OPT QA Lead Jobs
QA Lead roles on OPT require demonstrating both technical testing expertise and team leadership, two things employers weigh heavily before committing to sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window (29 months with a STEM extension) is enough time to prove both, especially in software-heavy industries where QA leads are consistently in demand.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Aldevron, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Aldevron, we deliver world-class CDMO services that accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies. Our mission is to be the engine of innovation for genomic medicine pioneers. As a member of our team, you’ll help bring life-changing innovations to life—impacting millions around the world. We bring together deep scientific expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit to drive progress. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, we value the unique perspective you bring. Join us and become part of a mission-driven team advancing science and unlocking human potential—one discovery at a time.
Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is part of the Quality Assurance department located in Madison, WI and will be an on-site position. At Aldevron, we combine best-in-class products and service with the ideal operating environment to lay the groundwork for vital new discoveries worldwide. As a member of the Quality Assurance team, you will report to the Quality Manager and serve as a peer leader and Subject Matter Expert. In this role, you will lead deviation and CAPA activities, and oversee the review and release of final products.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Lead, mentor, and train Quality Assurance staff, serving as the subject matter expert
- Lead quality events and CAPAs, drive to root cause, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Author, maintain, and continuously improve SOPs Quality Systems and Quality Assurance
- Create the working schedule for Quality Assurance staff, review and monitor daily work, and track weekly performance metrics
- Provide front-room support during audits (ISO 13485, internal, and client audits)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The essential requirements of the job include:
- 6 years experience in an ISO 13485 and/or GxP environment
- 3 years experience with root cause analysis and/or technical writing
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- MasterControl eQMS and Dynamics 365 ERP software
- Background in Continuous Improvement and/or Lean Manufacturing
COMPENSATION
Aldevron, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job.
This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
INTRODUCTION
Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?
At Aldevron, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.
You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.
At Aldevron, we deliver world-class CDMO services that accelerate the development of groundbreaking therapies. Our mission is to be the engine of innovation for genomic medicine pioneers. As a member of our team, you’ll help bring life-changing innovations to life—impacting millions around the world. We bring together deep scientific expertise, an unwavering commitment to quality, and a collaborative spirit to drive progress. Whether you're launching your career or bringing years of experience, we value the unique perspective you bring. Join us and become part of a mission-driven team advancing science and unlocking human potential—one discovery at a time.
Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position is part of the Quality Assurance department located in Madison, WI and will be an on-site position. At Aldevron, we combine best-in-class products and service with the ideal operating environment to lay the groundwork for vital new discoveries worldwide. As a member of the Quality Assurance team, you will report to the Quality Manager and serve as a peer leader and Subject Matter Expert. In this role, you will lead deviation and CAPA activities, and oversee the review and release of final products.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to:
- Lead, mentor, and train Quality Assurance staff, serving as the subject matter expert
- Lead quality events and CAPAs, drive to root cause, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
- Author, maintain, and continuously improve SOPs Quality Systems and Quality Assurance
- Create the working schedule for Quality Assurance staff, review and monitor daily work, and track weekly performance metrics
- Provide front-room support during audits (ISO 13485, internal, and client audits)
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
The essential requirements of the job include:
- 6 years experience in an ISO 13485 and/or GxP environment
- 3 years experience with root cause analysis and/or technical writing
- Bachelor of Science in Biology, Biochemistry, or related field required
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:
- MasterControl eQMS and Dynamics 365 ERP software
- Background in Continuous Improvement and/or Lean Manufacturing
COMPENSATION
Aldevron, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job.
This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.
We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.
See all 36+ OPT QA Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in QA Lead
Target companies with active STEM OPT hiring history
Companies that have sponsored STEM OPT extensions before are far more likely to do it again. Look for employers in software, fintech, and healthtech, where QA Lead roles regularly qualify under computer science or information technology degree categories.
Clarify your STEM extension eligibility upfront
QA Lead roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, information systems, or a related field. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying so you can answer employer questions confidently.
Frame your leadership experience in technical terms
Employers sponsoring OPT want evidence you can lead QA processes, not just execute them. Quantify your impact: test coverage improvements, defect reduction rates, and team size you managed all signal readiness for a lead-level role worth sponsoring.
Prioritize mid-sized tech companies over large enterprises
Mid-sized software companies often have more hiring flexibility and faster decision cycles than large enterprises. They also tend to have fewer bureaucratic hurdles around OPT sponsorship, making them a practical target for QA Lead candidates on a time-sensitive authorization window.
Address OPT authorization proactively in your application
Don't wait for employers to ask. A brief note in your cover letter stating you're authorized to work on OPT and eligible for a STEM extension reduces uncertainty and signals professionalism, both of which matter when a company is weighing sponsorship commitment.
Align your EAD start date with your job search timeline
You can't start work as a QA Lead until your EAD card arrives and your OPT start date is reached. Plan your job search to close offers 3 to 4 weeks before your EAD is valid, so onboarding aligns with when you're actually authorized.
QA Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do QA Lead roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most QA Lead positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in computer science, information systems, software engineering, or a closely related field. The role must involve work directly related to your STEM degree. Your employer also needs to be enrolled in E-Verify, which most mid-to-large tech companies already are. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO before assuming eligibility.
How do I find QA Lead jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters jobs specifically for F-1 OPT students, so you're not wasting time applying to roles where employers have already ruled out work authorization. QA Lead listings on Migrate Mate are sourced from companies with demonstrated sponsorship activity, which meaningfully improves your odds compared to applying broadly through general job boards.
Can I work as a QA Lead while waiting for my STEM OPT extension to be approved?
Yes, as long as your initial OPT EAD is still valid and you filed your STEM extension application before it expired. USCIS automatically provides a 180-day cap-out extension while your STEM application is pending, so you can continue working without interruption. Keep a copy of your timely-filed application on hand and notify your employer's HR team so they're aware of your authorization status.
What makes a QA Lead role different from a regular QA Engineer role when it comes to OPT sponsorship?
Lead-level roles signal higher value to employers, which can make them more willing to invest in sponsorship. A QA Lead is typically responsible for test strategy, process ownership, and managing junior testers, not just executing test cases. That scope makes the role harder to fill quickly, giving you stronger leverage in sponsorship conversations. It also increases the likelihood an employer will pursue H-1B visa sponsorship after your OPT period ends.
What should I know about the 60-day grace period if I lose a QA Lead job while on OPT?
If your employment ends before your OPT EAD expires, you have a 60-day grace period to find new employment, transfer to a different visa status, or depart the United States. You cannot work during this grace period. If you're on a STEM extension, the same 60-day rule applies. Report the job loss to your DSO promptly since they're required to update your SEVIS record, and start your next job search immediately.