H-1B Visa Strategic Operations Manager Jobs
Strategic Operations Manager jobs attract H-1B visa sponsors across technology, healthcare, and logistics, where the role's planning, process design, and cross-functional leadership duties typically satisfy USCIS specialty occupation requirements. Employers file an LCA with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, granting status in three-year increments up to a six-year maximum.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Strategic Operations Manager to lead facility expansion and site development initiatives that support the company's next phase of growth. This role is responsible for planning, delivering, and operationalizing new facilities, manufacturing expansions, test environments, and strategic infrastructure projects from concept through occupancy and operational readiness.
The ideal candidate combines expertise in facilities development, project management, real estate, and operational planning with a strong ability to coordinate cross-functional teams. This individual will own projects end-to-end while leveraging AI-enabled tools and automation to improve site selection, project execution, reporting, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead planning and execution of facility expansion projects, including manufacturing sites, engineering facilities, test environments, and operational infrastructure
- Manage site selection activities, including location analysis, due diligence, feasibility assessments, and recommendation development
- Lead land acquisition, lease negotiations, property transactions, and facility development activities
- Coordinate permitting, zoning, environmental reviews, regulatory approvals, and compliance requirements
- Manage facility design, construction, renovation, and occupancy projects from initial requirements through completion
- Develop and maintain integrated project schedules aligned with company growth plans, operational milestones, and production objectives
- Coordinate with architects, engineering firms, contractors, consultants, brokers, utilities, and government agencies
- Lead AI-enabled initiatives focused on site analysis, project tracking, document review, reporting, and operational efficiency improvements
- Manage cross-functional readiness activities involving Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Environmental Health & Safety, Information Technology, and Human Resources
- Conduct operational readiness reviews to ensure facilities, personnel, systems, equipment, and processes are prepared for launch
- Develop and manage facility budgets, capital expenditure plans, forecasts, and project spending
- Monitor project performance, risks, and schedule impacts while driving mitigation actions and recovery plans
- Coordinate infrastructure requirements, including utilities, power, security, technology, environmental, and safety requirements
- Prepare executive presentations, business cases, project updates, and decision-support materials for leadership
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field
- PMP, CAPM, or similar project management certification preferred
Experience:
- Minimum 7 years of experience in facilities planning, real estate development, construction management, strategic operations, capital projects, or related disciplines
- Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously from planning through completion
- Experience supporting facility expansion, operational readiness, infrastructure development, or construction programs
- Experience managing external vendors, contractors, consultants, and development partners
- Demonstrated hands-on experience utilizing AI tools, automation platforms, or advanced analytics solutions within project management or operational environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, or other industrial facility development experience
- Experience supporting test facilities, manufacturing campuses, mission-critical infrastructure, or specialized operational environments
- Experience working with government agencies, economic development organizations, or public-private partnerships
- Experience with site selection, land acquisition, lease negotiations, and facility transactions
- Experience leveraging AI-driven solutions for project management, operational planning, scheduling, or reporting
- Experience securing economic development incentives, grants, tax abatements, or similar programs
- Knowledge of zoning, permitting, environmental compliance, and construction regulations
- Experience managing capital projects with budgets exceeding $10 million
- Experience supporting rapidly growing organizations undergoing expansion and scaling initiatives
Soft Skills:
- Strong ownership mentality and end-to-end accountability
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with executives, government agencies, contractors, and cross-functional teams
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to execution excellence
- Ability to manage competing priorities and complex stakeholder environments
- Adaptability and willingness to embrace new technologies and process improvements
- Calm and effective decision-making under pressure
Technology Stack:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Project
- Smartsheet
- AI assistants and generative AI tools
- Microsoft Copilot
- ChatGPT
- Claude
- Power Automate
- Bluebeam
- AutoCAD Viewer
- Google Earth
- GIS platforms
- Oracle NetSuite or similar ERP systems
- Construction management platforms such as Procore
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
- Ability to review construction drawings, facility plans, contracts, budgets, and project documentation
- Frequent travel of approximately 30–40% to operational sites, construction projects, and partner locations
- Ability to walk construction sites, undeveloped property, industrial facilities, and uneven outdoor terrain
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions when supporting site evaluations and construction activities
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction and operational environments
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds
Benefits & Perks
At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
- Career Growth and Development Opportunities
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
INTRODUCTION
AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
We are seeking a Strategic Operations Manager to lead facility expansion and site development initiatives that support the company's next phase of growth. This role is responsible for planning, delivering, and operationalizing new facilities, manufacturing expansions, test environments, and strategic infrastructure projects from concept through occupancy and operational readiness.
The ideal candidate combines expertise in facilities development, project management, real estate, and operational planning with a strong ability to coordinate cross-functional teams. This individual will own projects end-to-end while leveraging AI-enabled tools and automation to improve site selection, project execution, reporting, and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead planning and execution of facility expansion projects, including manufacturing sites, engineering facilities, test environments, and operational infrastructure
- Manage site selection activities, including location analysis, due diligence, feasibility assessments, and recommendation development
- Lead land acquisition, lease negotiations, property transactions, and facility development activities
- Coordinate permitting, zoning, environmental reviews, regulatory approvals, and compliance requirements
- Manage facility design, construction, renovation, and occupancy projects from initial requirements through completion
- Develop and maintain integrated project schedules aligned with company growth plans, operational milestones, and production objectives
- Coordinate with architects, engineering firms, contractors, consultants, brokers, utilities, and government agencies
- Lead AI-enabled initiatives focused on site analysis, project tracking, document review, reporting, and operational efficiency improvements
- Manage cross-functional readiness activities involving Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Environmental Health & Safety, Information Technology, and Human Resources
- Conduct operational readiness reviews to ensure facilities, personnel, systems, equipment, and processes are prepared for launch
- Develop and manage facility budgets, capital expenditure plans, forecasts, and project spending
- Monitor project performance, risks, and schedule impacts while driving mitigation actions and recovery plans
- Coordinate infrastructure requirements, including utilities, power, security, technology, environmental, and safety requirements
- Prepare executive presentations, business cases, project updates, and decision-support materials for leadership
Qualifications
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Real Estate, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field
- PMP, CAPM, or similar project management certification preferred
Experience:
- Minimum 7 years of experience in facilities planning, real estate development, construction management, strategic operations, capital projects, or related disciplines
- Experience managing multiple complex projects simultaneously from planning through completion
- Experience supporting facility expansion, operational readiness, infrastructure development, or construction programs
- Experience managing external vendors, contractors, consultants, and development partners
- Demonstrated hands-on experience utilizing AI tools, automation platforms, or advanced analytics solutions within project management or operational environments
Preferred Qualifications:
- Aerospace, defense, manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, or other industrial facility development experience
- Experience supporting test facilities, manufacturing campuses, mission-critical infrastructure, or specialized operational environments
- Experience working with government agencies, economic development organizations, or public-private partnerships
- Experience with site selection, land acquisition, lease negotiations, and facility transactions
- Experience leveraging AI-driven solutions for project management, operational planning, scheduling, or reporting
- Experience securing economic development incentives, grants, tax abatements, or similar programs
- Knowledge of zoning, permitting, environmental compliance, and construction regulations
- Experience managing capital projects with budgets exceeding $10 million
- Experience supporting rapidly growing organizations undergoing expansion and scaling initiatives
Soft Skills:
- Strong ownership mentality and end-to-end accountability
- Excellent organizational and project management skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Exceptional negotiation and relationship-building abilities
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate effectively with executives, government agencies, contractors, and cross-functional teams
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to execution excellence
- Ability to manage competing priorities and complex stakeholder environments
- Adaptability and willingness to embrace new technologies and process improvements
- Calm and effective decision-making under pressure
Technology Stack:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Project
- Smartsheet
- AI assistants and generative AI tools
- Microsoft Copilot
- ChatGPT
- Claude
- Power Automate
- Bluebeam
- AutoCAD Viewer
- Google Earth
- GIS platforms
- Oracle NetSuite or similar ERP systems
- Construction management platforms such as Procore
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
- Ability to review construction drawings, facility plans, contracts, budgets, and project documentation
- Frequent travel of approximately 30–40% to operational sites, construction projects, and partner locations
- Ability to walk construction sites, undeveloped property, industrial facilities, and uneven outdoor terrain
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions when supporting site evaluations and construction activities
- Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) in construction and operational environments
- Ability to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 25 pounds
Benefits & Perks
At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
- Career Growth and Development Opportunities
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands.
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.
See all 2,882+ H-1B Visa Strategic Operations Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Strategic Operations Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Strategic Operations Manager
Frame your credentials around systems thinking
USCIS adjudicators look for a direct connection between your degree and the role's core duties. A degree in industrial engineering, business analytics, or operations management strengthens your specialty occupation case far more than a general business credential.
Use OFLC Wage Search before salary talks
Your employer must certify your wage meets the DOL prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location. Pull the OFLC Wage Search figures yourself before negotiating, so you know the floor and can flag any offer that falls short.
Target companies with multi-site operations structures
Employers running regional or distributed operations file LCAs more routinely because each worksite requires its own certified LCA. These companies build internal H-1B processes that move faster and with less friction than first-time sponsors.
Find verified H-1B sponsors on Migrate Mate
Search for Strategic Operations Manager roles on Migrate Mate, which lists employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history. This lets you focus your applications on companies with an established sponsorship track record rather than guessing from job descriptions.
Clarify worksite plans before the LCA is filed
If your role involves overseeing facilities in multiple locations, confirm with your employer which worksites will be listed on the LCA. Each location you work from needs its own certified LCA, and gaps create compliance exposure for both you and the company.
Document your decision-making scope in writing
When USCIS reviews your I-129 petition, the job description carries significant weight. Ask your employer to detail the analytical, planning, and degree-dependent duties explicitly in the offer letter and petition support letter, not just the title.
H-1B Visa Strategic Operations Manager: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Strategic Operations Manager role qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes, Strategic Operations Manager positions typically qualify as specialty occupations when the role requires at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related field such as operations management, industrial engineering, or business analytics. The employer must demonstrate in the I-129 petition that the duties require that specific theoretical and practical knowledge, not just general management experience. Roles structured around data-driven process design and cross-functional oversight meet this standard most clearly.
How do I find employers who actively sponsor H-1B visas for operations roles?
Search Migrate Mate to browse Strategic Operations Manager positions at employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history. Beyond that, companies in sectors like logistics technology, healthcare systems, and enterprise software tend to have established sponsorship programs because their operations roles consistently require degree-level analytical work. Look for postings that list specific methodology frameworks or systems expertise as requirements, since those signal a role built for specialty occupation filing.
What happens to my H-1B status if my employer restructures and my role changes significantly?
A material change in your job duties, title, or worksite can require your employer to file an amended I-129 petition before the change takes effect. If your role shifts from operations strategy to general administration, the amended petition must still demonstrate specialty occupation status under the new job description. USCIS treats significant duty changes as a new petition for compliance purposes, so get your employer's HR and legal team involved early.
Can my employer sponsor me for an H-1B if I'll be overseeing operations across multiple office locations?
Yes, but each worksite where you'll regularly work requires its own certified LCA filed with DOL. Your employer must post a notice of the LCA at each location and certify that wages and working conditions meet prevailing wage standards for that specific geography. Confirm the full list of worksites with your employer before the LCA is submitted, since adding locations later requires additional filings and can delay your start date.
What is the O*NET classification for Strategic Operations Manager, and why does it matter for my petition?
O*NET categorizes Strategic Operations Manager work under General and Operations Managers, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics also tracks for wage data. Your employer's attorney will reference the O*NET occupation profile and the corresponding SOC code to establish the prevailing wage tier and support the specialty occupation argument in the I-129 petition. Reviewing O*NET yourself helps you understand how your actual duties should be described to align with the classification USCIS expects.