Operations Lead Jobs for OPT Students
Operations Lead roles are actively filled by employers who sponsor OPT work authorization, particularly in tech, logistics, and healthcare. Your 12-month OPT window (or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies) gives you enough runway to prove your value and transition to long-term sponsorship.
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INTRODUCTION
At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
At Lilly, we believe in the talent of our workforce. One of the best ways to utilize and develop that talent is to use our existing workforce to fill new and/or open positions. If you are looking for a new position within Lilly, you can view and apply to open roles posted in the internal job posting system. You must meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the job description and have/obtain work authorization in the country the position is located in order to be considered. When applying internally for a position, your current supervisor will receive notification that you have applied to the position. We encourage employees to discuss the opportunity with their supervisor prior to applying.
Lilly is designing and building a new state of the art Parenteral, Device Assembly, and Packaging Facility in Raleigh-Durham North Carolina. This is an exciting opportunity to help build a state-of-the-art facility and Quality System from the ground up.
Responsibilities
During the project phase, the Line Lead (Technician) – Inspection will support commissioning/qualification activities required to bring automated vision systems into service as well as supporting site operational readiness activities. This position will require domestic travel with the opportunity for international travel based on program need. This role is expected to become a subject matter expert for the visual inspection equipment/process and will be directly involved with training future new hires.
After project phase completion, this role will be responsible for line leadership, daily operations, development of operators, ensuring compliance with all policies, procedures, and ensuring resources are scheduled accordingly per the daily production plan.
Key Objectives
- Provide commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness support during project phase.
- Support Site Leadership to build a diverse and capable site organization by delivering area operational procedures, quality processes and controls for the Parenteral Inspection area.
- Provide leadership on manufacturing floor ensuring high level of safety, quality, and productivity to maintain reliable supply of products to patients.
- Technical leader: Key resource for troubleshooting and functions as the primary point of contact for issue escalation on the shop floor.
- Responsible for administering technical training and ensuring all operators are trained to perform tasks.
- Assist Supervisor in development and performance evaluations of shift operators.
- Key liaison between operation and support functions.
- Line Lead is a “working leader” by operating the equipment and leading the shift operations as required to meet production schedule.
- Assists in checking execution documentation (PMX, SAP, Cleaning Logs, etc.)
- Drives key departmental objectives including improving safety performance, reducing deviations, improving productivity, and training compliance.
- Line Leads are the back up for the Supervisor.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years relevant experience, (education may be substituted for experience with manager discretion)
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to train and coach others
- Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal)
- Flexibility and problem-solving skills
- Basic computer skills (desktop software) are required.
- Must Pass a “fitness for duty” physical exam
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts on days (2-2-3 schedule)
- Ability to work overtime as required
- Ability to travel during Asset Delivery to support program needs, and < 5% after startup
- Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS/PREFERENCES
- Scientific/technical degrees or certifications
- Preferred 4+ years relevant experience
- Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs)
- Previous experience working in operations/pharmaceutical industry
- Previous experience utilizing automated inspection equipment and/or experience with manual visual inspection processes
- Previous experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems and electronic batch release.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
- Experience with start-ups of technology transfers
- Demonstrated ability to work through ambiguity
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The position is for the Lilly Research Triangle Park site and during the project phase will allow for a flexible working environment with the ability to periodically work remotely based on the project phase and site activities.
Position may require a short duration assignment of 2-6 months in Indianapolis to establish specific device knowledge, establish global contacts, and provide production support. Additionally, this position may require short (less than 1 month) international travel to support Factory Acceptance Testing of equipment.
Ability to wear safety equipment (safety glasses, safety shoes, protective gloves etc.)
Successful completion of Job Fitness Exam Post Offer
Note: When applying internally for a position your current supervisor receives notification that you have applied to the position. We encourage employees to discuss the opportunity with their supervisor prior to applying.
Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for employment positions on the B or S paths or at levels M1-M2 or P1-P4.
WeAreLilly
Lilly is proud to offer market-competitive employee benefits designed to empower you to live your best life. Employees may elect medical, prescription drug, dental and/or vision coverage for you and your family in one of two health plan options, enjoy best-in-class mental health support, and concierge services for orthopedic, cardiovascular, fertility care, and LGBTQ health navigation. We also support well-being with a fitness membership, health coaching, and wellness activities at no additional cost. Our retirement benefits are designed to help our employees feel secure in their financial future by including a defined benefit pension, a 401(k) match, and retiree medical coverage. We provide life and disability insurance for peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones and paid time-off benefits to support you in life’s moments that matter including personal illness, caregiver, bereavement, and other family needs, in addition to annual paid vacation and holidays. Lilly reserves the right to terminate or modify company-provided benefits at any time in its discretion. The company compensation structures are aligned to the location of hire. The United States pay range and benefits offering do not apply to any location outside of the United States.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $25.96 - $38.08. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
WeAreLilly

INTRODUCTION
At Lilly, we unite caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We are a global healthcare leader headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our employees around the world work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to our communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. We give our best effort to our work, and we put people first. We’re looking for people who are determined to make life better for people around the world.
At Lilly, we believe in the talent of our workforce. One of the best ways to utilize and develop that talent is to use our existing workforce to fill new and/or open positions. If you are looking for a new position within Lilly, you can view and apply to open roles posted in the internal job posting system. You must meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the job description and have/obtain work authorization in the country the position is located in order to be considered. When applying internally for a position, your current supervisor will receive notification that you have applied to the position. We encourage employees to discuss the opportunity with their supervisor prior to applying.
Lilly is designing and building a new state of the art Parenteral, Device Assembly, and Packaging Facility in Raleigh-Durham North Carolina. This is an exciting opportunity to help build a state-of-the-art facility and Quality System from the ground up.
Responsibilities
During the project phase, the Line Lead (Technician) – Inspection will support commissioning/qualification activities required to bring automated vision systems into service as well as supporting site operational readiness activities. This position will require domestic travel with the opportunity for international travel based on program need. This role is expected to become a subject matter expert for the visual inspection equipment/process and will be directly involved with training future new hires.
After project phase completion, this role will be responsible for line leadership, daily operations, development of operators, ensuring compliance with all policies, procedures, and ensuring resources are scheduled accordingly per the daily production plan.
Key Objectives
- Provide commissioning, qualification, and operational readiness support during project phase.
- Support Site Leadership to build a diverse and capable site organization by delivering area operational procedures, quality processes and controls for the Parenteral Inspection area.
- Provide leadership on manufacturing floor ensuring high level of safety, quality, and productivity to maintain reliable supply of products to patients.
- Technical leader: Key resource for troubleshooting and functions as the primary point of contact for issue escalation on the shop floor.
- Responsible for administering technical training and ensuring all operators are trained to perform tasks.
- Assist Supervisor in development and performance evaluations of shift operators.
- Key liaison between operation and support functions.
- Line Lead is a “working leader” by operating the equipment and leading the shift operations as required to meet production schedule.
- Assists in checking execution documentation (PMX, SAP, Cleaning Logs, etc.)
- Drives key departmental objectives including improving safety performance, reducing deviations, improving productivity, and training compliance.
- Line Leads are the back up for the Supervisor.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years relevant experience, (education may be substituted for experience with manager discretion)
- Demonstrated leadership skills
- Demonstrated ability to train and coach others
- Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal)
- Flexibility and problem-solving skills
- Basic computer skills (desktop software) are required.
- Must Pass a “fitness for duty” physical exam
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts on days (2-2-3 schedule)
- Ability to work overtime as required
- Ability to travel during Asset Delivery to support program needs, and < 5% after startup
- Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for this employment position.
ADDITIONAL SKILLS/PREFERENCES
- Scientific/technical degrees or certifications
- Preferred 4+ years relevant experience
- Knowledge of current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMPs)
- Previous experience working in operations/pharmaceutical industry
- Previous experience utilizing automated inspection equipment and/or experience with manual visual inspection processes
- Previous experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems and electronic batch release.
- Knowledge of lean manufacturing principles
- Experience with start-ups of technology transfers
- Demonstrated ability to work through ambiguity
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The position is for the Lilly Research Triangle Park site and during the project phase will allow for a flexible working environment with the ability to periodically work remotely based on the project phase and site activities.
Position may require a short duration assignment of 2-6 months in Indianapolis to establish specific device knowledge, establish global contacts, and provide production support. Additionally, this position may require short (less than 1 month) international travel to support Factory Acceptance Testing of equipment.
Ability to wear safety equipment (safety glasses, safety shoes, protective gloves etc.)
Successful completion of Job Fitness Exam Post Offer
Note: When applying internally for a position your current supervisor receives notification that you have applied to the position. We encourage employees to discuss the opportunity with their supervisor prior to applying.
Lilly is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Qualified candidates must be legally authorized to be employed in the United States. Lilly does not anticipate providing sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B or TN status) for employment positions on the B or S paths or at levels M1-M2 or P1-P4.
WeAreLilly
Lilly is proud to offer market-competitive employee benefits designed to empower you to live your best life. Employees may elect medical, prescription drug, dental and/or vision coverage for you and your family in one of two health plan options, enjoy best-in-class mental health support, and concierge services for orthopedic, cardiovascular, fertility care, and LGBTQ health navigation. We also support well-being with a fitness membership, health coaching, and wellness activities at no additional cost. Our retirement benefits are designed to help our employees feel secure in their financial future by including a defined benefit pension, a 401(k) match, and retiree medical coverage. We provide life and disability insurance for peace of mind and protection for you and your loved ones and paid time-off benefits to support you in life’s moments that matter including personal illness, caregiver, bereavement, and other family needs, in addition to annual paid vacation and holidays. Lilly reserves the right to terminate or modify company-provided benefits at any time in its discretion. The company compensation structures are aligned to the location of hire. The United States pay range and benefits offering do not apply to any location outside of the United States.
Lilly is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities to actively engage in the workforce, ensuring equal opportunities when vying for positions. If you require accommodation to submit a resume for a position at Lilly, please complete the accommodation request form for further assistance. Please note this is for individuals to request an accommodation as part of the application process and any other correspondence will not receive a response.
Lilly is proud to be an EEO Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender identity, sex, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Our employee resource groups (ERGs) offer strong support networks for their members and are open to all employees. Our current groups include: Africa, Middle East, Central Asia Network, Black Employees at Lilly, Chinese Culture Network, Japanese International Leadership Network (JILN), Lilly India Network, Organization of Latinx at Lilly (OLA), PRIDE (LGBTQ+ Allies), Veterans Leadership Network (VLN), Women’s Initiative for Leading at Lilly (WILL), enAble (for people with disabilities). Learn more about all of our groups.
Actual compensation will depend on a candidate’s education, experience, skills, and geographic location. The anticipated wage for this position is $25.96 - $38.08. Full-time equivalent employees also will be eligible for a company bonus (depending, in part, on company and individual performance). In addition, Lilly offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees, including eligibility to participate in a company-sponsored 401(k); pension; vacation benefits; eligibility for medical, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; flexible benefits (e.g., healthcare and/or dependent day care flexible spending accounts); life insurance and death benefits; certain time off and leave of absence benefits; and well-being benefits (e.g., employee assistance program, fitness benefits, and employee clubs and activities). Lilly reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion and Lilly’s compensation practices and guidelines will apply regarding the details of any promotion or transfer of Lilly employees.
WeAreLilly
How to Get Visa Sponsorship in Operations Lead
Frame your OPT timeline as an asset, not a liability
Operations leads are evaluated on process improvement outcomes. Come to interviews with specific metrics from past roles so employers see immediate value rather than fixating on the sponsorship timeline ahead.
Get your E-Verify confirmation sorted before day one
Operations Lead roles often involve managing vendor contracts and staff, which means employers must confirm your work authorization early. Verify your employer is E-Verify enrolled before accepting an offer to avoid compliance delays.
Apply to mid-size and enterprise companies over early-stage startups
Established companies with dedicated HR and legal teams are structurally better positioned to handle OPT and H-1B sponsorship. Early-stage startups rarely have the bandwidth or budget to navigate immigration paperwork for the first time.
Negotiate sponsorship intent before the offer stage
Raise the visa sponsorship question during the final interview round, not after receiving an offer. Asking at that stage gives you leverage and prevents wasting time on employers who cannot or will not commit to long-term sponsorship.
Highlight cross-functional coordination experience prominently
Operations Lead roles require managing stakeholders across engineering, finance, and supply chain. Employers sponsoring OPT students want proven cross-functional ability, since that complexity justifies the cost and effort of sponsorship.
Operations Lead jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an Operations Lead on OPT without a job offer already in hand?
Yes. OPT authorizes you to work in any role directly related to your degree field, including Operations Lead positions, without needing a job offer before your OPT is approved. Your EAD card is what authorizes employment. You can browse verified OPT-eligible Operations Lead openings on Migrate Mate while your EAD is still processing.
Does an Operations Lead role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated from a STEM-designated program such as industrial engineering, systems engineering, supply chain management, or computer science, and the Operations Lead role directly applies that field of study, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Your DSO must confirm the connection between your degree and the role.
How do I prove my Operations Lead job is related to my degree when reporting to my DSO?
Provide your DSO with your official job description, your employment offer letter, and a brief written explanation of how the role uses the knowledge and skills from your degree program. Be specific: tie responsibilities like process optimization, data analysis, or systems management directly to coursework or your field of study. Vague explanations can create compliance issues.
What happens to my OPT if I get laid off from an Operations Lead position?
You have a 90-day unemployment buffer across your entire OPT period, not per job. If you are laid off, that 90-day clock starts immediately. Report the change to your DSO right away and begin your job search. Time spent unemployed beyond 90 cumulative days violates your OPT status, so acting quickly matters.
Are there Operations Lead roles that are less likely to require H-1B sponsorship long-term?
Employers in manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare operations tend to have more consistent demand for operations talent and a stronger history of sponsoring work visas compared to early-stage tech startups. Government contractors, multinational corporations, and companies with dedicated immigration counsel are especially reliable. Filter for these employer types when searching on Migrate Mate.
See which Operations Lead employers are hiring and sponsoring visas right now.
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