OPT Quality Control Chemist Jobs
Quality Control Chemist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in chemistry, biochemistry, or a related field. Most positions involve STEM-designated SOC codes, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Lab-based roles in pharmaceutical, food, and manufacturing industries actively hire OPT candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsWe anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 26 Sep 2026
Careers that change lives start here. Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology with a Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Our 95,000 employees work across more than 150 countries to put patients first — developing innovative medical technologies that improve the lives of 72+ million patients each year. Your unique talents will help shape the future of healthcare while building a career grounded in purpose, growth, and impact.
A Day in the Life
The Chemist II will support the R&D Cleanability Laboratory by executing and developing laboratory methods to evaluate the cleanability and reprocessing performance of reusable surgical devices. The role generates data supporting product development, design verification, and regulatory requirements.
Work Environment
Hands-on laboratory environment involving chemicals, biological soils, cleaning agents, reusable medical devices, and laboratory equipment. Requires collaboration with chemists, engineers, and R&D teams while maintaining applicable safety and compliance requirements.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Execute cleanability, reprocessing, extraction, and analytical testing per approved procedures.
- Support laboratory method development, optimization, and validation/verification.
- Perform simulated-use testing, cleaning, washer/disinfector cycles, extraction, and recovery studies.
- Conduct quantitative analyses, including protein and hemoglobin testing using UV/Vis.
- Prepare soils, reagents, standards, controls, and samples.
- Operate laboratory equipment and support qualification/calibration activities.
- Analyze and document data, protocols, reports, and deviations.
- Follow QMS, data integrity, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Support audits, continuous improvement, and multiple R&D projects.
- Communicate technical results and project impacts to cross-functional teams.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related field.
- 2+ years of relevant laboratory, analytical, research, or medical device experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Medical device or regulated industry experience.
- Experience with reusable devices, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, or reprocessing.
- Experience with method development, UV/Vis, extraction, or recovery studies.
- Familiarity with ISO 13485, ISO 14971, ISO 17664, or ISO 15883.
- Experience with equipment qualification, calibration, or validation.
- Hands-on laboratory and analytical testing experience.
- Experience with protocols, controlled procedures, and technical documentation.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
Physical Job Requirements
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.
The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.
U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship
At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.
Recruitment Fraud Alert
We are aware of phishing scams targeting job seekers. Please keep the following in mind:
Apply only through official Medtronic channels. All legitimate Medtronic recruiting communications come from approved Medtronic platforms and official @medtronic.com email addresses.
Medtronic will never ask for payment or sensitive personal information (such as bank account or Social Security details) during early stages of the hiring process. Any such requests are not legitimate.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Medtronic, do not respond, click links, or open attachments.
If you have any questions, concerns regarding the authenticity of a communication alleged to have been made by or on behalf of Medtronic, please contact us immediately at AskHR@medtronic.com.
Benefits & Compensation
Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD): $84,800.00 - $127,200.00
This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP). The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others). The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees: Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).
Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.
Further details are available at the link below:
Medtronic benefits and compensation plans
It is the policy of Medtronic to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Medtronic will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
If you are applying to perform work for Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic”) in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can find here a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which Medtronic reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. Medtronic will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 26 Sep 2026
Careers that change lives start here. Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology with a Mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life. Our 95,000 employees work across more than 150 countries to put patients first — developing innovative medical technologies that improve the lives of 72+ million patients each year. Your unique talents will help shape the future of healthcare while building a career grounded in purpose, growth, and impact.
A Day in the Life
The Chemist II will support the R&D Cleanability Laboratory by executing and developing laboratory methods to evaluate the cleanability and reprocessing performance of reusable surgical devices. The role generates data supporting product development, design verification, and regulatory requirements.
Work Environment
Hands-on laboratory environment involving chemicals, biological soils, cleaning agents, reusable medical devices, and laboratory equipment. Requires collaboration with chemists, engineers, and R&D teams while maintaining applicable safety and compliance requirements.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Execute cleanability, reprocessing, extraction, and analytical testing per approved procedures.
- Support laboratory method development, optimization, and validation/verification.
- Perform simulated-use testing, cleaning, washer/disinfector cycles, extraction, and recovery studies.
- Conduct quantitative analyses, including protein and hemoglobin testing using UV/Vis.
- Prepare soils, reagents, standards, controls, and samples.
- Operate laboratory equipment and support qualification/calibration activities.
- Analyze and document data, protocols, reports, and deviations.
- Follow QMS, data integrity, safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Support audits, continuous improvement, and multiple R&D projects.
- Communicate technical results and project impacts to cross-functional teams.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Biology, or related field.
- 2+ years of relevant laboratory, analytical, research, or medical device experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Medical device or regulated industry experience.
- Experience with reusable devices, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, or reprocessing.
- Experience with method development, UV/Vis, extraction, or recovery studies.
- Familiarity with ISO 13485, ISO 14971, ISO 17664, or ISO 15883.
- Experience with equipment qualification, calibration, or validation.
- Hands-on laboratory and analytical testing experience.
- Experience with protocols, controlled procedures, and technical documentation.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
Physical Job Requirements
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.
The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.
U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship
At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.
Recruitment Fraud Alert
We are aware of phishing scams targeting job seekers. Please keep the following in mind:
Apply only through official Medtronic channels. All legitimate Medtronic recruiting communications come from approved Medtronic platforms and official @medtronic.com email addresses.
Medtronic will never ask for payment or sensitive personal information (such as bank account or Social Security details) during early stages of the hiring process. Any such requests are not legitimate.
If you receive a suspicious message claiming to be from Medtronic, do not respond, click links, or open attachments.
If you have any questions, concerns regarding the authenticity of a communication alleged to have been made by or on behalf of Medtronic, please contact us immediately at AskHR@medtronic.com.
Benefits & Compensation
Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD): $84,800.00 - $127,200.00
This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP). The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others). The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees: Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).
Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.
Further details are available at the link below:
Medtronic benefits and compensation plans
It is the policy of Medtronic to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Medtronic will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
If you are applying to perform work for Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic”) in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can find here a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which Medtronic reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. Medtronic will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
See all 119+ OPT Quality Control Chemist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Quality Control Chemist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Quality Control Chemist
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Quality Control Chemist positions typically fall under STEM-eligible SOC codes like 19-2031 (Chemists). Verify with your DSO before accepting an offer to confirm the role qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
Target regulated industries with active OPT hiring
Pharmaceutical, biotech, food and beverage, and medical device manufacturers regularly hire OPT students for QC roles. These industries have structured compliance teams familiar with work authorization requirements and are more likely to sponsor H-1B visa later.
Highlight GMP and analytical lab experience
Employers prioritize candidates with hands-on Good Manufacturing Practice experience and proficiency with instruments like HPLC, GC, or UV-Vis. Leading with lab-specific skills in your resume signals you can contribute from day one.
Address OPT proactively in your application
Many QC hiring managers are unfamiliar with OPT. Briefly explain your authorization status and remaining OPT duration in your cover letter or email. Framing it clearly reduces employer hesitation before the first conversation.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
QC roles often require background checks and onboarding that take two to four weeks. Start applying at least 60 days before your OPT begins so your authorization is active when the employer needs you to start.
Use your university network for QC opportunities
Chemistry and engineering departments often have alumni in QC roles at local manufacturers. Professors may also have industry connections. A warm introduction from a faculty member or alumni carries real weight in regulated industries.
Quality Control Chemist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Quality Control Chemist on OPT?
Yes, as long as your degree is in a related field such as chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering and the role is directly tied to that field of study. Quality Control Chemist positions at pharmaceutical, food, and manufacturing companies are among the most common OPT-eligible placements for chemistry graduates.
Does a Quality Control Chemist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Quality Control Chemist positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension because they fall under STEM-designated SOC codes, typically 19-2031 (Chemists) or 17-2041 (Chemical Engineers). Your DSO must confirm the specific SOC code the employer uses, since classification varies by company. If approved, you get up to three years of total OPT work authorization.
What do employers need from me to hire me on OPT?
You'll need to provide your EAD card, which shows your work authorization period. During STEM OPT, your employer must also enroll in E-Verify and submit a Training Plan (Form I-983) with your DSO. Most QC employers in regulated industries already use E-Verify for compliance reasons, which simplifies the process.
How do I find Quality Control Chemist jobs that accept OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Quality Control Chemist jobs from employers who are open to hiring OPT students, so you're not filtering through hundreds of postings that won't consider your authorization status. Pharmaceutical contractors, contract research organizations, and specialty chemical companies tend to be the most OPT-friendly employers in this field.
Can a Quality Control Chemist role lead to H-1B sponsorship?
Yes, and it's one of the more realistic H-1B pathways for chemistry graduates. QC roles at pharmaceutical and biotech companies are classified as specialty occupations, which is a core H-1B requirement. Many large manufacturers have established immigration programs and sponsor H-1B petitions for QC staff who perform well during their OPT period.