OPT Data Science Engineer Jobs
Data Science Engineer jobs are among the most OPT-friendly roles in tech, with strong demand from employers experienced in sponsoring F-1 students. Most positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization to build your U.S. career.
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Job Title: Data Science Engineer
Position leads the data science initiative in all areas of BRR Plus's responsibilities, including Pratt Industries and Visy, providing professional knowledge and expertise in the areas of large data analytics in support of operational improvements across all facets as designated by the Group Data Science Manager. The position will be expected to build data/machine learning products to extract valuable business insights.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other duties may be assigned)
- Identify valuable data sources and automate collection processes
- Undertake preprocessing of structured and unstructured data
- Analyze large amounts of information to discover trends and patterns
- Leverage programming skills to develop automated systems that help improve business operations
- Build predictive models and machine-learning algorithms
- Present information using data visualization techniques
- Collaborate with engineering and production teams
- Assist all Pratt/Visy locations (via remote login, video conferencing, or onsite support), provide direction, training, and development support, roll out pre-developed tools, expedite installation of insightful data products
- Travel as required to support development of other Pratt/Visy locations
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
- Experience as a Data Scientist or Data Analyst preferred
- Understanding of machine-learning and operations research preferred or demonstrated ability and desire to learn ML/AI methods to develop the desired outcome
- Knowledge of DCS systems, Data Historians, and Data Analytics software such as: dataParc, Seeq, Python
- Analytical mind and business acumen
- Strong math skills (e.g. statistics, algebra)
- Problem-solving aptitude
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Post-secondary educational degree (2 to 4-year degree from college, university, technical school, military, vocational or other advanced educational institution) REQUIRED
- Candidates are preferred who offer the following:
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- BS degree in Chemical Engineering, Pulp and Paper, or other engineering disciplines related to field
LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, manuals, regulations, and codes
- Ability to write business reports and correspondence
- Ability to communicate effectively with suppliers, contractors, employees and outside officials to the company
- Clear, concise oral and written communication skills
MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
- Ability to apply concepts of algebra and statistics along with basic math (adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing)
REASONING ABILITY
- Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Ability to gather information and perform detailed analysis and problem solving
- Ability to create reports for review by upper management: Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Seeq, and ML/AI software as required to perform the responsibilities of this position
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Employee is regularly required to walk, talk, and hear
- Employee is frequently required to stand; use hands to finger, handle, feel; and reach with hands and arms
- The employee is occasionally required to sit
- The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds
- Vision requirements include: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee can be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts, and fumes of airborne particles
- The noise level in the field work environment is usually loud when working in the manufacturing plants
- The position may work remotely at times as deemed necessary by the Group Data Science Manager
Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
Pratt Industries is America's 4th largest paper and packaging company with more than 10,000+ highly skilled green collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries is one of the largest corrugated packaging companies in America, with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than twenty states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.
Pratt Industries offers competitive compensation plans with incentive opportunities, full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, All State, Pre-Paid Legal, and 401(k) with company match, paid vacation, paid holidays, and childbearing and parental leave.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Data Science Engineer
Target employers with a STEM OPT track record
Search for companies that have consistently filed H-1B visa petitions for data roles. Employers already running OPT-to-H-1B pipelines are far less likely to hesitate at the sponsorship conversation than those encountering it for the first time.
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Data Science Engineer roles typically fall under CIP codes 11.0401 or 27.0301. Verify your degree field matches an approved STEM designation before accepting an offer, since your 24-month extension depends entirely on that alignment.
Raise OPT early, not after the offer
Bring up your work authorization status before the final interview round. Framing it as a logistical detail rather than a request reduces friction and signals professionalism. Most data teams at mid-to-large companies have handled this before.
Lead with your technical skills, not your visa status
Hiring managers evaluate data engineers on Python, SQL, ML pipelines, and cloud platforms first. A strong technical profile shifts the sponsorship question from a risk to a straightforward administrative step worth taking for the right candidate.
Prioritize companies with dedicated immigration support
Larger tech firms and well-funded startups often have in-house immigration counsel or established law firm relationships. These employers process OPT and H-1B filings routinely, which means fewer delays and a smoother experience for you.
Document your training plan thoroughly for STEM OPT
Your employer must sign a formal training plan connecting your Data Science Engineer duties to your degree field. Be specific about the skills, tools, and projects involved. A vague plan increases the risk of a DSO rejection.
Data Science Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Data Science Engineer on OPT?
Yes, provided your job duties are directly related to your degree field. Data Science Engineer roles typically qualify when your degree is in computer science, statistics, data science, or a related STEM discipline. The connection between your coursework and your day-to-day responsibilities must be documentable, as your DSO will review it when issuing your EAD.
Do Data Science Engineer jobs qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
Most do, but qualification depends on your degree, not just your job title. Your degree must appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. CIP codes commonly associated with data engineering degrees, such as computer science and applied mathematics, are typically on that list. Confirm with your DSO before accepting an offer.
How early should I apply for Data Science Engineer jobs on OPT?
Start your search at least three to four months before your OPT start date. Hiring timelines for data engineering roles at established companies often run six to eight weeks from first interview to offer. Factoring in EAD processing time, which currently averages three to five months, applying early keeps your authorization and your start date aligned.
Where can I find Data Science Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers with a history of sponsoring international candidates. Browsing on Migrate Mate saves significant time compared to sifting through general job listings where sponsorship willingness is unclear or buried in fine print.
What happens to my Data Science Engineer job if my H-1B isn't selected in the lottery?
If you exhaust your STEM OPT period and the H-1B lottery does not select you, your work authorization ends and you must stop working. Some employers in the data space offer alternative visa pathways, such as the O-1A for candidates with strong publication or competition records, or transfer to a Canadian office while reapplying. Discussing contingency options with your employer before your OPT expires is worth doing proactively.