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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Atlanta, GA, US, 30336-1848
Function: Manufacturing
Audience: Experienced Professional
Work Arrangement: On Site
Requisition ID: 69607
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
This role reports to the Site Leader and oversees the Quality Technical Team including shift quality technicians, a lab leader, a process technician, and an FI coordinator. The Technical Leader partners closely with the Operations Leader and Maintenance Leader on a daily basis.
The Technical Leader is accountable for: ensuring the finished goods meet or exceed customer and industry expectations; improving quality control, process control, structured problem solving, and product composition; reporting on relevant quality and plant metrics to Division Leaders; and leading product & process quality in a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Primary metrics include DPMO, quality and process KPIs, and material productivity.
Responsibilities
Develop and sustain efforts in quality management and focused improvement by performing the duties outlined below.
Safety & Environmental Leadership – 5%
- Model Safer Together standards and lead or support key safety initiatives or programs including behavior based safety, PPE standards, and job hazard assessments
- Lead or support investigations related to technical safety or environmental incidents
- Ensure equipment and process changes are aligned with or improve upon safety and environmental requirements
Process Stabilization: Process Control and Improvement/Cost Reduction – 45%
- Review process control metrics for critical processes and improve the performance to reduce product or process variation, producing the maximum amount of first-quality material at the lowest unit cost
- Partner with division SMEs to research and trial new raw materials or equipment to improve quality and/or process control, and/or minimize cost
- Accountable for training new and existing employees on customer and industry product requirements, quality testing, process and equipment theory of operation and setpoints, and Quality Management (QM) and Focused Improvement (FI) pillar work
- Utilize the QM & FI pillars to partner with other pillars on customer FFUs, loss or root-cause analysis, and structured problem solving
- Review all plant or division-level capital projects, including equipment and process designs, for quality or process impacts, and manage those changes to minimize negative impacts to the plant
Product Performance: Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance – 30%
- Lead the technical team comprising primarily shift technicians ensuring testing accuracy and product compliance
- Review quality control metrics to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards, guaranteeing product performance
- Review lab standards and take necessary actions to ensure equipment is calibrated and working properly, and that technicians and operators using approved test methods
- Review the quality of incoming raw materials to minimize the risk of creating defects
- Ensure proper disposition of claim returns, hold material, or trial material
- Partner with the local sales team and warranty department to support roof inspections for warranty claims, and follow up with defect root cause analysis
- Develop business cases for quality-related capital projects, and manage the project from scope to start-up
Administrative: Daily Management, Reporting, Customer Engagement, etc. – 20%
- Leverage TPM-aligned systems to manage tactical KPIs and action items for process and quality control (QM Pillar), structured problem solving (FI Pillar), and partner with other pillars (AM/PM/T&D) to drive towards zero losses
- Maintain technical documentation in line with audit requirements, such as product and process specifications, quality test methods, and critical-to-quality equipment standards utilizing proper change management
- Report regularly (daily/monthly) on product defects, product quality, and process control needs, actions, and best practices to plant and division leadership teams
- Align plant strategy to deliver improvements in the plant TPM governance system, and ensure compliance with all internal and external TPM and Quality audits
- Partner with the local sales team to review customer feedback and support on-site customer training
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The employee should hold the following abilities:
- Must be a proven leader within a relevant discipline and a quick learner who is adaptive to and embraces change
- Must be able to use data to make business decisions and design trials while minimizing the risk of producing off-quality material
- Must have statistical analysis and data evaluation skills
- Must have structured problem-solving and continuous improvement skills in line with Six Sigma concepts
- Must work well in team environments and be adept at motivating co-workers
- Must have solid verbal and written communication skills
- Must be self-motivated, capable of operating towards goals without daily intervention
- Able to grasp and gather new information from a variety of sources quickly
- Some travel required (up to 10%)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The employee should have:
- B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical engineering preferred
- Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing, engineering, and leadership experience
COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
The employee must be able to:
- Utilize Microsoft 365 products
- Utilize Statistical analysis software to identify data trends and patterns (ex: Minitab, advanced Excel, BrainCube, Ignition, Seek, etc.)
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee should possess the ability to:
- Work up to 12 hours in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment
- Safeguard self with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – safety toed shoes, hearing protection, eye protection, hand protection
- Sit or stand continuously for up to 12 hours
- Lift up to 40 lbs without assistance
- Demonstrate visual acuity
- Routinely ascend and descend stairs and ladders as work area requires
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ – including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position – to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC).
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.
Location(s):
Atlanta, GA, US, 30336-1848
Function: Manufacturing
Audience: Experienced Professional
Work Arrangement: On Site
Requisition ID: 69607
PURPOSE OF THE JOB
This role reports to the Site Leader and oversees the Quality Technical Team including shift quality technicians, a lab leader, a process technician, and an FI coordinator. The Technical Leader partners closely with the Operations Leader and Maintenance Leader on a daily basis.
The Technical Leader is accountable for: ensuring the finished goods meet or exceed customer and industry expectations; improving quality control, process control, structured problem solving, and product composition; reporting on relevant quality and plant metrics to Division Leaders; and leading product & process quality in a 24/7 manufacturing facility. Primary metrics include DPMO, quality and process KPIs, and material productivity.
Responsibilities
Develop and sustain efforts in quality management and focused improvement by performing the duties outlined below.
Safety & Environmental Leadership – 5%
- Model Safer Together standards and lead or support key safety initiatives or programs including behavior based safety, PPE standards, and job hazard assessments
- Lead or support investigations related to technical safety or environmental incidents
- Ensure equipment and process changes are aligned with or improve upon safety and environmental requirements
Process Stabilization: Process Control and Improvement/Cost Reduction – 45%
- Review process control metrics for critical processes and improve the performance to reduce product or process variation, producing the maximum amount of first-quality material at the lowest unit cost
- Partner with division SMEs to research and trial new raw materials or equipment to improve quality and/or process control, and/or minimize cost
- Accountable for training new and existing employees on customer and industry product requirements, quality testing, process and equipment theory of operation and setpoints, and Quality Management (QM) and Focused Improvement (FI) pillar work
- Utilize the QM & FI pillars to partner with other pillars on customer FFUs, loss or root-cause analysis, and structured problem solving
- Review all plant or division-level capital projects, including equipment and process designs, for quality or process impacts, and manage those changes to minimize negative impacts to the plant
Product Performance: Quality Control and Regulatory Compliance – 30%
- Lead the technical team comprising primarily shift technicians ensuring testing accuracy and product compliance
- Review quality control metrics to ensure compliance with product specifications and industry standards, guaranteeing product performance
- Review lab standards and take necessary actions to ensure equipment is calibrated and working properly, and that technicians and operators using approved test methods
- Review the quality of incoming raw materials to minimize the risk of creating defects
- Ensure proper disposition of claim returns, hold material, or trial material
- Partner with the local sales team and warranty department to support roof inspections for warranty claims, and follow up with defect root cause analysis
- Develop business cases for quality-related capital projects, and manage the project from scope to start-up
Administrative: Daily Management, Reporting, Customer Engagement, etc. – 20%
- Leverage TPM-aligned systems to manage tactical KPIs and action items for process and quality control (QM Pillar), structured problem solving (FI Pillar), and partner with other pillars (AM/PM/T&D) to drive towards zero losses
- Maintain technical documentation in line with audit requirements, such as product and process specifications, quality test methods, and critical-to-quality equipment standards utilizing proper change management
- Report regularly (daily/monthly) on product defects, product quality, and process control needs, actions, and best practices to plant and division leadership teams
- Align plant strategy to deliver improvements in the plant TPM governance system, and ensure compliance with all internal and external TPM and Quality audits
- Partner with the local sales team to review customer feedback and support on-site customer training
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The employee should hold the following abilities:
- Must be a proven leader within a relevant discipline and a quick learner who is adaptive to and embraces change
- Must be able to use data to make business decisions and design trials while minimizing the risk of producing off-quality material
- Must have statistical analysis and data evaluation skills
- Must have structured problem-solving and continuous improvement skills in line with Six Sigma concepts
- Must work well in team environments and be adept at motivating co-workers
- Must have solid verbal and written communication skills
- Must be self-motivated, capable of operating towards goals without daily intervention
- Able to grasp and gather new information from a variety of sources quickly
- Some travel required (up to 10%)
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The employee should have:
- B.S. in Mechanical, Electrical, or Chemical engineering preferred
- Minimum 3-5 years of manufacturing, engineering, and leadership experience
COMPUTER AND SOFTWARE COMPETENCIES
The employee must be able to:
- Utilize Microsoft 365 products
- Utilize Statistical analysis software to identify data trends and patterns (ex: Minitab, advanced Excel, BrainCube, Ignition, Seek, etc.)
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
The employee should possess the ability to:
- Work up to 12 hours in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment
- Safeguard self with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – safety toed shoes, hearing protection, eye protection, hand protection
- Sit or stand continuously for up to 12 hours
- Lift up to 40 lbs without assistance
- Demonstrate visual acuity
- Routinely ascend and descend stairs and ladders as work area requires
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employee(s) will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments.
A review of this position has excluded the marginal functions of the position that are incidental to the performance of fundamental job duties. All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents(s) will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities.
This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at-will” relationship.
About Owens Corning
Owens Corning is a branded building products leader with three complementary market-leading businesses providing roofing, insulation, and doors primarily for residential markets in North America and Europe. The company operates with an integrated go-to-market strategy and a unique set of OC Advantages™ – including its iconic brand, unparalleled commercial strength, leading technology, and winning cost position – to help customers win and grow in the market. Owens Corning is committed to helping build better and achieve more through winning partnerships, leading performance, and engaging people. Founded in 1938 and headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Owens Corning is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: OC).
Owens Corning is an equal opportunity employer. Except in limited circumstances such as formal apprenticeship programs, Owens Corning does not employ anyone under the age of 18.
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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.