OPT Engineering Leader Jobs
Engineering Leader jobs on OPT are available, but most require STEM OPT extension eligibility given the 24-month authorization period these senior roles demand. Employers filing H-1B visa sponsorship for engineering leadership positions typically need candidates already authorized through a STEM field designation on their EAD.
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Get Access To All JobsWhat You'll Be Doing
Job Scope: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of complex electrical and instrumentation engineering assignments. This level requires extensive progressive experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering and involves applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis. This work will be performed under general supervision.
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Serves as primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems and is a key member of plant technical leadership.
- Builds and maintains a sustainable system for plant E&I skill development.
- Coaches the area E&I Coordinator on skill assessment and development of operating and E&I technicians within the department.
- Works with the site Controls Engineering Manager to build and maintain sustainable process and machine control onboarding and ongoing development systems for plant Process Engineers, Interns and Area Leaders.
- Works with the site Controls Engineering Manager to develop power and control standards and ensure application of the standards in their area of responsibility.
- Knows, communicates, and ensures technician compliance to local and national regulator codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 70e, NFPA 79 and OSHA 1910).
- Is also responsible for ensuring equipment and safe practice compliance in their area of responsibility.
- Responsible for validation of the MES data from PLC into Proficy.
- Support plant PEs in conditioning PLC data to accommodate effective data analysis including application development.
- Owns the validity and ongoing system for maintaining the site sustainability metering equipment (power monitors and usage flow meters).
- Owns using the power monitoring data and developing plans to reduce overall consumption and costs.
- Provides expertise in the design and implementation of machine control and process automation applications, such as: control strategies, HMI design, MES applications and KPI development.
- Works Controls Engineering Manager, department management and technicians to identify losses, and develop plans and strategies to eliminate them, in the areas of safety, quality, reliability and cost.
- Owns parts or whole Key Elements for systems related to power and control system such as electrical safety (LOTO, Electrical PPE, Energized work permits, low voltage qualification, etc.) and Quality/CCP compliance (checkweighers, metal detectors, vision systems, ingredient flows, temperatures, etc.).
- Works closely with engineering and operations leaders on selection and installation/start-up of new equipment.
- Becomes the technical expert on new equipment and ensures the training of others with regard to control systems.
- Serves as project manager for initiatives ranging from E&I focused projects to complete capital projects.
- Provides power and controls engineering support on capital initiatives in their area of responsibility.
- Provides support throughout other parts of the plant as needed on a daily basis.
- Learns and applies advance control, simulation and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve overall process and packaging operations.
Ideal Background
Education: Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university is required.
Registration: Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred.
Experience: This position requires 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to effectively engage, lead, and build capability on the floor
- Ability to work and manage within a team environment
- Strong knowledge of machine and/or process control hardware, instrumentation and software including Allen Bradley PLC and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms
- Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA guidelines related to electrical equipment and practices
- Understanding of technical systems and terminology
- Experience learning and integrating new technologies
- Experience leading the installation of equipment in food manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated results in manufacturing maintenance utilizing maintenance systems
- Experience with plant systems software (Proficy, Project Management, eAM, etc.)
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others
- Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Some travel may be required for plant start up
- Willingness to work off-shifts or weekends as needed
- Willingness to relocate for future opportunities
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
What You'll Be Doing
Job Scope: Generally responsible for performing all aspects for complete design of complex electrical and instrumentation engineering assignments. This level requires extensive progressive experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering and involves applying advanced engineering techniques and analysis. This work will be performed under general supervision.
Primary responsibilities will include but not be limited to:
- Serves as primary administrator and troubleshooter for plant power and control systems and is a key member of plant technical leadership.
- Builds and maintains a sustainable system for plant E&I skill development.
- Coaches the area E&I Coordinator on skill assessment and development of operating and E&I technicians within the department.
- Works with the site Controls Engineering Manager to build and maintain sustainable process and machine control onboarding and ongoing development systems for plant Process Engineers, Interns and Area Leaders.
- Works with the site Controls Engineering Manager to develop power and control standards and ensure application of the standards in their area of responsibility.
- Knows, communicates, and ensures technician compliance to local and national regulator codes (NFPA 70, NFPA 70e, NFPA 79 and OSHA 1910).
- Is also responsible for ensuring equipment and safe practice compliance in their area of responsibility.
- Responsible for validation of the MES data from PLC into Proficy.
- Support plant PEs in conditioning PLC data to accommodate effective data analysis including application development.
- Owns the validity and ongoing system for maintaining the site sustainability metering equipment (power monitors and usage flow meters).
- Owns using the power monitoring data and developing plans to reduce overall consumption and costs.
- Provides expertise in the design and implementation of machine control and process automation applications, such as: control strategies, HMI design, MES applications and KPI development.
- Works Controls Engineering Manager, department management and technicians to identify losses, and develop plans and strategies to eliminate them, in the areas of safety, quality, reliability and cost.
- Owns parts or whole Key Elements for systems related to power and control system such as electrical safety (LOTO, Electrical PPE, Energized work permits, low voltage qualification, etc.) and Quality/CCP compliance (checkweighers, metal detectors, vision systems, ingredient flows, temperatures, etc.).
- Works closely with engineering and operations leaders on selection and installation/start-up of new equipment.
- Becomes the technical expert on new equipment and ensures the training of others with regard to control systems.
- Serves as project manager for initiatives ranging from E&I focused projects to complete capital projects.
- Provides power and controls engineering support on capital initiatives in their area of responsibility.
- Provides support throughout other parts of the plant as needed on a daily basis.
- Learns and applies advance control, simulation and process modeling technologies to analyze and improve overall process and packaging operations.
Ideal Background
Education: Bachelor or Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university is required.
Registration: Professional Engineering registration is highly preferred.
Experience: This position requires 4+ years of relevant industrial experience in electrical and instrumentation engineering.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to effectively engage, lead, and build capability on the floor
- Ability to work and manage within a team environment
- Strong knowledge of machine and/or process control hardware, instrumentation and software including Allen Bradley PLC and Rockwell FactoryTalk platforms
- Working knowledge of NFPA and OSHA guidelines related to electrical equipment and practices
- Understanding of technical systems and terminology
- Experience learning and integrating new technologies
- Experience leading the installation of equipment in food manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated results in manufacturing maintenance utilizing maintenance systems
- Experience with plant systems software (Proficy, Project Management, eAM, etc.)
- Self-motivated and able to motivate others
- Strong organizational, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Effective presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Suite applications
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Some travel may be required for plant start up
- Willingness to work off-shifts or weekends as needed
- Willingness to relocate for future opportunities
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, or walk for long periods of time.
Hargrove Culture
We work to create an environment founded on trust, personal integrity, and a “team mentality” so that each person understands the value of their contributions both on a project and company-wide level. We know that each person on our team contributes to the success of our company by pairing expertise and passion to meet and exceed the needs of the clients we serve across the globe.
Our safety culture protects and promotes the well-being of every person who works with us and every person touched by our work.
As a 100% Teammate owned company, we proudly offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible Teammates.
Equal Opportunity Employment Statement
Hargrove is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, sexual identity, marital or family status), disability, military service or obligations, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Hargrove is a drug-free workplace.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
See all OPT Engineering Leader Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Engineering Leader
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility before applying
Engineering Leader roles often take 6 to 12 months to hire. If your standard OPT has less than a year remaining, apply for your STEM OPT extension immediately so authorization gaps don't derail a late-stage offer.
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship histories
Large engineering organizations and mid-size product companies sponsor H-1B visas far more consistently than early-stage startups. Prioritize employers who have sponsored engineering roles in prior years, as leadership hires often take longer to clear legal approval.
Frame your leadership scope in quantifiable terms
Hiring managers and immigration attorneys both need evidence that your role is a specialty occupation. Document team size, technical complexity, and business impact concretely. Vague titles without substance raise questions during H-1B petition review.
Raise OPT authorization early in recruiter conversations
Engineering leadership searches involve multiple stakeholders. Disclosing your work authorization status to the recruiter upfront prevents late-stage surprises when legal review begins and saves weeks of wasted effort on both sides.
Negotiate offer timelines around your OPT expiration date
Engineering Leader offers frequently include extended notice periods and offer-to-start gaps. Make sure your EAD remains valid through your actual start date, and account for STEM OPT processing time if your standard OPT ends soon.
Understand that leadership roles require specialty occupation justification
USCIS scrutinizes managerial H-1B petitions more heavily than individual contributor roles. Ensure the job description specifies a degree requirement in engineering, computer science, or a directly related technical field, not general management.
Engineering Leader OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Engineering Leaders in the United States?
Yes, F-1 OPT students can work as Engineering Leaders if the role falls within their degree field. Most Engineering Leader positions require a degree in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM discipline, which typically satisfies the field-of-study requirement for OPT authorization. STEM OPT extension holders get up to 36 months of total work authorization, which gives employers sufficient runway to file H-1B sponsorship.
Do Engineering Leader roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Engineering Leader roles generally qualify for the STEM OPT extension if your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field and the job is directly related to that field. The role must involve applying engineering or technical knowledge, not purely administrative management. Most employers structuring these roles correctly will include technical oversight responsibilities that satisfy the relatedness requirement. Confirm with your DSO before applying.
How do I find Engineering Leader jobs that sponsor H-1B visas for OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to surface jobs from employers with H-1B sponsorship history, so it's the most efficient starting point for OPT students targeting Engineering Leader roles. Beyond job boards, look at companies that have sponsored engineering leadership positions in previous H-1B cycles. Product-driven companies and enterprise technology firms sponsor at higher rates than early-stage startups, where equity compensation often substitutes for visa sponsorship infrastructure.
Will employers consider OPT students for Engineering Leader positions given the seniority level?
Yes, but the pool is narrower than for individual contributor roles. Engineering Leader positions typically require several years of experience, and many OPT students applying will be on STEM OPT extension following prior U.S. work experience. Employers willing to sponsor at this level usually have established immigration programs and legal teams. The bigger challenge is timeline: these searches move slowly, and OPT authorization windows require careful planning.
What happens to my OPT work authorization if my Engineering Leader role is eliminated?
If your employment ends while on standard OPT, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment or change status. STEM OPT extension holders also receive a 60-day grace period, but unemployment days count against a 150-day limit over the extension period. For Engineering Leader roles, which carry higher layoff risk during economic downturns, it's worth maintaining an emergency plan and monitoring your unemployment day count closely.