OPT Material Handler Jobs
Material Handler jobs are available to F-1 OPT students with degrees in supply chain management, logistics, industrial engineering, or operations management. Your OPT work authorization must directly relate to your field of study, so the connection between your degree and the role matters when employers evaluate your eligibility.
Find OPT Material Handler JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 17+ Material Handler jobs
See all Material Handler Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Material Handler roles.
Get Access To All JobsMaterial Handler - Operator Job
Location:
Calumet City, IL, US
Employment Type: Regular
Category: Production / Operations
Posting Date: Jun 8, 2026
Chemical Operator Packaging/Material Handler $31.82 - $42.80
As a Material Handler, you will be required to perform filling operations and associated material movements for industrial manufacturing of chemicals. In addition to safely operating process equipment used to move materials through tanks into tank wagons, totes, drums, pails and sample containers for shipment to customers, employees will be expected to drive a yard spotter to move tankwagons and box trailers where needed, to operate fork lifts to move materials and supplies in the plant, to maintain their work areas and to accurately report activities for management of inventory and supplies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- One year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent experience and training.
- Experience handling hazardous and flammable chemicals.
- Knowledge of life safety critical processes such as LOTO, confined space, line break, and hot work.
- Industrial manufacturing experience with operation of process equipment to produce chemicals preferred.
- Safe driving experience, with fork-lift certification and experience handling hazardous materials preferred.
- Must be willing to work rotating shifts including weekends in a 24X7 operation.
- Must be computer literate, able to accurately report activities in a computerized inventory management system, a maintenance work order systems, to printing reports and labels and to complete computer-based training.
- Strong work history a must.
- Good communication skills.
- Self motivated, positive attitude, and team player.
Arkema's Exceptional benefit plan details are available at benefits.arkema.com.
Who we are?
Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.
We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! and operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 20,700 employees. Each one contributes to positioning Arkema as a recognized leader of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, reporting annual sales of €9.1 billion, of which 3.1% allocated to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.
If you pursue excellence, love innovation and are inspired by challenges, we encourage you through www.arkema.com to learn more about our values – Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion – and how we concentrate on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation.
Changing the world requires the right formula. The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials, and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together. What are you made of?
The legal information below pertains specifically to positions posted in the United States, however we strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in all the countries that we hire.
Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
Job Segment: Forklift, Chemical Research, Industrial, Equipment Operator, Manufacturing, Engineering
Material Handler - Operator Job
Location:
Calumet City, IL, US
Employment Type: Regular
Category: Production / Operations
Posting Date: Jun 8, 2026
Chemical Operator Packaging/Material Handler $31.82 - $42.80
As a Material Handler, you will be required to perform filling operations and associated material movements for industrial manufacturing of chemicals. In addition to safely operating process equipment used to move materials through tanks into tank wagons, totes, drums, pails and sample containers for shipment to customers, employees will be expected to drive a yard spotter to move tankwagons and box trailers where needed, to operate fork lifts to move materials and supplies in the plant, to maintain their work areas and to accurately report activities for management of inventory and supplies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- One year certificate from college or technical school or equivalent experience and training.
- Experience handling hazardous and flammable chemicals.
- Knowledge of life safety critical processes such as LOTO, confined space, line break, and hot work.
- Industrial manufacturing experience with operation of process equipment to produce chemicals preferred.
- Safe driving experience, with fork-lift certification and experience handling hazardous materials preferred.
- Must be willing to work rotating shifts including weekends in a 24X7 operation.
- Must be computer literate, able to accurately report activities in a computerized inventory management system, a maintenance work order systems, to printing reports and labels and to complete computer-based training.
- Strong work history a must.
- Good communication skills.
- Self motivated, positive attitude, and team player.
Arkema's Exceptional benefit plan details are available at benefits.arkema.com.
Who we are?
Arkema is a world leader in Innovative Materials for a Sustainable World with the ambition to become a pure Specialty Materials player.
We thrive as One Arkema, comprised of many businesses and brands including Bostik, ArrMaz, and more! and operating with a global reach in 55 countries with more than 20,700 employees. Each one contributes to positioning Arkema as a recognized leader of specialty chemicals and advanced materials, reporting annual sales of €9.1 billion, of which 3.1% allocated to R&D for 1,800 researchers in 17 R&D centers.
If you pursue excellence, love innovation and are inspired by challenges, we encourage you through www.arkema.com to learn more about our values – Solidarity, Performance, Simplicity, Empowerment, and Inclusion – and how we concentrate on advances in bio-based and recyclable materials, new energies, water management, electronic solutions, lightweight materials and design, home efficiency and insulation.
Changing the world requires the right formula. The right formula consists of our innovative and sustainable materials, and you. Join us to develop the materials of tomorrow and make a difference together. What are you made of?
The legal information below pertains specifically to positions posted in the United States, however we strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in all the countries that we hire.
Arkema Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Arkema Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring.
Nearest Major Market: Chicago
Job Segment: Forklift, Chemical Research, Industrial, Equipment Operator, Manufacturing, Engineering
See all OPT Material Handler Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Material Handler Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Material Handler
Connect your degree to the role explicitly
Material Handler positions qualify for OPT only when the work relates to your field of study. In your application, draw a direct line between your supply chain, logistics, or industrial engineering coursework and the specific duties listed in the job posting.
Target employers with established OPT hiring processes
Large distribution centers, manufacturers, and third-party logistics companies hire OPT students more consistently than small operations. Companies with existing international hiring infrastructure understand work authorization timelines and are less likely to withdraw offers over paperwork concerns.
Apply before your OPT start date approaches
Material Handler roles often have quick hiring timelines, but onboarding can still take two to four weeks. Submit applications at least 60 days before your intended start date to give employers enough runway to process your documentation without feeling rushed.
Prepare your EAD card and I-20 for I-9 verification
On your first day, employers must complete I-9 employment verification. Bring your EAD card and current I-20 to onboarding. Material Handler employers in logistics and warehousing are accustomed to this process, but having documents ready prevents unnecessary delays.
Mention STEM OPT extension eligibility if your degree qualifies
If your degree is in industrial engineering, supply chain management, or another STEM-designated field, you may qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension. Flagging this upfront shows employers you can commit longer, which directly addresses their concern about short authorization windows.
Highlight relevant certifications alongside your work authorization
Forklift certification, OSHA 10, or Six Sigma credentials strengthen Material Handler applications significantly. Leading with these credentials draws initial attention to your qualifications rather than your visa status, making work authorization a secondary consideration during screening.
Material Handler OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as Material Handlers?
Yes, but the position must be directly related to your field of study. A Material Handler role qualifies for OPT if your degree is in supply chain management, logistics, industrial engineering, or operations management. You cannot use OPT to work in a role unrelated to your degree program, so the field connection is what USCIS and your DSO will evaluate.
Do Material Handler employers typically sponsor OPT students?
Many do, particularly large logistics companies, manufacturers, and distribution centers with dedicated HR teams. Smaller warehouses with no prior experience hiring international students can be harder to work with. Browse Material Handler listings on Migrate Mate to find employers already familiar with OPT work authorization, which reduces friction during the hiring process.
Does a Material Handler job qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as industrial engineering, supply chain management, or a related quantitative discipline, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself must also involve work that utilizes your STEM training directly. Check SEVP's STEM designated degree program list and confirm with your DSO before applying.
What happens if my OPT expires before my employer can transition me to H-1B?
If your OPT expires and you have not secured a new visa status, you must stop working immediately. If you qualify for a STEM OPT extension, applying early extends your authorization by 24 months, giving more time for an H-1B visa cap-subject filing. Some Material Handler employers in manufacturing or logistics also have access to TN visa or other visa categories depending on your nationality.
What documents should I give a Material Handler employer for I-9 verification?
You need to present your EAD card, which serves as a List A document and satisfies the I-9 requirement on its own. Some employers also ask to see your I-20 and offer letter for their internal records, though only the EAD is legally required for the I-9. Make sure your EAD reflects your correct OPT start date and that your employment begins on or after that date.