Waupaca Foundry is committed to relentless improvement, forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, and providing a reliable experience to the millions who use our castings every day. Our goal is to employ individuals who take pride in their work within a culture of continual innovation. Waupaca Foundry is proud to be an employer of choice for those driven and skilled individuals seeking rewarding careers by producing top quality castings.
You will be right at home at Waupaca Foundry.
Assistant Plant Manager
ROLE:
Assist Plant Manager with day to day operations and planning of the manufacturing facility, ensuring safe operation, efficient production, managing schedules, quality performance and meeting production goals while optimizing costs. They are responsible to assist in leading, developing and maintaining safe work practices, hiring, training and teams within the Plant to achieve organizational objectives.
Responsibilities:
Waupaca Way: Implementation and execution of the Waupaca Way SEPQRC production system assuring effective utilization of the Level 1, Level 2/3 and Level 4 structure
Safety Management: Monitoring and supporting safety policy and procedures to facilitate a world class safety management culture, employee welfare and plant and company goals
Environmental Management: Monitoring and supporting environmental processes and procedures to support employee welfare and plant and company goals
Employee Management: Supporting HR in hiring, training and supervising plant personnel, including performance evaluations and employee concerns
Quality Control: Monitoring and ensuring product quality standards are met through effective quality and production systems
Production Planning and Scheduling: Developing and overseeing process improvement and production schedules to meet customer demands, delivery needs and utilization targets
Cost Management: Managing operational expenses within budget by optimizing resource allocation and identifying cost savings measures. Responsible for the P&L of the Plant
Maintenance and Engineering Oversight: Coordinating preventative maintenance program and engineering projects to support continuous improvement, plant growth and modernization
Performance Analysis: Tracking KPI’s to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes
Sales Development: Review new work leads and quotes to support sales growth. Work with sales team on customer development and support customer meetings and plant tours.
Reporting and Communication: Providing regular updates on plant operations to upper management including monthly Op’s meetings, weekly Plant Manager reports and any other necessary communication
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Preferred candidate would possess a bachelor’s degree and 5 years of management experience at Department Manager or Assistant Plant Manager level.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Need to be able to review performance data and process data to find opportunities for continuous improvement
- Need strong critical thinking skills and the ability to challenge others and the process
- Strong oral and written skills are necessary for effective communication to all levels of the organization
- Necessary for prioritization for self and the plant teams. Must be able to set clear priorities for self and others and manage time accordingly
- Must be able to effectively lead and facilitate plant communication and continuous improvement meetings.
BENEFITS:
Waupaca Foundry offers competitive wages and exceptional benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, vision.
- Short and long term disability.
- Life insurance.
- 401(k).
- Employer funded retirement plan.
- Paid vacations/holidays.
- Wellness program.
- Fitness membership.
- Employee assistance program (EAP).
- Employer supported career development, including tuition reimbursement.
Waupaca Foundry is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
Why Waupaca Foundry?
Wapaca Foundry, Inc. is North America’s leading supplier of iron castings and has a history of innovation with a legacy of product quality. Waupaca Foundry employs approximately 4,000 people company-wide. Waupaca Foundry is committed to relentless improvement, forward-thinking sustainability initiatives, and providing a reliable experience to the millions who use our castings every day. Our goal is to employ individuals who take pride in their work within a culture of continual innovation. Waupaca Foundry is proud to be an employer of choice for those driven and skilled individuals seeking rewarding careers by producing top quality castings.
You will be right at home at Waupaca Foundry.
Assistant Plant Manager
ROLE:
Assist Plant Manager with day to day operations and planning of the manufacturing facility, ensuring safe operation, efficient production, managing schedules, quality performance and meeting production goals while optimizing costs. They are responsible to assist in leading, developing and maintaining safe work practices, hiring, training and teams within the Plant to achieve organizational objectives.
Responsibilities:
Waupaca Way: Implementation and execution of the Waupaca Way SEPQRC production system assuring effective utilization of the Level 1, Level 2/3 and Level 4 structure
Safety Management: Monitoring and supporting safety policy and procedures to facilitate a world class safety management culture, employee welfare and plant and company goals
Environmental Management: Monitoring and supporting environmental processes and procedures to support employee welfare and plant and company goals
Employee Management: Supporting HR in hiring, training and supervising plant personnel, including performance evaluations and employee concerns
Quality Control: Monitoring and ensuring product quality standards are met through effective quality and production systems
Production Planning and Scheduling: Developing and overseeing process improvement and production schedules to meet customer demands, delivery needs and utilization targets
Cost Management: Managing operational expenses within budget by optimizing resource allocation and identifying cost savings measures. Responsible for the P&L of the Plant
Maintenance and Engineering Oversight: Coordinating preventative maintenance program and engineering projects to support continuous improvement, plant growth and modernization
Performance Analysis: Tracking KPI’s to identify areas for improvement and implement necessary changes
Sales Development: Review new work leads and quotes to support sales growth. Work with sales team on customer development and support customer meetings and plant tours.
Reporting and Communication: Providing regular updates on plant operations to upper management including monthly Op’s meetings, weekly Plant Manager reports and any other necessary communication
PREFERRED EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:
- Preferred candidate would possess a bachelor’s degree and 5 years of management experience at Department Manager or Assistant Plant Manager level.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Need to be able to review performance data and process data to find opportunities for continuous improvement
- Need strong critical thinking skills and the ability to challenge others and the process
- Strong oral and written skills are necessary for effective communication to all levels of the organization
- Necessary for prioritization for self and the plant teams. Must be able to set clear priorities for self and others and manage time accordingly
- Must be able to effectively lead and facilitate plant communication and continuous improvement meetings.
BENEFITS:
Waupaca Foundry offers competitive wages and exceptional benefits, including:
- Medical, dental, vision.
- Short and long term disability.
- Life insurance.
- 401(k).
- Employer funded retirement plan.
- Paid vacations/holidays.
- Wellness program.
- Fitness membership.
- Employee assistance program (EAP).
- Employer supported career development, including tuition reimbursement.
Waupaca Foundry is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with disability.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Wisconsin
See all 275+ Manufacturing OPT Jobs in Wisconsin
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in WisconsinManufacturing OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Wisconsin?
Several large Wisconsin manufacturers have documented histories of hiring OPT workers, including Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, Oshkosh Corporation, and Kohler Co. Paper and packaging companies like Graphic Packaging and medical device firms in the Fox Valley region also regularly hire engineering and operations graduates on OPT. Smaller precision manufacturers and auto parts suppliers throughout the state hire OPT students for technical roles as well.
Which cities in Wisconsin have the most manufacturing F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Milwaukee is the largest hub, with a concentration of industrial automation, controls, and heavy equipment employers. Oshkosh and Appleton in the Fox Valley corridor have strong activity in specialty vehicles, paper converting, and medical devices. Green Bay supports food and beverage manufacturing. Racine and Kenosha, near the Illinois border, have significant advanced manufacturing presences tied to both Wisconsin and Chicago-area employer networks.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that align with a student's degree field are the clearest fit. Industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality assurance, process engineering, and supply chain operations are commonly hired on OPT in Wisconsin. Production management and automation technician roles can also qualify when the position directly relates to the applicant's field of study. Roles must be paid and directly connected to the degree to count toward OPT authorization.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Wisconsin?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters jobs by visa type, so you can search manufacturing F-1 OPT positions in Wisconsin without sorting through listings that don't apply to your situation. Beyond Migrate Mate, attending career fairs at UW-Milwaukee, UW-Madison, and Marquette University connects you directly with Wisconsin manufacturers who recruit OPT candidates. Targeting companies with established engineering graduate programs improves your chances meaningfully.
Are there any Wisconsin-specific considerations for F-1 OPT students in manufacturing?
Wisconsin's manufacturing sector skews toward industrial machinery, food processing, paper products, and defense-adjacent equipment, so OPT students in mechanical, industrial, or chemical engineering tend to find the strongest alignment. Many mid-size Wisconsin manufacturers are less familiar with OPT paperwork than large multinationals, so being prepared to explain OPT work authorization clearly to HR teams is practical. STEM OPT extension eligibility is also worth confirming early, since many Wisconsin manufacturing roles qualify under approved STEM CIP codes.