Argonne National Laboratory OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Argonne National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy research facility that regularly hires F-1 students on OPT for roles in physical sciences, engineering, computer science, and data analytics. Its STEM-heavy mission makes it a strong fit for students seeking OPT-to-H-1B visa pathways in research and technology.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The X-ray Science Division (XSD) of Argonne National Laboratory enables world-class research using x-rays by operating beamlines with unique capabilities, developing cutting-edge instrumentation and techniques, and pursuing research in the physical, chemical, environmental, life, and materials sciences. The XSD Spectroscopy (SPC) group is seeking a Scientific Associate to provide technical and operational support to its user and research programs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will:
- Provide technical solutions and designs to support beamline operations and research activities.
- Support operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of UHV/vacuum infrastructure (ion pumps and associated controllers) and cryogenic equipment (cryostats and cryopump controllers/cryopumped vacuum systems); diagnose issues and coordinate repairs as needed.
- Perform CAD work and coordinate the assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of instrumentation components and systems in support of beamline operations, upgrades, and maintenance.
- Perform basic machine-shop work to fabricate simple parts and implement equipment modifications using tools such as a drill press and lathe.
- Work both independently and collaboratively with beamline scientists and other scientific associates in implementing mechanical, electrical, vacuum, cryogenic, controls, and/or software solutions that advance user and research programs.
- May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in the design, development, support, and operation of complex, advanced instrumentation.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience with mechanical systems, precision motion systems, automation, and controls.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and use sound judgment in solving technical problems.
- Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
- Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge and experience with vacuum, UHV, cryogenic, and electrical systems.
- Knowledge of Python or other scripting languages.
- Experience with design software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, and Creo.
This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD1 or RD2) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:
- RD1: Bachelors and 0+ years’ experience, Masters and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $78,505 - $122,467.
- RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $94,486 - $147,399.
JOB FAMILY
Research Development (RD)
JOB PROFILE
Systems and Design Engineering 1
WORKER TYPE
Regular
TIME TYPE
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $78,505.00 - $122,467.41.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
INTRODUCTION
The X-ray Science Division (XSD) of Argonne National Laboratory enables world-class research using x-rays by operating beamlines with unique capabilities, developing cutting-edge instrumentation and techniques, and pursuing research in the physical, chemical, environmental, life, and materials sciences. The XSD Spectroscopy (SPC) group is seeking a Scientific Associate to provide technical and operational support to its user and research programs.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The successful candidate will:
- Provide technical solutions and designs to support beamline operations and research activities.
- Support operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of UHV/vacuum infrastructure (ion pumps and associated controllers) and cryogenic equipment (cryostats and cryopump controllers/cryopumped vacuum systems); diagnose issues and coordinate repairs as needed.
- Perform CAD work and coordinate the assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of instrumentation components and systems in support of beamline operations, upgrades, and maintenance.
- Perform basic machine-shop work to fabricate simple parts and implement equipment modifications using tools such as a drill press and lathe.
- Work both independently and collaboratively with beamline scientists and other scientific associates in implementing mechanical, electrical, vacuum, cryogenic, controls, and/or software solutions that advance user and research programs.
- May be required to perform other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in the design, development, support, and operation of complex, advanced instrumentation.
- Knowledge and hands-on experience with mechanical systems, precision motion systems, automation, and controls.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and use sound judgment in solving technical problems.
- Ability to model Argonne’s core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity, and teamwork.
- Interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills, and ability to interact with people at all levels both within and outside the laboratory.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge and experience with vacuum, UHV, cryogenic, and electrical systems.
- Knowledge of Python or other scripting languages.
- Experience with design software such as AutoCAD, Inventor, and Creo.
This position can be hired at one of two levels; the selected candidate will be placed at the appropriate level (RD1 or RD2) dependent upon the depth and breadth of relevant knowledge and skills. The minimum requirements of the two levels are as follows:
- RD1: Bachelors and 0+ years’ experience, Masters and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $78,505 - $122,467.
- RD2: Bachelors and 5+ years’ experience, Masters and 3+ years’ experience, PhD and 0+ years’ experience, or equivalent. The expected pay range for this position is $94,486 - $147,399.
JOB FAMILY
Research Development (RD)
JOB PROFILE
Systems and Design Engineering 1
WORKER TYPE
Regular
TIME TYPE
Full time
The expected hiring range for this position is $78,505.00 - $122,467.41.
Please note that the pay range information is a general guideline only. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as, but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, business considerations, internal equity, and external market pay for comparable jobs. Additionally, comprehensive benefits are part of the total rewards package.
Click here to view Argonne employee benefits!
As an equal employment opportunity employer, and in accordance with our core values of impact, safety, respect, integrity and teamwork, Argonne National Laboratory is committed to a safe and welcoming workplace that fosters collaborative scientific discovery and innovation. Argonne encourages everyone to apply for employment. Argonne is committed to nondiscrimination and considers all qualified applicants for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by law.
Argonne employees, and certain guest researchers and contractors, are subject to particular restrictions related to participation in Foreign Government Sponsored or Affiliated Activities, as defined and detailed in United States Department of Energy Order 486.1A. You will be asked to disclose any such participation in the application phase for review by Argonne's Legal Department.
All Argonne offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes an assessment of criminal conviction history conducted on an individualized and case-by-case basis. Please be advised that Argonne positions require upon hire (or may require in the future) for the individual be to obtain a government access authorization that involves additional background check requirements. Failure to obtain or maintain such government access authorization could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or future termination of employment.
Job Roles at Argonne National Laboratory
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Argonne National Laboratory OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Align your degree to Argonne's research programs
Argonne's hiring centers on specific research divisions like nuclear engineering, materials science, and computational science. Review active project areas on their careers page and tailor your application to show how your degree field directly supports an ongoing research initiative, not just a generic technical skill set.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting STEM roles
For the 24-month STEM OPT extension, your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. Argonne, as a federally funded national laboratory, maintains this enrollment, but confirm it in writing during the offer stage so your DSO can initiate the I-983 training plan without delays.
Search verified OPT employers on Migrate Mate
Before applying broadly, use Migrate Mate to filter for employers with confirmed OPT hiring history in the Science and Research sector. This narrows your search to organizations like Argonne that structurally support OPT students rather than those that handle it case by case.
Benchmark your salary using OFLC Wage Search
Even though OPT itself has no wage floor set by USCIS, negotiating close to the prevailing wage for your occupation strengthens your position when Argonne later files your H-1B. Use OFLC Wage Search to find the wage level for your specific SOC code and location before salary discussions.
Prepare a research-specific credentials package early
Argonne's hiring managers evaluate technical depth, not just credentials. Prepare a portfolio that includes lab reports, published work, or project outcomes relevant to your research area. Having this ready before the interview stage speeds up internal approvals for OPT hires within the lab's research divisions.
Time your OPT start date to match Argonne's onboarding cycles
Federal laboratories like Argonne often have structured onboarding tied to fiscal quarters and security clearance timelines. Request your OPT EAD start date to align with Argonne's earliest projected start date, since USCIS allows you to request a start date up to 30 days before your program end date.
Argonne National Laboratory OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Argonne National Laboratory sponsor OPT visas?
Argonne National Laboratory hires F-1 students who already hold OPT work authorization granted by USCIS. Argonne does not petition for OPT itself, since OPT is authorized directly to the student. For STEM OPT extensions, Argonne's E-Verify enrollment allows eligible students to extend their authorization by 24 months while working there.
Which departments at Argonne National Laboratory typically hire OPT students?
OPT hires at Argonne tend to concentrate in research-intensive divisions including physical and chemical sciences, computing, environment and earth science, and nuclear engineering. These areas align closely with STEM-designated degree programs, making them strong candidates for both standard OPT and the 24-month STEM extension through USCIS.
How do I start the OPT process before joining Argonne National Laboratory?
You apply for OPT through your DSO and USCIS before your program end date, not through Argonne. Once you receive your EAD, you present it to Argonne during onboarding as your work authorization. For the STEM extension, your DSO will need Argonne to complete the I-983 training plan, which the company's HR team handles.
What is the typical timeline for transitioning from OPT to H-1B at Argonne National Laboratory?
If Argonne decides to sponsor your H-1B, the employer files the petition during the annual registration window in March for an October 1 start. Students on STEM OPT extension have up to 24 additional months of authorized work, which covers the gap if your H-1B is selected in the lottery but doesn't begin until October.
How do I find open OPT roles at Argonne National Laboratory?
Search Argonne's careers portal filtering for internships, postdoctoral positions, and research associate roles, which are the most common entry points for OPT students. Migrate Mate also surfaces OPT-compatible job listings at employers with confirmed hiring histories in research and national laboratory settings, helping you target roles before they close.
How does Argonne National Laboratory hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Argonne National Laboratory can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check Argonne National Laboratory's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.