OPT Quality Assurance Lead Jobs
Quality Assurance Lead roles are well-suited for F-1 OPT students with degrees in computer science, software engineering, or information systems. Most positions fall under STEM OPT extension-eligible SOC codes, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Strong QA backgrounds in test automation and team coordination translate directly into roles that actively sponsor visas.
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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 Quality Assurance Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Quality Assurance Lead
Target companies with established QA teams
Large software, fintech, and healthcare technology companies run dedicated QA organizations and have existing H-1B visa sponsorship pipelines. These employers understand the visa process and are far more likely to sponsor than startups hiring their first QA engineer.
Emphasize your automation skills front and center
QA Lead roles requiring Selenium, Cypress, or Playwright are consistently harder to fill than manual testing roles. Employers sponsoring visas want proven ROI. Automation expertise signals that you're solving a skill gap, which makes sponsorship a much easier internal conversation.
Frame leadership experience in your resume clearly
QA Lead implies people management or at minimum cross-functional coordination. Spell out team size, reporting structure, and the scope of your test strategy ownership. Vague leadership claims reduce your competitiveness against candidates with clearly documented lead experience.
Apply during your OPT window, not after
Start your search at least three months before your initial OPT expires. Employers who are willing to sponsor need time to file the H-1B or consider E-3 visa or TN visa options. Waiting until the final weeks dramatically limits which employers can realistically move forward.
Prioritize STEM-eligible roles to maximize your timeline
Confirm the job posting's SOC code aligns with STEM OPT extension eligibility before applying. QA Lead roles under software quality assurance engineering SOC codes typically qualify. The 24-month extension gives employers a longer runway to complete H-1B sponsorship.
Address sponsorship directly and early in conversations
Bring up your OPT status and visa needs in the first recruiter screen, not after an offer. Employers who cannot sponsor will tell you immediately, saving both sides weeks of time. Employers who can sponsor appreciate the transparency and will plan accordingly.
Quality Assurance Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Quality Assurance Lead roles typically qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most QA Lead roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when the position falls under a STEM-designated SOC code, such as software quality assurance engineers and testers. Your degree field also matters. Degrees in computer science, information systems, or software engineering generally satisfy the STEM OPT extension requirements. Confirm the SOC code with your employer's HR team before applying for the extension.
How common is H-1B sponsorship for Quality Assurance Lead positions?
Sponsorship rates are meaningfully higher for QA Lead roles than for entry-level QA positions because the lead-level skill set, particularly test automation and team oversight, is harder to source domestically. Mid-size and enterprise software companies, especially in fintech, healthtech, and SaaS, are the most consistent sponsors. Migrate Mate lists QA Lead openings filtered by sponsorship availability so you can focus your applications on employers already open to sponsoring.
Can I work as a Quality Assurance Lead on OPT if my degree is in a non-engineering field?
It depends on whether your degree has a direct connection to the role. OPT authorizes work directly related to your major area of study. A degree in information technology, computer science, or a related technical field has a clear connection to QA Lead work. A degree in business or communications would require a stronger case. Your DSO can help you assess whether the role qualifies under your specific degree program.
What visa options are available after OPT expires for a Quality Assurance Lead?
The H-1B is the most common path. QA Lead roles meet the specialty occupation standard because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific technical field. If you're an Australian citizen, the E-3 visa is a faster and lottery-free alternative. Canadian and Mexican nationals may qualify under TN status. Your employer initiates all of these petitions, so identifying a sponsoring employer during your OPT window is the critical first step.
How should I handle the gap between OPT expiration and H-1B approval as a QA Lead?
If your employer files an H-1B cap-subject petition before your OPT expires and you have a valid STEM OPT extension in place, the cap-gap rule allows you to continue working through September 30 of that year. This requires your STEM OPT extension to be timely filed and your employer to submit the H-1B petition before the April 1 filing window opens. Work closely with your employer's immigration attorney to ensure no authorization gap occurs.