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 are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the GSC R&D Colorant Strategy team working on a variety of projects related to colorant dispersions raw material and product development. Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to, formulation, testing and product application of colorant dispersion and/or paint products. This position requires the candidate to communicate effectively both orally and in written reports.
Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.
This role is not remote/hybrid. This role will report to Sherwin-Williams Morikis Global Technology Center located at 6745 Miller Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.
20% Travel
At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:
Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible
At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.
Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.
Responsibilities Include:
- Application of dispersion/paint formulation knowledge to product development.
- Supporting R&D lab projects to evaluate, generate and confirm colorant formulas.
- Batch-making and testing to include weighing, mixing, pouring, tinting, drawing down and evaluating.
- Communicates with team, manufacturing and various support groups to ensure the successful commercialization of products; Utilizes internal networks.
- Developing knowledge and understanding of product lines and colorant systems.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
- Written documentation and verbal presentation of information and the ability to adapt to various audiences.
- Accurate documentation of lab results and technical information.
- Communication with R&D Colorant lab personnel and supported teams regarding project status and needs.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (“STEM”) field
- 1 year of experience in pigment dispersion and/or coating formulation, application, and testing
- Basic knowledge of statistics and data analysis
- Project leadership/management experience
- Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to determine the difference between colors
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters Degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Material Engineering
- 3 or more years of experience in pigment dispersion formulation/product development and/or raw material projects.
- Other relevant experience with pigment dispersions or coatings for both architectural and industrial applications.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of quality management skills such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, Six-sigma, and use of statistical software such as Minitab
We are looking for a highly motivated individual to join the GSC R&D Colorant Strategy team working on a variety of projects related to colorant dispersions raw material and product development. Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to, formulation, testing and product application of colorant dispersion and/or paint products. This position requires the candidate to communicate effectively both orally and in written reports.
Job duties include contact with other employees and access to confidential and proprietary information and/or other items of value, and such access may be supervised or unsupervised. The Company therefore has determined that a review of criminal history is necessary to protect the business and its operations and reputation and is necessary to protect the safety of the Company’s staff, employees, and business relationships.
This role is not remote/hybrid. This role will report to Sherwin-Williams Morikis Global Technology Center located at 6745 Miller Road, Brecksville, OH 44141.
20% Travel
At Sherwin-Williams, our purpose is to inspire and improve the world by coloring and protecting what matters. Our paints, coatings and innovative solutions make the places and spaces in our world brighter and stronger. Your skills, talent and passion make it possible to live this purpose, and for customers and our business to achieve great results. Sherwin-Williams is a place that takes its stability, growth and momentum and translates it to possibility for our people. Our people are behind the strength of our success, and we invest and support you in:
Life … with rewards, benefits and the flexibility to enhance your health and well-being
Career … with opportunities to learn, develop new skills and grow your contribution
Connection … with an inclusive team and commitment to our own and broader communities
It's all here for you... let's Create Your Possible
At Sherwin-Williams, part of our mission is to help our employees and their families live healthier, save smarter and feel better. This starts with a wide range of world-class benefits designed for you. From retirement to health care, from total well-being to your daily commute—it matters to us. A general description of benefits offered can be found at http://www.myswbenefits.com/. Click on “Candidates” to view benefit offerings that you may be eligible for if you are hired as a Sherwin-Williams employee.
Compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case and will impact where actual compensation may fall within the stated wage range. The wage range listed for this role takes into account the wide range of factors considered in making compensation decisions including skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. The wage range, other compensation, and benefits information listed is accurate as of the date of this posting. The Company reserves the right to modify this information at any time, with or without notice, subject to applicable law.
Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws including with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act where applicable.
Sherwin-Williams is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.
As a VEVRAA Federal Contractor, Sherwin-Williams requests state and local employment services delivery systems to provide priority referral of Protected Veterans.
Please be aware, Sherwin-Williams recruiting team members will never request a candidate to provide a payment, ask for financial information, or sensitive personal information like national identification numbers, date of birth, or bank account numbers during the application process.
Responsibilities Include:
- Application of dispersion/paint formulation knowledge to product development.
- Supporting R&D lab projects to evaluate, generate and confirm colorant formulas.
- Batch-making and testing to include weighing, mixing, pouring, tinting, drawing down and evaluating.
- Communicates with team, manufacturing and various support groups to ensure the successful commercialization of products; Utilizes internal networks.
- Developing knowledge and understanding of product lines and colorant systems.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
- Written documentation and verbal presentation of information and the ability to adapt to various audiences.
- Accurate documentation of lab results and technical information.
- Communication with R&D Colorant lab personnel and supported teams regarding project status and needs.
- Participating in continuous improvement projects to benefit the group and company.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (“STEM”) field
- 1 year of experience in pigment dispersion and/or coating formulation, application, and testing
- Basic knowledge of statistics and data analysis
- Project leadership/management experience
- Must be able, with or without reasonable accommodation, to determine the difference between colors
Preferred Qualifications
- Masters Degree in Chemistry, Chemical or Material Engineering
- 3 or more years of experience in pigment dispersion formulation/product development and/or raw material projects.
- Other relevant experience with pigment dispersions or coatings for both architectural and industrial applications.
- Demonstrated working knowledge of quality management skills such as SPC, FMEA, DOE, Six-sigma, and use of statistical software such as Minitab
See all 137+ 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.