OPT Metallurgical Engineer Jobs
Metallurgical Engineer jobs on OPT are available across aerospace, automotive, steel production, and defense industries. Most roles require a materials science or metallurgy degree, which maps cleanly to specialty occupation requirements. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to three years of work authorization to build U.S. industry experience.
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Get Access To All JobsDUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Process design
- Proper selection and design/development of raw material to profitably produce products for customer demands with limited liability
- Material reapplications, recommends alternate processing or substitute materials
- Test validation selection and certification selection
-
Process routing to achieve required properties
-
Customer claim support
- Assists in reapplication of rejected customer material
-
Performs technical evaluations of customer claims if required
-
Visits customers as directed by sales management for product/sales development
-
Visits customers to drive cost reductions
-
Interacts with operating personnel regarding customer quality requirements
-
Review quality and processing data for purposes of continuous improvement
-
Assists on corrective actions that needs metallurgical assistance
-
Inspects steel during processing, specifically monitoring trial orders
-
Works with outside processors when technical assistance is needed
-
Lab Management as needed in locations with Labs
-
Assists in APQP when required
-
Assists with PPAP’s when required
-
Other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Laboratory experience in the disciplines of Metallography, Mechanical Testing, and analytical analysis
- Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office
- Ability to use the AS 400 Menus required to study Steel Technologies’ purchasing, scheduling, and production records
- Ability to process both customer rejections and mill claims through the AS 400 Menus
- Knowledge regarding steel mill processes including melting, refining, rolling, and associated metallurgical practices
- Knowledge of Steel Technologies’ processes including slitting, rolling, annealing, and pickling
- Knowledge of customer oriented processes including stamping, roll forming, welding, and heat-treating
- Ability to communicate with coworkers and customers
Reasonable accommodations may be made to those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Prefer a Bachelor’s of Science in Metallurgical Engineering or a related field such as Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with two to four years of experience. Incumbent may substitute an Associate’s degree or Journeyman Certification in an appropriate field and two years of Steel Technologies’ experience when competency in the position is demonstrated. Formal education may be substituted with experience and training when competency in the position is demonstrated.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This is a safety sensitive position. This work is performed in an office setting with minimal to moderate noise due to computers, printers, and people.
Steel Technologies is a safety-sensitive workplace. All employment offers are contingent upon results of a 10-panel drug screening, including marijuana.
Here's what we can offer:
Insurance:
- Affordable plans for medical, dental, vision, and wellbeing on the first day of the month following your start date
- Employer-Paid dental with available Buy-up options
- Free MDLive Telehealth Services through our Medical Plan
- Competitive Wellness Program, providing up to 100% discount on medical premiums
- Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability with Buy-up options
- Supplemental Accident Insurance through Allstate for additional coverage on accidents, cancer, and long-term care
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance
- Teammate Assistance Program (TAP) which offers professional assistance for Counseling, Financial, Legal and Family services
Work-Life Balance:
- Paid Time Off
- 9 Paid Holidays starting day one!
- Bonus Paid Floating Holiday in recognition of the diversity of our team
Financial:
- 401(k) after 60 days of employment + competitive match up to 4.5% after one year
- Pretax Health Savings Account
- Pretax Flexible Spending Account
- Paid bi-weekly
- Quarterly bonus based on company performance
Career Growth:
- Tuition reimbursement is available for job related courses to further your education, with up 100% paid tuition for maintenance-related coursework and certifications
- Skill Development Programs
- Learning Management System
- Promotional Opportunities
Local Perks & Discounts:
- Dress for your day!
- Teammate referral bonus
- Boot and Glasses Allowance after 60 days of employment
- Teammates appreciation activities
Steel Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to any classification protected by federal, state and/or local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Process design
- Proper selection and design/development of raw material to profitably produce products for customer demands with limited liability
- Material reapplications, recommends alternate processing or substitute materials
- Test validation selection and certification selection
-
Process routing to achieve required properties
-
Customer claim support
- Assists in reapplication of rejected customer material
-
Performs technical evaluations of customer claims if required
-
Visits customers as directed by sales management for product/sales development
-
Visits customers to drive cost reductions
-
Interacts with operating personnel regarding customer quality requirements
-
Review quality and processing data for purposes of continuous improvement
-
Assists on corrective actions that needs metallurgical assistance
-
Inspects steel during processing, specifically monitoring trial orders
-
Works with outside processors when technical assistance is needed
-
Lab Management as needed in locations with Labs
-
Assists in APQP when required
-
Assists with PPAP’s when required
-
Other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Laboratory experience in the disciplines of Metallography, Mechanical Testing, and analytical analysis
- Basic computer skills: Microsoft Office
- Ability to use the AS 400 Menus required to study Steel Technologies’ purchasing, scheduling, and production records
- Ability to process both customer rejections and mill claims through the AS 400 Menus
- Knowledge regarding steel mill processes including melting, refining, rolling, and associated metallurgical practices
- Knowledge of Steel Technologies’ processes including slitting, rolling, annealing, and pickling
- Knowledge of customer oriented processes including stamping, roll forming, welding, and heat-treating
- Ability to communicate with coworkers and customers
Reasonable accommodations may be made to those who are able to perform the essential duties of the job.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Prefer a Bachelor’s of Science in Metallurgical Engineering or a related field such as Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering with two to four years of experience. Incumbent may substitute an Associate’s degree or Journeyman Certification in an appropriate field and two years of Steel Technologies’ experience when competency in the position is demonstrated. Formal education may be substituted with experience and training when competency in the position is demonstrated.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
This is a safety sensitive position. This work is performed in an office setting with minimal to moderate noise due to computers, printers, and people.
Steel Technologies is a safety-sensitive workplace. All employment offers are contingent upon results of a 10-panel drug screening, including marijuana.
Here's what we can offer:
Insurance:
- Affordable plans for medical, dental, vision, and wellbeing on the first day of the month following your start date
- Employer-Paid dental with available Buy-up options
- Free MDLive Telehealth Services through our Medical Plan
- Competitive Wellness Program, providing up to 100% discount on medical premiums
- Employer-Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability with Buy-up options
- Supplemental Accident Insurance through Allstate for additional coverage on accidents, cancer, and long-term care
- Employer-Paid Life Insurance
- Teammate Assistance Program (TAP) which offers professional assistance for Counseling, Financial, Legal and Family services
Work-Life Balance:
- Paid Time Off
- 9 Paid Holidays starting day one!
- Bonus Paid Floating Holiday in recognition of the diversity of our team
Financial:
- 401(k) after 60 days of employment + competitive match up to 4.5% after one year
- Pretax Health Savings Account
- Pretax Flexible Spending Account
- Paid bi-weekly
- Quarterly bonus based on company performance
Career Growth:
- Tuition reimbursement is available for job related courses to further your education, with up 100% paid tuition for maintenance-related coursework and certifications
- Skill Development Programs
- Learning Management System
- Promotional Opportunities
Local Perks & Discounts:
- Dress for your day!
- Teammate referral bonus
- Boot and Glasses Allowance after 60 days of employment
- Teammates appreciation activities
Steel Technologies is an equal opportunity employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to any classification protected by federal, state and/or local law.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all OPT Metallurgical Engineer Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Metallurgical Engineer
Target industries with high OPT hiring rates
Aerospace, automotive, and defense manufacturers regularly hire Metallurgical Engineers on OPT. These sectors file Labor Condition Applications consistently and are familiar with F-1 work authorization, making them more likely to sponsor H-1B visa down the line.
Verify your degree field matches the job posting
Metallurgical Engineer roles qualify as specialty occupations when the employer requires a degree in metallurgy, materials science, or a closely related field. If the posting says any engineering degree is acceptable, that can weaken your specialty occupation case.
Apply before your OPT start date whenever possible
Many manufacturers have long hiring timelines. Applying two to three months before your OPT authorization begins gives employers enough runway to process paperwork and get comfortable with your start date.
Highlight STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
STEM OPT gives employers 36 months total to assess your fit before committing to H-1B sponsorship. Mentioning this early removes the urgency employers often assume with F-1 candidates and increases willingness to move forward.
Research employers' prior visa sponsorship history
Companies that have filed H-1B petitions for materials or manufacturing engineers before are significantly more likely to do so again. Checking public Labor Condition Application disclosure data helps you prioritize applications strategically.
Emphasize specialized technical skills in your application
Competencies like failure analysis, SEM characterization, alloy development, and corrosion testing are difficult to source domestically. Highlighting niche technical expertise signals value that justifies the administrative effort of OPT and future sponsorship.
Metallurgical Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Metallurgical Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes. Metallurgical Engineering degrees from ABET-accredited programs are on the official STEM Designated Degree Program list, which means you're eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension on top of your initial 12 months. You'll need an employer who meets E-Verify requirements and signs a formal training plan on Form I-983.
Do employers in manufacturing and aerospace typically sponsor OPT students for Metallurgical Engineer roles?
Many do, particularly large manufacturers in aerospace, defense, and steel production that have established immigration processes. Smaller fabrication shops may be less familiar with OPT compliance requirements. Focusing your search on employers with prior visa sponsorship history improves your odds significantly. Migrate Mate filters job listings by OPT sponsorship, so you can identify these employers directly.
Does a Metallurgical Engineer role qualify as a specialty occupation for future H-1B sponsorship?
Metallurgical Engineer is strongly positioned as a specialty occupation because the role theoretically and practically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in metallurgy, materials science, or a closely related engineering field. USCIS has historically approved H-1B petitions for this role. The key is ensuring the job description and employer requirements clearly reflect that degree-level knowledge is necessary to perform the duties.
Can I work as a Metallurgical Engineer at a government contractor or defense facility on OPT?
Yes, with some planning. OPT authorizes you to work for any employer in your field, including government contractors. However, some defense roles require security clearances that non-U.S. citizens cannot obtain. Focus on roles where clearance is preferred but not required, or where the contractor has civilian-facing projects. The job posting will typically state clearance requirements explicitly.
What happens if there is a gap between my OPT jobs as a Metallurgical Engineer?
F-1 students on OPT are allowed an aggregate unemployment period of 90 days during the initial 12-month authorization, reduced to 60 days during the STEM extension. Unemployment is tracked from your OPT start date, not from individual job end dates. Staying proactive about your job search and documenting any training, research, or consulting work can help demonstrate continuous engagement in your field.