OPT Process Development Engineer Jobs
Process Development Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in chemical engineering, materials science, or biomedical engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in biotech, semiconductor, and manufacturing sectors regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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TITLE: PHOTOLITHOGRAPHY PROCESS DEVELOPMENT ENGINEER
FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT
REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OR MANAGER, PHOTOLITHOGRAPY PROCESS OR MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
SUMMARY
Under the direction of the department Director, the Photolithography Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing and implementing new photolithography processes for next generation magnetic recording heads, including implementing new photolithography processes which ensure product manufacturability; designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and presents findings; researches, selects, and qualifies new tools which improve efficiency and yield. This position is located in Milpitas, California.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Develops and implements new photolithography processes for next generation magnetic recording heads
- Implements new process control schemes or methodologies which ensure product manufacturability
- Designs and conducts experiments, analyzes data, and develops recommendations for improving performance and yield while reducing scrap
- Adheres to appropriate timeline for introducing new processes into the manufacturing line
- Partners with other groups and departments, including process and product engineering to develop and deliver products and programs
- Oversees the work of the Process Technicians to ensure accurate process execution and efficient wafer disposition
- Adheres to all safety policies and procedures as required
- Performs other duties of a similar nature or level
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in Materials Science, Physics, or Electrical Engineering and/or equivalent relevant experience; PhD preferred
- One to three years of experience working in the magnetic recording head, hard disk drive, or semiconductor industry in Process Development
- Experience working in a wafer fab manufacturing environment
- Experience with Statistical Process Control (SPC)
- Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Applications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of semiconductor or HDD industry principles, practices, and techniques
- Knowledge of wafer fabrication processing techniques, including process development and integration practices
- Knowledge of TMR and PMR processes and applications
- Knowledge of wafer manufacturing principles, processes, and equipment
- Knowledge and ability to use Microsoft Office applications to create spreadsheets, Word documents, and presentations
- Knowledge and ability to use Statistical Process Control (SPC) to analyze data, create reports, present findings, and recommend appropriate action
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with all levels of contractors, consultants, employees, and management
- Able to work productively and collaboratively with all levels of employees and management
- Able to comply with all safety policies and procedures
- Demonstrated organizational and time management skills
- Demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
- Flexible and able to prioritize
The annual rate for this full-time position is between $121,000.00 - 160,000.00 + bonus target + benefits. Within the range, the individual pay may differ depending on additional factors including job responsibilities, job related knowledge, skills, abilities, education, and experience. The annual pay range shown is subject to change and may be modified periodically.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
The Photolithography Process/Manufacturing Engineer works primarily in an office environment from Monday thru Friday. The schedule may be altered from time-to-time to meet business or operational needs; may travel from site-to-site as needed. May also work in a class 100 ESD sensitive wafer fab manufacturing facility; adheres to required safety and dress standards. May be exposed to hazardous chemicals, fumes, or vapors and excessive noise from time-to-time while in the wafer manufacturing facility; stands and walks; performs various fine grasping movements, bends, and twists; operates a computer and enters information using a keyboard, operates a telephone, and other office equipment. May occasionally be required to push, pull, or lift up to 10 pounds.
Other duties of a similar nature or level are duties that may be required, but may not be specifically listed in the job description or posting.
TDK/Headway Technologies, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. Applicants requiring accommodation in order to complete the application process should contact the Headway Human Resources Department.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Process Development Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers early
Process Development Engineer roles almost always qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Prioritize employers with an established STEM OPT history so your authorization timeline aligns with their hiring and onboarding cycles.
Emphasize process scalability experience
Employers sponsoring OPT candidates want engineers who can move a process from lab scale to production. Highlight any scale-up projects, yield optimization, or process validation work from internships, co-ops, or thesis research in your resume.
Align your degree field with the role
STEM OPT requires your job to be directly related to your degree. For process engineering roles, degrees in chemical, biomedical, or materials engineering are the strongest fit. Document the connection clearly on your I-983 training plan.
Focus on regulated industries with H-1B track records
Biotech, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor companies have consistent H-1B sponsorship patterns for process engineers. These industries rely on specialized talent pipelines and are more likely to invest in long-term visa sponsorship after OPT.
Get your I-983 training plan right from day one
A compliant training plan is required for STEM OPT and must describe specific learning objectives tied to process engineering. Work with your employer and DSO before your start date to draft this accurately and avoid authorization gaps.
Start your H-1B conversation before your OPT expires
H-1B cap season opens in March for an October start date. If your OPT expires before October, your employer may need to file a cap-exempt petition or extend your OPT. Raise the sponsorship timeline with HR at least 12 months out.
Process Development Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Process Development Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Process Development Engineer positions typically require a degree in chemical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, or a closely related STEM field. As long as your job duties are directly related to your degree program, you qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization.
How do I find Process Development Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT or H-1B visas?
Browse Migrate Mate to find Process Development Engineer roles filtered specifically for OPT and visa sponsorship eligibility. Standard job boards don't filter by sponsorship willingness, so you can spend hours applying to roles where sponsorship was never on the table. Migrate Mate surfaces employers who have sponsored international engineers before, which is the most reliable signal available.
What industries hire Process Development Engineers on OPT most often?
Biotech and pharmaceutical companies are the most active, particularly for biologics manufacturing and cell therapy process development. Semiconductor fabrication, specialty chemicals, and medical device manufacturers also hire frequently. These industries have regulated, documentation-heavy environments where the technical depth of graduate-level STEM candidates is genuinely valued, making OPT sponsorship a normal part of their hiring process.
What should my STEM OPT training plan include for a Process Development Engineer role?
Your I-983 training plan must describe specific learning objectives directly tied to your degree field. For process engineering roles, this typically includes scale-up methodologies, process characterization techniques, analytical method development, and equipment qualification. Vague objectives like 'gain industry experience' are insufficient. Work with your supervisor and DSO to map each objective to coursework or research from your program.
Can I change employers during my STEM OPT as a Process Development Engineer?
Yes, but the transition requires careful timing. Your new employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you need to update your SEVIS record through your DSO within 10 days of starting the new role. Your new I-983 training plan must also be filed. There is no grace period for STEM OPT employer changes, so coordinate the paperwork before your last day at the previous employer.