OPT Materials Engineer Jobs
Materials Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in materials science, metallurgy, or related engineering disciplines. Most roles qualify as STEM-designated positions, making you eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond your initial 12 months of work authorization.
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Job Description: Take Your Construction Career to the Next Level!
Kleinfelder, a Forbes' Top Employer for Engineers in North America, is committed to a people-first culture, technical excellence, and creating opportunities where employees can thrive!
Are you ready to be challenged, make a difference, and experience professional growth in your career? Kleinfelder's Construction Services team is looking for you! From construction management and observation/inspection services to laboratory testing and materials and forensic engineering, our Construction Services market helps to develop and maintain America's infrastructure and supply chain and is a recognized industry leader with more than 25 accredited laboratories. Step into Your New Role
Kleinfelder is currently seeking a Project Manager to join our Construction Materials Engineering and Testing team in our San Jose, CA office.
Position Responsibilities Include:
- Providing professional services for construction materials testing projects
- Performing accurate computations and reviewing laboratory test reports
- Reviewing daily observation reports and materials testing data sheets
- Collaborating with staff, and actively working with clients to deliver complex programs/projects
- Assisting with preparation of proposals and fee estimates
- Planning and execution of technical work
- Assisting with monitoring and controlling project budgets
- Performing additional various tasks at the discretion of the supervisor
- Ensuring project deadlines are met by providing proper scheduling, coordination, and organization of available resources
- Establishing and maintaining relationships through excellent communication, professionalism, and having a client service focus
Consideration for this position requires the following minimum competencies or experience:
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in materials testing, special inspection, construction management, and/or other construction-related engineering services
- A minimum of 2 years of demonstrated project management experience including budgeting, scheduling, resource planning, client coordination and subcontractor management
- Ability to work independently and as a team member, maintain composure, and work effectively in a high-pressure environment with changing priorities
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills
- Valid driver's license with a clean driving record and ability to pass drug test
- Able to use a company provided laptop or tablet computer and a working knowledge of MS Office programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
- A good work ethic, attention to detail, and high level of personal integrity
- Authorization to work in the United States
In addition to the above required competencies or experience, hiring preference will be given to those with the following certifications or experience:
- ACI, ICC, Caltrans, AASHTO, and/or NICET certifications
- Previous field and/or laboratory experience
- Knowledge of multiple types of construction
- Project management certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional), CCM (Certified Construction Manager), or equivalent construction/project management credentials
- Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or Construction Management
- Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification
- Professional Engineer License
Move Forward with Kleinfelder
Kleinfelder has been connecting great people to the best work since 1961. We are engineers, scientists, and construction professionals providing solutions that improve our clients' transportation, water, energy, and other private infrastructure. As a responsive, cross-disciplinary team of bright, curious, and innovative problem-solvers, we are dedicated to doing the right thing, every day, on every project from over 85 offices in the US, Canada, and Australia. Connecting great people to the best work is our purpose - together, we deliver.
Progress with an Employer that Values You
Kleinfelder is an inclusive organization free from discrimination. We are a stronger organization when we are a diverse workforce and believe that through diversity, equity, and inclusion comes creativity, innovation, and unity. We are proud to offer the following:
Benefits: Kleinfelder offers an excellent compensation and benefits package, including: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid holidays. The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Pay Scale Disclosure Law. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience. Salary range: $75,850 - $126,585 annually.
Career Development: We are committed to investing in the professional development of our staff, offering each employee every opportunity to grow, develop, and take control of their career paths. We support these efforts through reimbursements for continuing education as well as many of the expenses associated with trainings and certifications, and opportunities for career development through our internal Mentoring Program.
Equal Opportunity: Kleinfelder is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans (compliant with the new VEVRAA and Section 503 rules).
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES
Please note that Kleinfelder does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Fee Agreement, Kleinfelder will not consider or agree to payment for any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, Kleinfelder explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resume, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Kleinfelder.
See all 178+ OPT Materials Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Materials Engineer
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Materials engineering degrees are on the STEM OPT extension list, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Verify your program's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can confidently communicate your timeline to employers.
Target employers with established engineering hiring pipelines
Companies in aerospace, semiconductors, automotive, and defense regularly sponsor materials engineers. These industries have structured HR processes familiar with OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship, reducing the friction that comes with educating a hiring team from scratch.
Emphasize specialized technical skills in your application
Proficiency in failure analysis, materials characterization, or process engineering reduces employer hesitation around sponsorship. The harder your skills are to source domestically, the stronger the business case your employer can make for sponsoring your visa.
Disclose your OPT status early in the process
Bring up your work authorization during the first recruiter screen, not after an offer. Framing it clearly, including your STEM extension eligibility and H-1B sponsorship timeline, prevents late-stage complications and builds trust with the hiring team.
Understand the I-983 training plan requirement
STEM OPT requires your employer to sign an I-983 training plan outlining your learning goals and supervision. Familiarize yourself with this document before you start so you can walk your employer through the process without delays.
Use Migrate Mate to find OPT-friendly employers
Migrate Mate filters materials engineering roles by employers open to sponsoring OPT and H-1B candidates. Browsing verified sponsorship-friendly listings saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering eligibility issues late in the process.
Materials Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Materials Engineer on F-1 OPT?
Yes, materials engineering roles directly align with STEM-designated degree programs in materials science, metallurgy, ceramics, and related fields. Your OPT employment must be related to your degree, so document the connection clearly. Most full-time materials engineer positions satisfy this requirement without issue.
Do Materials Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do. If your degree program has a qualifying STEM CIP code and your role involves research, development, testing, or process engineering in materials, you'll likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your program's CIP code with your DSO and verify the role description aligns with your field before applying.
How do I find Materials Engineer employers who sponsor OPT?
Migrate Mate lists materials engineering jobs from employers with a documented history of sponsoring F-1 OPT and H-1B candidates. Filtering by sponsorship willingness upfront saves time and helps you focus on companies already familiar with the OPT authorization process, rather than educating employers from scratch.
What industries hire Materials Engineers on OPT?
Aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, automotive, medical devices, and defense are the most active industries for materials engineers on OPT. These sectors depend heavily on specialized technical talent, have established HR infrastructure for visa sponsorship, and routinely file H-1B petitions for engineering roles, making them practical targets for OPT job seekers.
What happens to my Materials Engineer job authorization if my OPT expires before H-1B starts?
If you've filed for H-1B cap-subject status and your OPT expires during the cap-gap period, you're covered to continue working until September 30 of that fiscal year, provided your employer filed your petition before your OPT end date. Your DSO can issue an updated I-20 reflecting cap-gap protection, which you'll need to show your employer.