OPT Chemical Engineer Jobs
Chemical Engineer OPT jobs are a strong fit for F-1 students, as the role consistently qualifies as a STEM occupation, giving you access to the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months. Employers in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and materials manufacturing regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this specialty.
Find OPT Chemical Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 66+ Chemical Engineer jobs
See all 66+ Chemical Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Chemical Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsAgency
Texas A&M University - San Antonio
Department
Division of Research & Innovation
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
San Antonio, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Under supervision of the Vice President for Research, the Biosafety Officer/ Chemical Safety Officer (BSO/CSO) assists in organizing, managing, implementing, and maintaining programs in compliance for laboratory and research safety in the specific areas of biosafety and chem-safety. Assists in the administration, promotion, development, presentation, training, and coordination of various Safety programs at the university to ensure research and laboratory compliance with University regulations, System regulations, regulatory agencies, and national guidelines.
Responsibilities:
- Assists in the development and implementation of chemical and environmental health and safety programs to meet university and Texas A&M System regulatory requirements. Establishes documents and communicates standards, guidelines and procedures. Develops and delivers training for assigned environmental health and safety programs.
- Develops, implements, and coordinates a comprehensive biological safety program for the university to enhance institutional biosafety-related objectives and to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, guidelines, policies, and directives. Assesses existing programs for regulatory compliance and recommends enhancements or modifications as required. Maintains current knowledge on existing and pending legislation relating to chemical and biological safety.
- Is a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) Committee, and Chair of the Chemical Safety Committee as an expert on compliance matters related to research and teaching laboratories.
- Communicate and collaborate with the university Compliance Officer and with the Risk and Compliance Coordinator in the development and coordination of emergency response procedures.
- Prepares reports as requested or required. Liaises with regulatory agencies and the System Office.
- Provides general laboratory support, dispenses and maintains safety signage, collection/testing materials and spill kits, maintain list of investigators and responsible for notification of exposures, incidents and accidental releases to proper entities, testing of autoclaves and laboratory hoods.
- Assists with removal of all types of hazardous wastes and coordinate the proper disposal and removal of biohazard materials from research and teaching laboratories at the university.
- Conducts field audits for research and safety compliance to university, system, and federal regulations. Documents results and recommends corrective action where non-compliance is found. Follow-up as required.
- Coordinates, quality controls, and monitors the delivery of biosafety education and training to all Texas A&M-SA faculty, staff, and students who work with or have potential for exposure to biological pathogenic agents.
- Monitors all Texas A&M-SA teaching and research activities involving the use of hazardous biological materials and recombinant DNA molecules for compliance with appropriate regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Inspects research and teaching facilities for compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use, handling, and disposal of potential biohazards and recombinant DNA; coordinates the review and investigation of all biosafety accidents occurring on university campus and develops corrective action plans.
- Develops and implements emergency response procedures for incidents involving biohazardous agents and materials and maintains TEXAS A&M SA Incident Action Plan for biohazards; develops medical surveillance criteria for activities involving biohazards and related materials; responds to biohazardous materials incidents as appropriate.
- Performs other duties as assigned to include, but not limited to, administration of the blood borne pathogen program at the university.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field.
- Four (4) years of related experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or Occupational Health and Safety.
- Two (2) years of experience in biosafety administration, program management, risk management, research compliance, chemical safety, and/or related areas.
- Master’s degree is preferred or Master’s degree and five years of experience.
- Seven (7) years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP)
- Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP)
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong computer skills.
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database software.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of Biological and Chemical regulations as well as federal laboratory biosafety level regulations and guidelines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Applicant Requirement Instructions:
Please make sure to provide the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume / CV
- Professional References
For detailed instructions on how to apply for any position on our website, please use the following link:
http://www.tamusa.edu/humanresources/job-opportunities/index.html
Summary of Employee Benefits:
www.tamusa.edu/human-resources/documents/Summary-of-Employees-Benefits1.pdf
Texas A&M University-San Antonio values community engagement and encourages applicants who are committed to advancing the well-being and prosperity of our communities.
Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting the application. Once the application is submitted, no changes or revisions can be made. If you have issues with adding documents to your application, please contact HR at 210-784-2058.
In compliance with ADA, if accommodations are needed for the application process, please contact HR at (210) 784-2058.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
Agency
Texas A&M University - San Antonio
Department
Division of Research & Innovation
Proposed Minimum Salary
Commensurate
Job Location
San Antonio, Texas
Job Type
Staff
Job Description
Under supervision of the Vice President for Research, the Biosafety Officer/ Chemical Safety Officer (BSO/CSO) assists in organizing, managing, implementing, and maintaining programs in compliance for laboratory and research safety in the specific areas of biosafety and chem-safety. Assists in the administration, promotion, development, presentation, training, and coordination of various Safety programs at the university to ensure research and laboratory compliance with University regulations, System regulations, regulatory agencies, and national guidelines.
Responsibilities:
- Assists in the development and implementation of chemical and environmental health and safety programs to meet university and Texas A&M System regulatory requirements. Establishes documents and communicates standards, guidelines and procedures. Develops and delivers training for assigned environmental health and safety programs.
- Develops, implements, and coordinates a comprehensive biological safety program for the university to enhance institutional biosafety-related objectives and to ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, guidelines, policies, and directives. Assesses existing programs for regulatory compliance and recommends enhancements or modifications as required. Maintains current knowledge on existing and pending legislation relating to chemical and biological safety.
- Is a member of the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), Institutional Animal Care and Use (IACUC) Committee, and Chair of the Chemical Safety Committee as an expert on compliance matters related to research and teaching laboratories.
- Communicate and collaborate with the university Compliance Officer and with the Risk and Compliance Coordinator in the development and coordination of emergency response procedures.
- Prepares reports as requested or required. Liaises with regulatory agencies and the System Office.
- Provides general laboratory support, dispenses and maintains safety signage, collection/testing materials and spill kits, maintain list of investigators and responsible for notification of exposures, incidents and accidental releases to proper entities, testing of autoclaves and laboratory hoods.
- Assists with removal of all types of hazardous wastes and coordinate the proper disposal and removal of biohazard materials from research and teaching laboratories at the university.
- Conducts field audits for research and safety compliance to university, system, and federal regulations. Documents results and recommends corrective action where non-compliance is found. Follow-up as required.
- Coordinates, quality controls, and monitors the delivery of biosafety education and training to all Texas A&M-SA faculty, staff, and students who work with or have potential for exposure to biological pathogenic agents.
- Monitors all Texas A&M-SA teaching and research activities involving the use of hazardous biological materials and recombinant DNA molecules for compliance with appropriate regulations, policies, procedures, and best practices.
- Inspects research and teaching facilities for compliance with regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use, handling, and disposal of potential biohazards and recombinant DNA; coordinates the review and investigation of all biosafety accidents occurring on university campus and develops corrective action plans.
- Develops and implements emergency response procedures for incidents involving biohazardous agents and materials and maintains TEXAS A&M SA Incident Action Plan for biohazards; develops medical surveillance criteria for activities involving biohazards and related materials; responds to biohazardous materials incidents as appropriate.
- Performs other duties as assigned to include, but not limited to, administration of the blood borne pathogen program at the university.
Required Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in related field.
- Four (4) years of related experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Health and Safety, Industrial Hygiene, or Occupational Health and Safety.
- Two (2) years of experience in biosafety administration, program management, risk management, research compliance, chemical safety, and/or related areas.
- Master’s degree is preferred or Master’s degree and five years of experience.
- Seven (7) years of related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Certified Biological Safety Professional (CBSP)
- Registered Biosafety Professional (RBP)
- Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH)
- Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
- Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Strong computer skills.
- Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet and database software.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Knowledge of Biological and Chemical regulations as well as federal laboratory biosafety level regulations and guidelines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality. Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
Applicant Requirement Instructions:
Please make sure to provide the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Resume / CV
- Professional References
For detailed instructions on how to apply for any position on our website, please use the following link:
http://www.tamusa.edu/humanresources/job-opportunities/index.html
Summary of Employee Benefits:
www.tamusa.edu/human-resources/documents/Summary-of-Employees-Benefits1.pdf
Texas A&M University-San Antonio values community engagement and encourages applicants who are committed to advancing the well-being and prosperity of our communities.
Please ensure that all required documents are uploaded prior to submitting the application. Once the application is submitted, no changes or revisions can be made. If you have issues with adding documents to your application, please contact HR at 210-784-2058.
In compliance with ADA, if accommodations are needed for the application process, please contact HR at (210) 784-2058.
All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.
Equal Opportunity/Veterans/Disability Employer.
See all 66+ OPT Chemical Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Chemical Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Chemical Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers first
Chemical Engineering roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, but only if your employer is E-Verify enrolled. Confirm enrollment before accepting any offer. Most large manufacturers and chemical companies already participate.
Align your resume to the specialty occupation standard
H-1B approval for Chemical Engineers requires your role to directly use your degree. Emphasize specific technical functions like process design, reaction kinetics, or materials analysis rather than general project coordination or lab support duties.
Research employers who regularly file H-1B petitions
Companies with a track record of sponsoring Chemical Engineers are your safest bet during OPT. DOL disclosure data shows consistent H-1B filings from firms in petroleum refining, specialty chemicals, and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors.
Apply before your OPT authorization is issued
Hiring timelines at chemical and engineering firms often run 6 to 12 weeks. Start applying before your OPT EAD arrives so your authorization is in hand by the time an offer is extended and onboarding begins.
Address the H-1B cap timeline proactively
With a STEM extension, you have up to 36 months of OPT. That covers two H-1B lottery cycles. Tell sponsoring employers upfront so they understand you are not a one-year hire requiring an immediate cap-subject petition.
Highlight process engineering and safety compliance experience
Employers sponsoring Chemical Engineers for H-1B need to justify the specialty occupation requirement. Roles involving process optimization, OSHA compliance, or scale-up engineering are far easier to sponsor than generalist R&D assistant positions.
Chemical Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Chemical Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Chemical Engineering (CIP code 14.0701) is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, which means you are eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you must file Form I-983 to document your training plan. Combined, that gives you up to 36 months of work authorization before needing an H-1B or other visa.
Do Chemical Engineer jobs typically qualify as H-1B specialty occupations?
Chemical Engineering is one of the cleaner specialty occupation cases for H-1B purposes. The role has a direct and established connection to a specific degree field, which is exactly what USCIS looks for. Roles involving process design, reaction engineering, or materials development are routinely approved. Positions framed as general operations or sales support are harder to qualify, even with an engineering title, so the job description matters significantly.
Which industries hire Chemical Engineers on OPT most often?
The strongest hiring demand for Chemical Engineers on OPT comes from petroleum and natural gas, pharmaceutical and biotech manufacturing, specialty chemicals, semiconductors, and environmental consulting. These industries routinely deal with technically complex, degree-dependent work that supports both OPT and future H-1B sponsorship. You can browse verified OPT-friendly openings across these sectors on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers actively working with international candidates.
Can I do a co-op or internship as a Chemical Engineer while on OPT?
Yes, post-completion OPT allows full-time and part-time employment, including internships, provided the work is directly related to your Chemical Engineering degree. However, you cannot use post-completion OPT for volunteer work or unpaid positions. If you are still enrolled and want to do a co-op before graduation, Curricular Practical Training is the appropriate authorization instead. Make sure any internship offer letter explicitly connects the role to your field of study.
What happens if I cannot find a Chemical Engineer role before my OPT start date?
OPT has a 90-day unemployment limit. You do not need to be employed on the first day, but the clock starts from your OPT start date, not from when you find a job. For Chemical Engineers, the job search timeline is typically realistic within that window given strong industry demand, but starting your applications two to three months before graduation significantly reduces the pressure. Document any periods of unemployment carefully in your SEVIS record through your DSO.