OPT Quality Improvement Specialist Jobs
Quality Improvement Specialist jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in healthcare administration, industrial engineering, public health, or business. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT extensions. Your 12-month OPT window, extendable to 36 months, gives employers a real runway to build you into their QI teams.
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Get Access To All JobsAt ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Your role and responsibilities
In this role as a Continuous Improvement, you will drive improvements in production of Instrument Transformers and Indoor & Outdoor products production in ELDS in Pinetops, North Carolina, USA.
The work model for the role is: #LI- Onsite
This role is contributing to our Electrification Distribution Solutions Operation in Pinetops, NC.
Your Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, modify, and install mechanical and electromechanical solutions including fixtures, tools, ergonomic assists, poke‑yoke devices, workstations, carts, safety mechanisms, and prototype equipment.
- Collaborate with operators and team members to translate improvement ideas into safe, effective, and durable working solutions.
- Lead or support Kaizen with a focus on layout optimization, workstation design, tooling improvements, ergonomic enhancements, and material/production flow.
- Provide hands‑on build, set‑up, and commissioning of new or improved equipment, fixtures, and processes.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including CAD models, mechanical or electrical drawings, work instructions, and training materials.
- Train operators, maintenance personnel, and indirect staff during process changes or new equipment startups.
- Ensure all improvement solutions meet OSHA safety requirements and ergonomic standards.
Your Background
- Associate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electromechanical Technology (or related field).
- Minimum 4 years of experience in fabrication, electromechanical design, maintenance, machining, welding, integration, or related technical fields.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and experience with 3D printing for prototyping.
- Strong hands‑on capability to design, build, wire, assemble, and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems.
- Understanding of production processes, quality requirements, material flow, and lean manufacturing concepts.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.
- High attention to detail, willingness to learn new technologies, and strong problem‑solving mindset.
- Candidates must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.
What's in it for you
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner. #LI-Onsite
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Continuous Improvement Specialist
Your role and responsibilities
In this role as a Continuous Improvement, you will drive improvements in production of Instrument Transformers and Indoor & Outdoor products production in ELDS in Pinetops, North Carolina, USA.
The work model for the role is: #LI- Onsite
This role is contributing to our Electrification Distribution Solutions Operation in Pinetops, NC.
Your Responsibilities
- Design, fabricate, modify, and install mechanical and electromechanical solutions including fixtures, tools, ergonomic assists, poke‑yoke devices, workstations, carts, safety mechanisms, and prototype equipment.
- Collaborate with operators and team members to translate improvement ideas into safe, effective, and durable working solutions.
- Lead or support Kaizen with a focus on layout optimization, workstation design, tooling improvements, ergonomic enhancements, and material/production flow.
- Provide hands‑on build, set‑up, and commissioning of new or improved equipment, fixtures, and processes.
- Develop and maintain technical documentation, including CAD models, mechanical or electrical drawings, work instructions, and training materials.
- Train operators, maintenance personnel, and indirect staff during process changes or new equipment startups.
- Ensure all improvement solutions meet OSHA safety requirements and ergonomic standards.
Your Background
- Associate degree in Mechanical, Electrical, or Electromechanical Technology (or related field).
- Minimum 4 years of experience in fabrication, electromechanical design, maintenance, machining, welding, integration, or related technical fields.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred) and experience with 3D printing for prototyping.
- Strong hands‑on capability to design, build, wire, assemble, and troubleshoot mechanical and electrical systems.
- Understanding of production processes, quality requirements, material flow, and lean manufacturing concepts.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across multiple disciplines.
- High attention to detail, willingness to learn new technologies, and strong problem‑solving mindset.
- Candidates must already have a work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.
What's in it for you
We want you to bring your full self to work—your ideas, your energy, your ambition. You’ll have the tools and freedom to grow your skills, shape your path, and take on challenges that matter. Here, your work creates impact you can see and feel, every day.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner. #LI-Onsite
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Parental Leave – up to 6 weeks
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
See all 241+ OPT Quality Improvement Specialist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Quality Improvement Specialist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Quality Improvement Specialist
Target healthcare systems and hospital networks
Large hospital systems and integrated health networks hire QI specialists regularly and have established HR processes for OPT work authorization. They're more likely to understand CPT and OPT than smaller clinics or private practices with no prior international hires.
Lead with your STEM OPT eligibility
Quality Improvement roles under healthcare administration, industrial engineering, or public health typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Flag this upfront in applications. Employers who hesitate on sponsorship often reconsider when they realize you have 36 months of authorized work time.
Connect your degree to QI frameworks directly
Employers need to see a clear line from your academic background to this role. If your degree is in engineering, public health, or statistics, name the QI methodologies you studied. Lean Six Sigma, PDSA cycles, and root cause analysis training all signal job-specific readiness to hiring managers.
Pursue Lean Six Sigma certification before applying
A Green Belt or Yellow Belt certification demonstrates QI competency independent of work experience. For OPT students with limited U.S. work history, it closes a credibility gap quickly. Many online programs offer credentials within weeks, and employers in healthcare and manufacturing recognize them immediately.
Emphasize data analysis skills in your application
Quality Improvement Specialists spend significant time analyzing process metrics, defect rates, and outcome data. Proficiency in Excel, Tableau, SQL, or statistical software like Minitab distinguishes your application. OPT students with quantitative backgrounds from engineering or public health programs are particularly competitive for these roles.
Apply to government agencies and federally funded organizations
Federal agencies like the VA, CMS contractors, and federally qualified health centers hire QI professionals and are experienced with OPT employment authorization. These employers follow structured hiring processes that accommodate work authorization documentation without the ambiguity you may encounter at smaller organizations.
Quality Improvement Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Quality Improvement Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you graduated with a STEM-designated degree, such as industrial engineering, public health, biostatistics, health informatics, or a related field, and your QI role uses those skills directly, you're likely eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's STEM designation with your DSO before applying.
What types of employers hire Quality Improvement Specialists on OPT?
Hospital systems, managed care organizations, pharmaceutical companies, manufacturing firms, and government health agencies are the most active hirers. Larger organizations with dedicated HR teams tend to be more comfortable with OPT documentation. You can browse Quality Improvement Specialist jobs that are open to OPT students directly on Migrate Mate, filtered by sponsorship willingness.
Can I work as a Quality Improvement Specialist if my degree is in engineering rather than healthcare?
Yes. Quality Improvement is a methodology-driven field that draws heavily from industrial and systems engineering. Lean Six Sigma, process mapping, and statistical process control all originate in engineering. Many QI roles in manufacturing, supply chain, and even healthcare explicitly seek candidates with engineering backgrounds, and these roles typically support STEM OPT eligibility as well.
How should I explain my OPT status to a hiring manager who seems unfamiliar with it?
Keep it simple and reassuring. Tell them you have an Employment Authorization Document issued by USCIS that allows you to work full-time in the U.S. for up to 12 months, with a potential 24-month extension if the role qualifies as STEM-related. Offer to send a one-page summary. Most hesitation comes from unfamiliarity, not unwillingness, so reducing friction with clear information helps.
What certifications strengthen an OPT student's application for Quality Improvement roles?
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Yellow Belt certifications are the most recognized credentials in this field. The Certified Professional in Quality (CPQ) from ASQ is also well regarded, particularly in manufacturing and healthcare settings. For health-specific roles, familiarity with Joint Commission standards and CMS quality reporting requirements adds meaningful context that distinguishes candidates with limited U.S. work experience.