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Opt Internship Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Maven

Trader Summer Internship Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Our summer internship is designed for a small number of high-potential students each year ... Use the same tools that our Traders use - or opt to build your own - and see the same trades that ...

Maven

Trader Summer Internship Chicago 2027

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Our summer internship is designed for a small number of high-potential students each year ... Use the same tools that our Traders use - or opt to build your own - and see the same trades that ...

Aimtron Corporation

IT Intern

Palatine, IL · On-site

$16/hr

... OPT) programs, are encouraged to apply. Internship Expectations The internship is intended to provide practical work experience and professional development. Participation in the internship does not ...

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Opt Internship information

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How much do opt internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for opt internship in Illinois is $15.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.12 and $17.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an OPT internship?

An OPT (Optional Practical Training) Internship is a temporary work opportunity for international students in the U.S. on an F-1 visa. It allows students to gain practical experience in their field of study during or after completing their academic program. OPT internships can be paid or unpaid and must be related to the student's major. Students typically apply for OPT authorization through USCIS, and they can work for up to 12 months (or 24 months for STEM fields with an extension).

What type of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during an OPT internship?

OPT Interns typically gain hands-on experience by assisting with real-world projects relevant to their field of study, such as data analysis, research support, software development, or design tasks. You may be assigned to collaborative teams, receive mentorship from senior staff, and be expected to present your findings or progress in meetings. The projects are designed to develop both your technical skills and understanding of industry practices, helping you build a professional portfolio. Engaging with meaningful work and cross-functional teams will provide valuable insights and prepare you for future full-time opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the OPT internship position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an OPT Internship candidate, you should possess a foundational understanding of your field of study, strong analytical abilities, and be enrolled in or recently graduated from a U.S.-accredited college or university. Familiarity with relevant industry software, technical tools, or laboratory equipment specific to your discipline is often required. Excellent communication, adaptability, and a proactive learning attitude are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills ensure you can contribute effectively, maximize your learning, and successfully transition into a professional career environment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Opt jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Opt jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Opt Internship jobs in Illinois?

For Opt Internship jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Opt Internship jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Opt Internship jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Opt Internship jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Opt Internship job openings:

Opt Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Opt Internship job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% Internship, 64% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $31,331 per year, or $15.1 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - OPT/ STEM OPT

Mossville, IL • On-site

Purple Hires Inc
See more jobs at Purple Hires Incexternal

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Summary

Caterpillar is looking for a Mechanical Engineer 3 to support the Global Hydraulics team. The role focuses on hydraulic component development, cost analysis, project management, supplier collaboration, and new product introduction (NPI).

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead cost analysis and value-creation projects for global hydraulic components.
  • Support new product introduction (NPI) for hydraulic cylinders and purchased components.
  • Work with engineering, suppliers, procurement, manufacturing, and product teams.
  • Analyze large datasets and identify cost, performance, and improvement opportunities.
  • Review engineering drawings, specifications, designs, and technical requirements.
  • Support product design reviews, validation, and technical analysis.
  • Prepare reports and presentations for leadership and stakeholders.
  • Manage project schedules, deliverables, and team meetings.
Required Education & Experience
  • 5+ years of industry experience.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering preferred.
  • Master's degree with approximately 3 years of experience is acceptable.
  • Mechanical, Design Engineer, or Project Team Lead experience is relevant.
  • Internship experience does not count toward required experience.
Top Required Skills
  • Strong project management and Microsoft Office skills, especially Excel, Power BI, Teams, and SharePoint.
  • Ability to analyze large datasets, identify trends, and present key findings.
  • Understanding of the product development lifecycle, including requirements, development, testing, validation, and value engineering.
Additional Technical Skills
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints, engineering drawings, schematics, and technical reports.
  • CREO/modeling experience is preferred.
  • Knowledge of hydraulic components and systems is preferred.
  • Experience with product design, manufacturing, sourcing, or supplier engineering is a plus.
Soft Skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication.
  • Analytical and detail-oriented approach.
  • Strong problem-solving and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to lead meetings and work independently.
  • Self-motivated, organized, and able to manage multiple deliverables.
Ideal Candidate

A Mechanical/Design Engineer or Project Engineer with 5+ years of experience, strong Excel/Power BI/data-analysis and project-management skills, and preferably hands-on knowledge of hydraulic systems, component design, supplier engineering, or NPI.