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Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AG Technologies

Hiring OPT/GC

Dallas, TX · On-site

Company Description AG Technologies was founded as a software solutions company in 2008 & has its corporate headquarters at Chesterfield, Missouri with branches within the US and India. Over the ...

AG Technologies

Hiring OPT/CPT

Dallas, TX · On-site

Company Description AG Technologies was founded as a software solutions company in 2008 & has its corporate headquarters at Chesterfield, Missouri with branches within the US and India. Over the ...

CDG Engineers, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Harrisburg, NC · Hybrid

Description As a Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing and implementing ... OPT, CPT, H1, H2, etc. Agencies: This role is currently not open to agencies or third-party vendors ...

CDG Engineers Inc

Mechanical Engineer

Harrisburg, NC · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description As a Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing ... OPT, CPT, H1, H2, etc. Agencies: This role is currently not open to agencies or third-party vendors ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Mechanical Engineer Location: Grand Prairie, TX Job Overview We are seeking an experienced ... Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.

CDG-EAP

Mechanical Engineer

Harrisburg, NC · On-site

As a Mechanical Engineer, you will play a critical role in designing and implementing complex ... OPT, CPT, H1, H2, etc. Agencies: This role is currently not open to agencies or third-party vendors ...

Judge Group, Inc.

Mechanical Engineer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$40 - $60/hr

Mechanical Engineer - Electronics Packaging & Hardware Development Location: Rolling Meadows, IL ... Reply STOP to opt out of receiving telephone calls and text messages from Judge and HELP for help.

Flowserve

Co-op/Intern

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Mechanical Engineer undergrad. Beginning July 2026 - December 2026. Role will require the student to take a semester off of classes.

Flowserve

Co-op/Intern

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

$16.25 - $21/hr

Mechanical Engineer undergrad. Beginning July 2026 - December 2026. Role will require the student to take a semester off of classes.

Parallel Systems

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA

$125K - $150K/yr

Experience designing and manufacturing real mechanical hardware through internships, student teams ... The target hiring range for this position is listed below. Target Salary Range: $125,000--$150,000 ...

Parallel Systems

Mechanical Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

Experience designing and manufacturing real mechanical hardware through internships, student teams ... The target hiring range for this position is listed below. Target Salary Range: $125,000-$150,000 ...

Intellectt INC

Mechanical Engineer

Florence, SC · On-site

Hiring: Mechanical Engineer Location: Florence, SC (Hybrid - 3 Days Onsite, 2 Days Remote) We are actively hiring a Mechanical Engineer for the Elevator Manufacturing industry. This is an excellent ...

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All JobsHiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do hiring opt student mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for hiring opt student mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer vs Intern Mechanical Engineer?

AspectHiring Opt Student Mechanical EngineerIntern Mechanical Engineer
CredentialsEnrolled in or recent graduate of mechanical engineering programEnrolled in or recent graduate of mechanical engineering program
Work EnvironmentPart-time or flexible work, often during academic termsFull-time internship, often during summer or semester breaks
Employer UsageUsed by companies to evaluate potential future employeesUsed to provide practical experience and industry exposure

Both roles target students or recent graduates in mechanical engineering, focusing on gaining industry experience. The main difference lies in the work arrangement: Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineers often work part-time or flexibly, while Intern Mechanical Engineers typically have full-time internships during breaks. Employers use both to assess skills and fit, but internships are more structured for training, whereas opt roles may be ongoing or part-time.

What engineers make $500,000?

Highly experienced engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum engineering, aerospace engineering, or senior roles in software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and extensive industry experience, and may include bonuses or stock options that contribute to total compensation.

What jobs do mechanical engineering students get?

Mechanical engineering students often find entry-level positions such as design engineer, manufacturing engineer, or quality control technician. They may also work as research assistants, CAD drafters, or in internships that provide practical experience with tools like AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB, often requiring strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of engineering principles.

Can you make $200,000 a year as a mechanical engineer?

Earning $200,000 annually as a mechanical engineer is possible but typically requires extensive experience, advanced skills, working in high-paying industries such as aerospace or energy, or holding senior management or specialized roles. Most entry-level or mid-career mechanical engineers earn less, with salaries increasing with years of experience, certifications, and geographic location.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an OPT Student Mechanical Engineer expect to work on during their employment?

As an OPT Student Mechanical Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on and collaborative projects such as designing mechanical components, performing analysis using CAD software, and assisting with prototype development and testing. You'll likely support senior engineers with research, documentation, and troubleshooting tasks, while gaining exposure to industry-standard tools and practices. This role often involves working on cross-functional teams, providing opportunities to learn from experienced professionals and contribute to real-world engineering solutions. The experience gained will be valuable for your technical growth and can help pave the way for full-time roles in the future.

Is it hard to find a job while on OPT as a student?

Finding a job as a mechanical engineer on OPT can be competitive, but opportunities are available for those with relevant skills, internships, and certifications. Success often depends on networking, job market demand, and the ability to demonstrate practical experience and technical proficiency. Staying proactive and applying to multiple positions increases chances of employment during OPT.

What does a Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer do?

A Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer is an international student in the U.S. on Optional Practical Training (OPT), typically after completing a degree in mechanical engineering, who is seeking or has obtained a job in the field. Their responsibilities may include assisting with the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems, working with CAD software, and supporting engineering teams on various projects. These roles provide practical work experience relevant to their studies and help them build skills for future career advancement. Employers hiring OPT students must comply with specific visa and reporting requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Hiring OPT Student Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid grounding in mechanical engineering principles, analytical problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree, often enhanced by participation in the OPT program. Familiarity with CAD software such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD, and experience with simulation tools like ANSYS, are highly valued, along with any relevant internships or certification. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for bridging academic knowledge with practical workplace demands. These skills and qualities ensure effective contribution to engineering projects, smooth integration into diverse teams, and successful adaptation to real-world industry challenges.
More about Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hiring Opt Student Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer

Ocean Power Technologies Inc

Monroeville, NJ • On-site

$105K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer

Location: Full-time, onsite in Monroe Township, NJ

Reports to: Engineering Manager

About Ocean Power Technologies:

OPT provides intelligent maritime solutions and services that enable safer, cleaner, and more productive ocean operations for the defense and security, oil and gas, science and research, and offshore wind markets, including Merrows™, which provides AI-capable seamless integration of Maritime Domain Awareness Systems across platforms. Our PowerBuoy® platforms provide clean and reliable electric power and real-time data communications for remote maritime and subsea applications. We also provide WAM-V® unmanned surface vehicles (USV’s) and marine robotics services. The Company’s headquarters is located in Monroe Township, New Jersey and has an additional office in Richmond, California.

About the Role:

The Mechanical Engineer is expected to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment with highly qualified professionals. As such, they advance customer project and product development program execution by performing detailed engineering design and analysis activities.

Responsibilities:

  • Support project and product development in timely and efficient execution of internal development programs and client projects.
  • Participate in product and project design reviews and offer best-practice advice in area of expertise.
  • Integrate with the OPT mechanical engineering team and provide input on mechanical engineering design issues.
  • Design mechanical components, modules, and systems for various assigned projects with a focus on meeting all performance requirements while designing for manufacturability (DFM), design to cost (DTC).
  • Develop SolidWorks models of OPT products and produce drawings of components, sub-assemblies, and assemblies.
  • Perform finite element structural design analysis using ANSYS.
  • Participate in OPT’s Quality Management System through the ECR/ECO process and drawing reviews.

Requirements:

  • An accredited BS degree in Mechanical Engineering, or related discipline
  • 3 to 5 years of experience in mechanical engineering or related field
  • Required Software Capabilities - SolidWorks, MS Office, ANSYS
  • Experience with Proteus or Orcaflex simulation software, or equivalent preferred, but not required,

Ocean Power Technologies provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy‐related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances.

Equal employment opportunities applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary range is $105,000 to $115,000

  • Bonus potential
  • Restricted Stock Awards

Benefits include:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Insurance
  • 401(k)