OPT Process Engineer Jobs
Process Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and energy regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsPROCESS ENGINEER I
Permanent
About Heraeus
Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical innovations? Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our customers to always being one step ahead.
About Heraeus Covantics
We are one of the leading materials specialists in the production and processing of high-purity quartz glass and other high-quality materials such as ceramics and innovative composites. With a global team of over 2,000 employees and locations in Europe, the USA, and Asia, we specialize in manufacturing semi-finished products, complex system components, and customized solutions for the information and telecommunications industry, the production of specialty fibers for industrial and medical applications, semiconductor manufacturing, and optics.
In our company, you can expect an innovation-driven work environment, global teamwork, and the opportunity to take an active role in social and environmental responsibility. Become part of our team and shape the future with us!
Heraeus Quartz North America, LLC. has an immediate opening for a talented Process Engineer I to join our Engineering team at our Buford, GA. facility.
The Process Engineer I is a critical member of the Engineering department, responsible for assuming technical ownership of assigned process areas and, utilizing engineering, continuous improvement, and project management skills, to improve and optimize the process areas to achieve company goals. The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with manufacturing equipment and processes, has a strong analytical mindset, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Your Role and Responsibilities:
- Assume technical ownership of assigned process areas and apply engineering expertise to stabilize and continually improve manufacturing processes.
- Use engineering expertise and analysis of process, machine, and quality data to identify and resolve process issues while optimizing yield, minimizing scrap, improving product quality, and reducing costs.
- Provide day-to-day leadership, technical support, expertise, problem solving, and hands on troubleshooting to operations and maintenance.
- Coordinate with operations to establish and meet department level KPI’s.
- Manage engineering and capital projects, as assigned.
- Industrialize and scale up new processes and products in assigned area.
- Support a culture of safety, quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Project Engineering, Quality, and Sales departments to achieve business objectives.
What is required for this role:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 0–5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, experience analyzing large data sets, and working knowledge of SQL and/or data analytics tools.
- Experience with clean room environments, commercially available drawing packages, and Siemens PLCs preferred.
- Knowledge of non-destructive testing methods, welding methods, and weld characterization preferred.
- Willingness to work hands-on with manufacturing equipment and collaborate closely with Production and Maintenance teams.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Knowledgeable in the use of general hand tools.
Curious? Apply now!
Heraeus is proud to be an employer that provides equal access to opportunities for all its employees. We provide fair and equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other legally protected characteristic. A diverse and inclusive culture is at the heart of our Vision, Mission, and Values. We are dedicated to cultivating a workforce that reflects a broad spectrum of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility after hire. Learn more at www.e-verify.gov
Any further questions?
If you need any assistance or have questions, please contact hrdirect-americas@heraeus.com or visit our website at jobs.heraeus.com.
PROCESS ENGINEER I
Permanent
About Heraeus
Making displays foldable? Helping hearts beat with medical innovations? Or breathing new life into precious metals? As a family-owned global technology group we help our customers to always being one step ahead.
About Heraeus Covantics
We are one of the leading materials specialists in the production and processing of high-purity quartz glass and other high-quality materials such as ceramics and innovative composites. With a global team of over 2,000 employees and locations in Europe, the USA, and Asia, we specialize in manufacturing semi-finished products, complex system components, and customized solutions for the information and telecommunications industry, the production of specialty fibers for industrial and medical applications, semiconductor manufacturing, and optics.
In our company, you can expect an innovation-driven work environment, global teamwork, and the opportunity to take an active role in social and environmental responsibility. Become part of our team and shape the future with us!
Heraeus Quartz North America, LLC. has an immediate opening for a talented Process Engineer I to join our Engineering team at our Buford, GA. facility.
The Process Engineer I is a critical member of the Engineering department, responsible for assuming technical ownership of assigned process areas and, utilizing engineering, continuous improvement, and project management skills, to improve and optimize the process areas to achieve company goals. The ideal candidate enjoys working directly with manufacturing equipment and processes, has a strong analytical mindset, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Your Role and Responsibilities:
- Assume technical ownership of assigned process areas and apply engineering expertise to stabilize and continually improve manufacturing processes.
- Use engineering expertise and analysis of process, machine, and quality data to identify and resolve process issues while optimizing yield, minimizing scrap, improving product quality, and reducing costs.
- Provide day-to-day leadership, technical support, expertise, problem solving, and hands on troubleshooting to operations and maintenance.
- Coordinate with operations to establish and meet department level KPI’s.
- Manage engineering and capital projects, as assigned.
- Industrialize and scale up new processes and products in assigned area.
- Support a culture of safety, quality, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, R&D, Project Engineering, Quality, and Sales departments to achieve business objectives.
What is required for this role:
- Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical, Mechanical, or Materials Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- 0–5 years of engineering experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Strong proficiency with Microsoft Excel, experience analyzing large data sets, and working knowledge of SQL and/or data analytics tools.
- Experience with clean room environments, commercially available drawing packages, and Siemens PLCs preferred.
- Knowledge of non-destructive testing methods, welding methods, and weld characterization preferred.
- Willingness to work hands-on with manufacturing equipment and collaborate closely with Production and Maintenance teams.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Knowledgeable in the use of general hand tools.
Curious? Apply now!
Heraeus is proud to be an employer that provides equal access to opportunities for all its employees. We provide fair and equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other legally protected characteristic. A diverse and inclusive culture is at the heart of our Vision, Mission, and Values. We are dedicated to cultivating a workforce that reflects a broad spectrum of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives.
We participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility after hire. Learn more at www.e-verify.gov
Any further questions?
If you need any assistance or have questions, please contact hrdirect-americas@heraeus.com or visit our website at jobs.heraeus.com.
See all 1,632+ OPT Process Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Process Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Process Engineer
Target STEM-designated employers in manufacturing and pharma
Chemical, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor manufacturers file H-1B petitions for Process Engineers at high rates. Filtering for companies with a history of STEM OPT and H-1B sponsorship dramatically improves your odds of long-term authorization.
Confirm your degree field qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Process Engineer roles typically satisfy STEM OPT criteria when your degree is in chemical, mechanical, or industrial engineering. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to confirm your 24-month extension eligibility.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Many Process Engineer roles involve onboarding timelines of four to eight weeks. Applying three to four months before your OPT authorization begins ensures you can start on time without gaps that complicate your employment record.
Highlight process improvement metrics in your resume
Employers evaluating OPT candidates for sponsorship want evidence of measurable impact. Quantify yield improvements, cycle time reductions, or cost savings from internship or research projects to differentiate yourself from non-OPT candidates.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship policy during the offer stage
Raise the sponsorship question directly once you have a written offer, not during initial interviews. Ask whether the company has sponsored Process Engineers before and what their internal timeline looks like relative to your OPT expiration.
Prioritize companies with existing STEM OPT training plans
Employers who have filed STEM OPT training plans before understand the reporting requirements. These companies move faster on extensions and are less likely to withdraw an offer due to unfamiliarity with OPT compliance obligations.
Process Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Process Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Process Engineer roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your underlying degree is in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, or a closely related STEM field. Your DSO will verify your CIP code against the official STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by ICE. Confirm eligibility before accepting an offer.
How far in advance should I apply for Process Engineer roles on OPT?
Start applying three to four months before your OPT authorization begins. Process Engineer hiring timelines often include multiple interview rounds, technical assessments, and background checks that can take four to eight weeks. Starting early also gives you time to negotiate a start date that aligns with your EAD card receipt, since you cannot legally begin work before your OPT start date.
Do Process Engineer employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas?
Yes. Chemical manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, semiconductor fabs, and energy firms have consistently filed H-1B petitions for Process Engineers. The role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation because it requires a specific engineering degree. Use Migrate Mate to find Process Engineer jobs posted by employers with documented sponsorship histories, which reduces the risk of accepting a role that won't support your long-term status.
Can I work as a Process Engineer at a client site or through a staffing agency on OPT?
Yes, but with important conditions. Staffing agency placements are permitted on OPT as long as you have a clear employer-employee relationship and the work is directly related to your degree field. For STEM OPT specifically, your formal employer of record must sign the training plan, and client-site arrangements require documentation showing the staffing agency controls the terms of employment, not just the end client.
What engineering degrees support a Process Engineer OPT application?
Chemical engineering is the most direct fit, but mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, materials science, and biomedical engineering regularly support Process Engineer OPT authorizations depending on the specific industry. Food manufacturing roles often accept food science degrees. The key is that your degree field must directly relate to the job duties, which a DSO or immigration attorney can assess based on the job description and your transcript.