OPT Materials Manager Jobs
Materials Manager jobs are a strong fit for OPT work authorization, including STEM OPT extension, since the role typically requires a degree in supply chain, industrial engineering, or operations management. Most positions involve procurement, inventory control, and supplier coordination, all of which align directly with STEM-designated degree fields.
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INTRODUCTION
The Construction Materials Testing (CMT) Senior Project Engineer leads and oversees construction materials testing projects from proposal through final delivery and closeout. This role is fully accountable for project success, including technical quality, client satisfaction, financial performance, and team execution. The CMT Senior Project Engineer provides leadership to project teams, mentors staff, and actively contributes to business development and client relationship growth while maintaining a positive customer service attitude and demonstrating ECS Core Values.
Responsibilities
- Leads and manages construction materials testing projects from proposal through completion
- Ensures all project tasks - from proposal through final invoicing - are completed accurately and on time
- Oversees daily report review and resolves technical and administrative issues
- Manages project budgets, invoicing, pay applications, and collections
- Prepares and reviews proposals and change orders
- Serves as primary point of contact for clients and project stakeholders
- Hosts and participates in project meetings to present findings and resolve issues
- Provides technical oversight for testing activities and ensures quality deliverables
- Mentors and develops junior staff, technicians, and project managers
- Supports staffing decisions and resource allocation across projects
- Markets, services, and develops new and existing client relationships
- Performs other project management and leadership responsibilities as assigned
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- 5 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
- A Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is required in each of the state(s) in which you work
- Additional licensure or certifications may be required depending on the type of work performed
- If driving for or on behalf of any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required
- Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
- Advanced project management and consulting skills
- Strong business development and client relationship skills
- Extensive knowledge of construction materials testing principles and applications
- Strong working knowledge of construction materials testing and ASTM standards
- Proficiency with construction materials testing software
- Strong leadership and decision-making abilities
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a consulting environment
- Ability to mentor and develop staff
- PE Preferred
- Data Center and Renewables experience preferred
MILITARY QUALIFICATIONS
The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education, certification, and licenses requirements from the above section titled "Basic Qualifications":
- + E-7
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 facilities consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,000 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #50 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (May 2025).
ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Materials Manager
Target manufacturing-heavy employers
Large manufacturers in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and consumer goods hire Materials Managers regularly and have established immigration compliance teams, making them far more likely to support OPT and future visa sponsorship than smaller distributors.
Confirm your STEM OPT eligibility early
Supply chain, industrial engineering, and operations management degrees commonly qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying, since this gives employers up to three years of OPT coverage total.
Quantify your supply chain impact on your resume
Hiring managers respond to specific metrics: inventory reduction percentages, on-time delivery rates, and cost savings from supplier negotiations. Concrete numbers make your application stand out and demonstrate the ROI of sponsoring your work authorization.
Address sponsorship directly in your cover letter
State your OPT status and remaining authorized period in your cover letter. Many employers misunderstand OPT as complicated, so briefly clarifying that no immediate petition is required during your OPT period removes a common objection upfront.
Prioritize roles with H-1B sponsorship history
Check whether a company has sponsored H-1B visas for similar roles in the past. Employers already familiar with the process are significantly more willing to extend that support to OPT candidates once your authorization period approaches its end.
Emphasize ERP system proficiency
Experience with SAP, Oracle, or similar ERP platforms is a top differentiator for Materials Manager candidates. Listing these skills prominently signals you can contribute immediately, which strengthens the business case for an employer investing in your long-term sponsorship.
Materials Manager OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Materials Manager jobs typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
They often do, but it depends on your specific degree. Supply chain management, industrial engineering, logistics, and operations research are commonly STEM-designated fields. If your degree carries a qualifying CIP code, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after your initial 12-month OPT period, giving employers three years of coverage before an H-1B is needed.
Which industries hire the most Materials Managers willing to sponsor OPT students?
Aerospace and defense, automotive manufacturing, semiconductor and electronics, and medical device companies are the most active hirers for this role and tend to have the infrastructure to support work authorization. These industries run large procurement and inventory operations that require dedicated materials management headcount, making the business case for sponsorship more straightforward than in smaller organizations.
How do I find Materials Manager jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for this search. You can browse Materials Manager roles filtered by OPT-friendly employers, so you are not wasting time applying to positions where sponsorship is a dealbreaker. Filtering by industry and employer size also helps you focus on companies with the hiring volume and HR capacity to support your work authorization status.
Can I work as a Materials Manager on OPT if my degree is in a related field like industrial engineering?
Yes. OPT requires that your employment be directly related to your degree field, and industrial engineering, supply chain management, and operations management all map clearly to materials management responsibilities such as procurement planning, inventory optimization, and supplier evaluation. If an employer or your DSO asks, you can document the connection through the job description and your coursework.
What should I say when an employer asks about my visa status during the interview?
Be straightforward: explain that you are currently authorized to work under OPT, state your authorization end date, and note whether you qualify for the STEM extension. Let them know that no employer petition is required during your OPT period, and that if they wish to retain you long-term, an H-1B petition would typically be the next step. Clear, confident answers reduce employer hesitation significantly.