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.
Find OPT Process Development Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 54+ Process Development Engineer jobs
See all 54+ Process Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Process Development Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsThe Role
The Pilot Scale Operations team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated full-time Individual to support Nucleic Acid pilot-scale production. Qualified candidates will have relevant academic or industry experience in solution preparation, RNA processing, sterile fill/finish and/or tangential flow filtration experience, and an understanding of scaling and technology transfer of these unit operations. A successful candidate should have exposure to large and small-scale equipment maintenance and troubleshooting; as well as authoring and updating equipment specific SOPs. This position will require excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as a focus on operational excellence and process optimization. A successful candidate must demonstrate the independent drive and collaborative spirit to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Be the receiving unit for technology transfer from Moderna’s Process Development teams, focusing on nucleic acid development, enzyme reactions, and scale-up
- Assist other development scientists / engineers in defining process development and scale-up strategy, and implementing process control strategies
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot custom equipment used to manufacture Formulations batches
- Characterize product attributes through collaboration with analytical and technical teams
- Demonstrate and implement lab best practices
- Update and write standard operating procedure (SOPs) associated with production as needed
- Practice safe work habits and adhere to Moderna safety procedures and guidelines
- Adhere to documented waste handling procedures to respect environmental regulations
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
- Demonstrated success in bioprocess development, technical problem solving, and technology transfer are essential
- BS/BA (required) or MS in Chemistry, Systems, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or closely related field with 0-2 years related experience
- Hands-on experience with fermentation, enzymatic reaction, chromatography and/or tangential flow filtration experience is preferred
- Ability to multi-task in relentless pursuit of successful outcomes
- Exceptional written and oral communication
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.
That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
- Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
- A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
- Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
- Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
- Location-specific perks and extras
The salary range for this role is $63,200.00 - $100,900.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.
About Moderna
Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world. By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply! Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
The Role
The Pilot Scale Operations team is seeking a highly skilled and motivated full-time Individual to support Nucleic Acid pilot-scale production. Qualified candidates will have relevant academic or industry experience in solution preparation, RNA processing, sterile fill/finish and/or tangential flow filtration experience, and an understanding of scaling and technology transfer of these unit operations. A successful candidate should have exposure to large and small-scale equipment maintenance and troubleshooting; as well as authoring and updating equipment specific SOPs. This position will require excellent communication and organizational skills, as well as a focus on operational excellence and process optimization. A successful candidate must demonstrate the independent drive and collaborative spirit to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
Here’s What You’ll Do
- Be the receiving unit for technology transfer from Moderna’s Process Development teams, focusing on nucleic acid development, enzyme reactions, and scale-up
- Assist other development scientists / engineers in defining process development and scale-up strategy, and implementing process control strategies
- Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot custom equipment used to manufacture Formulations batches
- Characterize product attributes through collaboration with analytical and technical teams
- Demonstrate and implement lab best practices
- Update and write standard operating procedure (SOPs) associated with production as needed
- Practice safe work habits and adhere to Moderna safety procedures and guidelines
- Adhere to documented waste handling procedures to respect environmental regulations
Here’s What You’ll Need (Basic Qualifications)
- Demonstrated success in bioprocess development, technical problem solving, and technology transfer are essential
- BS/BA (required) or MS in Chemistry, Systems, Biomedical or Chemical Engineering, or closely related field with 0-2 years related experience
- Hands-on experience with fermentation, enzymatic reaction, chromatography and/or tangential flow filtration experience is preferred
- Ability to multi-task in relentless pursuit of successful outcomes
- Exceptional written and oral communication
Pay & Benefits
At Moderna, we believe that when you feel your best, you can do your best work.
That’s why our benefits and well-being resources are designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between.
- Competitive healthcare, plus voluntary benefit programs to support your unique needs
- A holistic approach to well-being, with access to fitness, mindfulness, and mental health support
- Family planning benefits, including fertility, adoption, and surrogacy support
- Generous paid time off, including vacation, volunteer days, sabbatical, global recharge days, and a discretionary year-end shutdown
- Savings and investments to help you plan for the future
- Location-specific perks and extras
The salary range for this role is $63,200.00 - $100,900.00. This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An individual’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, performance, and business or organizational needs. The successful candidate may be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus, other incentive compensation, or equity award, subject to company plan eligibility criteria and individual performance.
About Moderna
Since our founding in 2010, we have aspired to build the leading mRNA technology platform, the infrastructure to reimagine how medicines are created and delivered, and a world-class team. We believe in giving our people a platform to change medicine and an opportunity to change the world. By living our mission, values, and mindsets every day, our people are the driving force behind our scientific progress and our culture. Together, we are creating a culture of belonging and building an organization that cares deeply for our patients, our employees, the environment, and our communities. We are proud to have been recognized as a Science Magazine Top Biopharma Employer, a Fast Company Best Workplace for Innovators, and a Great Place to Work in the U.S. If you want to make a difference and join a team that is changing the future of medicine, we invite you to visit modernatx.com/careers to learn more about our current opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
Moderna is committed to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to a person's race, color, sex, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, ancestry or citizenship, ethnicity, disability, military or protected veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital or familial status, or any other personal characteristic protected under applicable law. Moderna is a place where everyone can grow. If you meet the Basic Qualifications for the role and you would be excited to contribute to our mission every day, please apply! Moderna is an E-Verify Employer in the United States. We consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.
Accommodations
We’re focused on attracting, retaining, developing, and advancing our employees. By cultivating a workplace that values diverse experiences, backgrounds, and ideas, we create an environment where every employee can contribute their best. Moderna is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to qualified job applicants with disabilities. Any applicant requiring an accommodation in connection with the hiring process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position for which the applicant has applied should contact the Accommodations team at leavesandaccommodations@modernatx.com.
See all 54+ OPT Process Development Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Process Development Engineer Jobs.
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.