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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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I to join our Marietta field services team and advance in a dynamic work environment. The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I manages and executes construction materials testing projects, including coordination, reporting, budgeting, and client communication activities. This role is responsible for delivering project work from proposal through completion on low-complexity projects while supporting client relationships and business development efforts. The CMT Project Manager I develops independent project management capabilities while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Manages construction materials testing projects from proposal through completion for low-complexity work
- Reviews daily field reports and resolves technical and administrative issues
- Manages project budgets, invoices, pay applications, and collections
- Prepares proposals and change orders
- Supports and performs testing of soils, foundations, reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, structural steel, fireproofing, and asphalt
- Performs soil classification and assigns appropriate laboratory testing
- Coordinates field staff and provides training and oversight for assigned projects
- Communicates with clients regarding project status, deliverables, and follow-up actions
- Hosts or participates in project meetings and discussions with clients
- Mentors junior staff and technicians and supports team development
- Ensures accurate and timely project documentation and reporting
- Performs other project management and technical duties as assigned
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
As your experience grows, ECS will support you in enhancing your professional skills with the potential for additional mentoring, leadership, and advanced certifications.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of related experience
- Bachelor of Science in any of the multi-disciplined Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Geology
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of construction materials testing principles and applications, including ASTM standards
- Ability to interpret field and laboratory testing results
- Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and deadlines
- Developing client relationship and business development skills
- Basic knowledge of construction materials testing software
- Developing judgment and decision-making abilities
- If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
- + E-6
WHO WE ARE
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026).
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.
INTRODUCTION
ECS Limited is offering a unique opportunity for a talented Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I to join our Marietta field services team and advance in a dynamic work environment. The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Project Manager I manages and executes construction materials testing projects, including coordination, reporting, budgeting, and client communication activities. This role is responsible for delivering project work from proposal through completion on low-complexity projects while supporting client relationships and business development efforts. The CMT Project Manager I develops independent project management capabilities while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Manages construction materials testing projects from proposal through completion for low-complexity work
- Reviews daily field reports and resolves technical and administrative issues
- Manages project budgets, invoices, pay applications, and collections
- Prepares proposals and change orders
- Supports and performs testing of soils, foundations, reinforced and post-tensioned concrete, masonry, structural steel, fireproofing, and asphalt
- Performs soil classification and assigns appropriate laboratory testing
- Coordinates field staff and provides training and oversight for assigned projects
- Communicates with clients regarding project status, deliverables, and follow-up actions
- Hosts or participates in project meetings and discussions with clients
- Mentors junior staff and technicians and supports team development
- Ensures accurate and timely project documentation and reporting
- Performs other project management and technical duties as assigned
CAREER DEVELOPMENT
As your experience grows, ECS will support you in enhancing your professional skills with the potential for additional mentoring, leadership, and advanced certifications.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 2 years of related experience
- Bachelor of Science in any of the multi-disciplined Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering and Management, Materials Science Engineering, Architectural Engineering, and Geology
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Good knowledge of construction materials testing principles and applications, including ASTM standards
- Ability to interpret field and laboratory testing results
- Ability to manage priorities, schedules, and deadlines
- Developing client relationship and business development skills
- Basic knowledge of construction materials testing software
- Developing judgment and decision-making abilities
- If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
- + E-6
WHO WE ARE
ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,200 employees in 125 offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #144 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2026) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026).
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.
See all 176+ 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.