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.
Find OPT QA Lead JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 426+ QA Lead jobs
See all 426+ QA Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new QA Lead roles.
Get Access To All JobsLocation:
4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn Ohio
Job Summary
The Lead Analyst (QA) is a professional contributor within Controllership Quality Assurance (QA), responsible for supporting risk identification, issue management, and quality assurance activities across the Controllership organization. The role focuses on executing risk-based quality assurance reviews, identifying opportunities for process and control improvement, and helping ensure adherence to internal policies, regulatory expectations, and established governance practices.
Operating independently while collaborating closely with business partners and QA team members, this role executes risk-based quality assurance reviews and testing activities across Controllership processes, identifies potential risks and issues, supports the development of sustainable solutions to strengthen the overall control environment, and assesses the effectiveness of controls and risk management practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of designated QA reviews and testing activities within the Controllership organization.
- Assist in identifying, assessing, and monitoring risks and issues across Controllership processes and functions.
- Execute risk-based testing and review activities aligned with established QA methodologies and organizational priorities.
- Support issue management activities, including issue identification, root cause analysis, remediation tracking, and validation of corrective actions.
- Apply quality and risk standards aligned with internal policies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.
- Analyze review results, observations, and trends to identify improvement opportunities and emerging themes.
- Prepare clear and concise reporting and supporting materials for management and governance discussions.
- Serve as a resource for QA methodologies, testing approaches, and risk and control concepts.
- Monitor regulatory and industry developments impacting Controllership processes and support updates to QA methodologies as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory reporting, accounting, internal/external audit, risk management, or a related Finance function within a financial institution.
- Demonstrated experience working in a financial services environment with exposure to Finance or Controllership processes.
- Experience supporting testing, review, audit, assessment, or control evaluation activities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify risks, issues, and control weaknesses.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and communicate findings and recommendations professionally.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with risk-based assessment frameworks, controls testing, issue management, or process reviews.
- Familiarity with financial reporting, regulatory reporting, accounting operations, or related Controllership activities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize findings and present information to management.
Competencies / Skills
Risk & Control Awareness
Demonstrates the ability to identify risks, assess control effectiveness, and support quality assurance activities across Controllership processes. Maintains an understanding of risk management principles and contributes to strengthening the control environment through thoughtful analysis and constructive challenge.
Testing & Review Execution
Participates in the planning, execution, and documentation of risk-based testing and review activities. Applies established methodologies to evaluate controls, identify issues, and develop practical recommendations that support business objectives and governance expectations.
Stakeholder Relationship-Building
Builds productive working relationships with Controllership and Finance stakeholders. Collaborates effectively across teams, facilitates information gathering, and supports alignment on issue remediation and control improvements.
Problem-Solving & Issue Management
Identifies, analyzes, and helps resolve risks and issues through structured review and assessment activities. Demonstrates sound judgment in evaluating findings, recommending solutions, and escalating concerns when appropriate.
Written & Verbal Communication
Communicates findings, observations, and recommendations clearly and effectively to management and business partners. Prepares accurate, concise documentation and presentations that support decision-making and governance activities.
Collaborative Teamwork
Works effectively within the QA team and across Controllership functions to support shared objectives. Contributes to a positive team environment, shares knowledge, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
Accuracy, Timeliness & Planning
Maintains a high level of attention to detail and accountability while meeting quality standards and deadlines. Demonstrates strong organizational skills in managing multiple priorities, documenting testing activities, tracking issues, and supporting the execution of annual QA plans.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $63,000.00 - $96,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/20/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
LI-Hybrid
Location:
4900 Tiedeman Road, Brooklyn Ohio
Job Summary
The Lead Analyst (QA) is a professional contributor within Controllership Quality Assurance (QA), responsible for supporting risk identification, issue management, and quality assurance activities across the Controllership organization. The role focuses on executing risk-based quality assurance reviews, identifying opportunities for process and control improvement, and helping ensure adherence to internal policies, regulatory expectations, and established governance practices.
Operating independently while collaborating closely with business partners and QA team members, this role executes risk-based quality assurance reviews and testing activities across Controllership processes, identifies potential risks and issues, supports the development of sustainable solutions to strengthen the overall control environment, and assesses the effectiveness of controls and risk management practices.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of designated QA reviews and testing activities within the Controllership organization.
- Assist in identifying, assessing, and monitoring risks and issues across Controllership processes and functions.
- Execute risk-based testing and review activities aligned with established QA methodologies and organizational priorities.
- Support issue management activities, including issue identification, root cause analysis, remediation tracking, and validation of corrective actions.
- Apply quality and risk standards aligned with internal policies, regulatory expectations, and industry best practices.
- Analyze review results, observations, and trends to identify improvement opportunities and emerging themes.
- Prepare clear and concise reporting and supporting materials for management and governance discussions.
- Serve as a resource for QA methodologies, testing approaches, and risk and control concepts.
- Monitor regulatory and industry developments impacting Controllership processes and support updates to QA methodologies as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Finance, Risk Management, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in quality assurance, regulatory reporting, accounting, internal/external audit, risk management, or a related Finance function within a financial institution.
- Demonstrated experience working in a financial services environment with exposure to Finance or Controllership processes.
- Experience supporting testing, review, audit, assessment, or control evaluation activities.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills with the ability to identify risks, issues, and control weaknesses.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and communicate findings and recommendations professionally.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with risk-based assessment frameworks, controls testing, issue management, or process reviews.
- Familiarity with financial reporting, regulatory reporting, accounting operations, or related Controllership activities.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize findings and present information to management.
Competencies / Skills
Risk & Control Awareness
Demonstrates the ability to identify risks, assess control effectiveness, and support quality assurance activities across Controllership processes. Maintains an understanding of risk management principles and contributes to strengthening the control environment through thoughtful analysis and constructive challenge.
Testing & Review Execution
Participates in the planning, execution, and documentation of risk-based testing and review activities. Applies established methodologies to evaluate controls, identify issues, and develop practical recommendations that support business objectives and governance expectations.
Stakeholder Relationship-Building
Builds productive working relationships with Controllership and Finance stakeholders. Collaborates effectively across teams, facilitates information gathering, and supports alignment on issue remediation and control improvements.
Problem-Solving & Issue Management
Identifies, analyzes, and helps resolve risks and issues through structured review and assessment activities. Demonstrates sound judgment in evaluating findings, recommending solutions, and escalating concerns when appropriate.
Written & Verbal Communication
Communicates findings, observations, and recommendations clearly and effectively to management and business partners. Prepares accurate, concise documentation and presentations that support decision-making and governance activities.
Collaborative Teamwork
Works effectively within the QA team and across Controllership functions to support shared objectives. Contributes to a positive team environment, shares knowledge, and supports continuous improvement initiatives.
Accuracy, Timeliness & Planning
Maintains a high level of attention to detail and accountability while meeting quality standards and deadlines. Demonstrates strong organizational skills in managing multiple priorities, documenting testing activities, tracking issues, and supporting the execution of annual QA plans.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the range of $63,000.00 - $96,000.00 annually. Placement within the pay range may differ based upon various factors, including but not limited to skills, experience and geographic location. Compensation for this role also includes eligibility for incentive compensation which may include production, commission, and/or discretionary incentives.
Key has implemented an approach to employee workspaces which prioritizes in-office presence, while providing flexible options in circumstances where roles can be performed effectively in a mobile environment.
Job Posting Expiration Date: 10/20/2026
KeyCorp is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Qualified individuals with disabilities or disabled veterans who are unable or limited in their ability to apply on this site may request reasonable accommodations by emailing HR_Compliance@keybank.com.
LI-Hybrid
See all 426+ OPT QA Lead Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT QA Lead Jobs.
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.