OPT Learning And Development Specialist Jobs
Learning and Development Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in education, organizational psychology, human resources, or instructional design. Most roles qualify as specialty occupations for OPT authorization, and employers in corporate training, healthcare, and tech actively hire candidates on OPT.
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Company Overview:
MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.
We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.
We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are.
Position Description:
MP Materials is seeking a Learning and Development Manager to be an integral part of the team building and operating a new metal, alloy, and magnet-making facility in Fort Worth, Texas. The Learning and Development Manager will be responsible for the planning, coordination, and execution of training programs for employees across various departments. This role involves collaborating with department managers, designing training materials, scheduling both on-site and external sessions, and ensuring that training objectives align with organizational goals. The Learning and Development Manager will own the MP Magnetics Learning Development Program and integrate the program into our Business Operating Systems. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, a strong understanding of adult learning principles, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Essential Duties:
- Create and maintain a training and competency matrix, or similar tool, for employees across all functions to ensure compliance with regulatory and IATF requirements.
- Lead and organize new employee orientation program.
- Own and manage the MP Magnetics Learning Management System (LMS).
- Collaborate with department managers to identify training needs and develop comprehensive training plans, including on-the-job training.
- Design, develop, and update training materials, including presentations, handouts, and online resources.
- Coordinate training sessions, including scheduling trainers, booking venues, and arranging necessary equipment.
- Facilitate training sessions as needed, delivering content effectively and engaging participants in interactive learning activities.
- Maintain accurate records of training activities, including attendance, evaluations, and training materials.
- Develop and maintain documented processes of training plans and programs including competency and qualifying criteria.
Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Education, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Proven experience in training coordination or related roles, preferably in an industrial manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of learning principles and instructional design methods.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to present information clearly and persuasively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
- Certification in training and development is a plus.
- Experience with e-learning and LMS software platforms.
- Flexibility to occasionally work outside regular hours to accommodate all shifts.
MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.
Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.
For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Learning And Development Specialist
Frame your degree as a direct match
L&D roles require a bachelor's degree in a specific field like instructional design, education, or HR to qualify as a specialty occupation. Lead your application by connecting your exact degree to the job's training and curriculum development requirements.
Highlight instructional design tools you know
Employers hiring on OPT want candidates who can contribute immediately. Proficiency in tools like Articulate Storyline, Adobe Captivate, or LMS platforms such as Workday Learning signals you're ready to build training content from day one.
Target industries with high training demand
Healthcare systems, financial services firms, and large technology companies maintain dedicated L&D teams and are more accustomed to sponsoring international talent. These employers hire L&D specialists regularly and often have established OPT and H-1B visa processes.
Address OPT duration proactively in your cover letter
STEM OPT extension is not available for most L&D roles unless your employer is E-Verify enrolled and your degree qualifies. Be upfront about your OPT end date and mention your timeline clearly so employers can plan for H-1B sponsorship.
Use your capstone or internship projects as proof
L&D hiring managers respond to evidence of real training outcomes. Bring specific examples from coursework, internships, or campus projects showing you designed a curriculum, facilitated a workshop, or improved a training program with measurable results.
Browse OPT-friendly L&D roles on Migrate Mate
Not every L&D job listing makes OPT eligibility clear upfront. Migrate Mate filters for employers who sponsor work visas, saving you time and making it easier to identify companies genuinely open to hiring F-1 OPT candidates for training roles.
Learning And Development Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Learning and Development Specialist roles qualify as specialty occupations for OPT?
Most Learning and Development Specialist positions qualify as specialty occupations because they typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in instructional design, education, organizational development, or a related field. The key is that the job description must require a specific degree, not just any bachelor's degree. If the posting says 'bachelor's preferred' rather than 'required,' that can weaken your case for OPT authorization and future H-1B sponsorship.
Can I use my STEM OPT extension as a Learning and Development Specialist?
It depends on your undergraduate or graduate degree. STEM OPT extension is only available if your degree is on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Degrees in instructional technology or educational technology may qualify, but degrees in general education, HR, or organizational psychology typically do not. Your employer must also be E-Verify enrolled. Check your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming you qualify for the 24-month extension.
Which employers hire Learning and Development Specialists on OPT?
Large healthcare networks, financial institutions, consulting firms, and technology companies are the most consistent hirers of L&D specialists on OPT. These organizations run structured training programs, have dedicated HR and talent development teams, and are more familiar with work authorization requirements than smaller companies. Migrate Mate lists L&D roles specifically from employers open to sponsoring F-1 OPT candidates, which narrows your search considerably.
What happens to my OPT authorization if I switch from a training role to a different L&D function?
OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your major area of study. Moving between L&D functions, such as from facilitating training to designing e-learning content, is generally fine as long as the new role still connects to your degree. However, shifting into a general HR generalist or project management role with no training component could put your OPT compliance at risk. Always confirm changes with your DSO before accepting a new position or title.
How should I explain my OPT status to L&D hiring managers who are unfamiliar with it?
Keep it simple and focus on what matters to them: you're authorized to work in the U.S. right now, your authorization lasts through your OPT end date, and no employer action is required to hire you during that period. If they ask about long-term sponsorship, explain that the H-1B process begins about a year before your OPT expires, giving the company time to prepare. Most L&D hiring managers respond well when you frame it as a straightforward timeline rather than a legal complication.