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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Overview

Open Jobs58+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type98% On-site
Median Salary$36K
Top LocationOklahoma City, OK
Most JobsArtech, LLC

Showing 5 of 58+ Quality Control Chemist jobs

Artech, LLC
Quality Control Chemist
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Artech, LLC
Added 2w ago
Quality Control Chemist
Artech, LLC
Sanford, North Carolina
Quality Control
Laboratory Research
Allied Health
Pharmacy
Not listed
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Stryker
Quality Control Chemist II
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Stryker
Added 2w ago
Quality Control Chemist II
Stryker
Cary, Illinois
Quality Control
Laboratory Research
Manufacturing Operations
$76,500/yr - $122,000/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Smith & Nephew
Quality Control Chemist II (Fort Worth, TX)
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Smith & Nephew
Added 1mo ago
Quality Control Chemist II (Fort Worth, TX)
Smith & Nephew
Fort Worth, Texas
Quality Control
Allied Health
Laboratory Science
Not listed
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's

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Zoetis
Quality Analyst – Chemistry Control Laboratory 1st Shift
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Zoetis
Added 1mo ago
Quality Analyst – Chemistry Control Laboratory 1st Shift
Zoetis
Lincoln, Nebraska
Quality Control
Laboratory Research
Not listed
On-Site
Associate's

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LANXESS
Chemist I
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LANXESS
New 13h ago
Chemist I
LANXESS
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Quality Control
On-Site
1+ yr exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Tips 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.