Quality Management Specialist Jobs for OPT Students
Quality Management Specialist roles are consistently sponsored on OPT, particularly in manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and aerospace. These positions align well with engineering and sciences degrees, making STEM OPT extension eligibility common. Employers filing LCAs for this title signal active sponsorship willingness, giving OPT students a concrete shortlist to target.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey empowers our members to achieve their best health. For over 90 years, we have been New Jersey’s health solutions leader driving innovations that improve health care quality, affordability, and member experience. Our members are our neighbors, our friends, and our families. It is this understanding that drives us to better serve and care for the 3.5 million people who place their trust in us. We pride ourselves on our best-in-class employees and strive to maintain an innovative and inclusive environment that allows them to thrive. When our employees bring their best and succeed, the Company succeeds.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This position is responsible for supporting the Quality Management department with improvements through project planning, development and implementation, and the establishment of policies and procedures pertaining to regulations in both Government Programs and Commercial business.
- SAS & SQL Coding Experience HIGHLY PREFERRED
- Develop project initiatives, process and performance measures for Quality Management and deliverables to ensure positive outcomes defined by corporate objectives and NCQA and regulatory regulations.
- Analyzes complex data and information to provide meaningful results, identifying success factors and improvement opportunities, recommending potential solutions to assist the business set strategic goals.
- Responsible for budgeting, cost containment and strategic planning of systemic enhancements to improve the quality and efficiency of project initiatives and yearly interventions.
- Collaboratively serve as a HCM&T divisional resource with the Manager for health plan quality ratings.
- Interacts with internal and external stakeholders to promote HCM&T clinical and operational improvement activities.
- Measure performance goals of Medicare STAR Program plans and initiatives to ensure effectiveness of process. Report findings to management and stakeholders as appropriate.
- Reviews all HPMS and industry correspondence, related to Star Ratings in order to assist and remain current on all information and decision. Ensures that all information necessary for decision making is coordinated and any necessary documentation is prepared.
- Provide Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) coaching to the Horizon providers community to improve the member experience.
- Interprets member experience performance through various sources of data.
- Assist in the development of provider improvement action plans to improve member experience and improve CAHPS performance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma/GED required.
- Bachelor degree preferred or relevant experience in lieu of degree.
- Requires five (5) years professional business experience working in a health care environment.
- Prefer five (5) years managed care experience.
KNOWLEDGE
- Requires knowledge of project management methodology.
- Requires knowledge of healthcare management.
- Requires working knowledge of PC and application software.
- Requires knowledge of performance measurement and regulatory reporting.
- SAS Coding experience strongly preferred.
- HEDIS/Quality Initiative experience strongly preferred.
- State Reporting experience strongly preferred.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Requires the ability to apply project management methodologies and practices across multiple projects.
- Requires comprehensive leadership and decision making ability.
- Requires excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
- Requires excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Require excellent presentation skills.
WHY HORIZON?
At Horizon, you’ll do meaningful work that directly improves lives—while being supported by a mission-driven organization that values expertise, collaboration, and growth. We believe that when our people thrive, our communities do too. If you are passionate about making an impact, we’d love to hear from you!
SALARY RANGE
$97,800 - $133,455
This compensation range is specific to the job level and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. This range has been created in good faith based on information known to Horizon at the time of posting. Compensation decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each case. Horizon also provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes:
- Comprehensive health benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision)
- Retirement Plans
- Generous PTO
- Incentive Plans
- Wellness Programs
- Paid Volunteer Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
DISCLAIMER
Horizon BCBSNJ employees must live in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut or Delaware. This job summary has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by colleagues within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of colleagues assigned to this job.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability and any other protected class as required by federal, state or local law. Horizon will consider reasonable accommodation requests as part of the recruiting and hiring process.
INTRODUCTION
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey empowers our members to achieve their best health. For over 90 years, we have been New Jersey’s health solutions leader driving innovations that improve health care quality, affordability, and member experience. Our members are our neighbors, our friends, and our families. It is this understanding that drives us to better serve and care for the 3.5 million people who place their trust in us. We pride ourselves on our best-in-class employees and strive to maintain an innovative and inclusive environment that allows them to thrive. When our employees bring their best and succeed, the Company succeeds.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This position is responsible for supporting the Quality Management department with improvements through project planning, development and implementation, and the establishment of policies and procedures pertaining to regulations in both Government Programs and Commercial business.
- SAS & SQL Coding Experience HIGHLY PREFERRED
- Develop project initiatives, process and performance measures for Quality Management and deliverables to ensure positive outcomes defined by corporate objectives and NCQA and regulatory regulations.
- Analyzes complex data and information to provide meaningful results, identifying success factors and improvement opportunities, recommending potential solutions to assist the business set strategic goals.
- Responsible for budgeting, cost containment and strategic planning of systemic enhancements to improve the quality and efficiency of project initiatives and yearly interventions.
- Collaboratively serve as a HCM&T divisional resource with the Manager for health plan quality ratings.
- Interacts with internal and external stakeholders to promote HCM&T clinical and operational improvement activities.
- Measure performance goals of Medicare STAR Program plans and initiatives to ensure effectiveness of process. Report findings to management and stakeholders as appropriate.
- Reviews all HPMS and industry correspondence, related to Star Ratings in order to assist and remain current on all information and decision. Ensures that all information necessary for decision making is coordinated and any necessary documentation is prepared.
- Provide Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) coaching to the Horizon providers community to improve the member experience.
- Interprets member experience performance through various sources of data.
- Assist in the development of provider improvement action plans to improve member experience and improve CAHPS performance.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- High School Diploma/GED required.
- Bachelor degree preferred or relevant experience in lieu of degree.
- Requires five (5) years professional business experience working in a health care environment.
- Prefer five (5) years managed care experience.
KNOWLEDGE
- Requires knowledge of project management methodology.
- Requires knowledge of healthcare management.
- Requires working knowledge of PC and application software.
- Requires knowledge of performance measurement and regulatory reporting.
- SAS Coding experience strongly preferred.
- HEDIS/Quality Initiative experience strongly preferred.
- State Reporting experience strongly preferred.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
- Requires the ability to apply project management methodologies and practices across multiple projects.
- Requires comprehensive leadership and decision making ability.
- Requires excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
- Requires excellent verbal and written communications skills.
- Require excellent presentation skills.
WHY HORIZON?
At Horizon, you’ll do meaningful work that directly improves lives—while being supported by a mission-driven organization that values expertise, collaboration, and growth. We believe that when our people thrive, our communities do too. If you are passionate about making an impact, we’d love to hear from you!
SALARY RANGE
$97,800 - $133,455
This compensation range is specific to the job level and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to: education, experience, licensure, certifications, geographic location, and internal equity. This range has been created in good faith based on information known to Horizon at the time of posting. Compensation decisions are dependent on the circumstances of each case. Horizon also provides a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes:
- Comprehensive health benefits (Medical/Dental/Vision)
- Retirement Plans
- Generous PTO
- Incentive Plans
- Wellness Programs
- Paid Volunteer Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
DISCLAIMER
Horizon BCBSNJ employees must live in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut or Delaware. This job summary has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by colleagues within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of colleagues assigned to this job.
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or status as an individual with a disability and any other protected class as required by federal, state or local law. Horizon will consider reasonable accommodation requests as part of the recruiting and hiring process.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Quality Management Specialist
Target industries with regulatory compliance requirements
Pharmaceutical, medical device, and aerospace companies hire Quality Management Specialists to meet FDA and ISO standards. These industries have ongoing compliance needs, which translates to consistent OPT sponsorship and a stronger path toward H-1B support after your initial period.
Confirm your degree qualifies as a specialty occupation
Quality Management Specialist roles typically require a degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, or a related field. Before applying, verify your specific degree field aligns with the job description so your OPT authorization holds up if USCIS scrutinizes the petition later.
Ask about ISO and quality system certifications early
Many employers require familiarity with ISO 9001, AS9100, or similar frameworks. Mentioning relevant coursework or certifications during screening signals you can contribute immediately, which reduces employer hesitation around the onboarding investment tied to sponsoring an OPT worker.
Prioritize employers who have sponsored before
Companies with a history of LCA filings for Quality Management roles have already worked through the compliance process. Targeting these employers significantly improves your chances of getting an offer that includes OPT and eventual H-1B sponsorship support.
Apply before your OPT start date, not after
Quality Management roles often involve structured onboarding tied to production schedules. Starting your search at least three to four months before your OPT authorization begins gives hiring managers time to complete internal approvals without feeling rushed by your authorization deadline.
Highlight STEM OPT eligibility for engineering-aligned degrees
If your degree is in an engineering or applied sciences field, you likely qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years total. Mentioning this upfront removes a common employer concern about a short authorization window and strengthens your candidacy.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Quality Management Specialist on OPT?
Yes. Quality Management Specialist is a specialty occupation that typically requires a degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing engineering, quality management, or a closely related field. As long as your OPT is authorized and your degree field aligns with the role's requirements, you can work in this position. STEM OPT extension is available to many candidates in engineering-aligned programs, extending your authorization period to three years.
Does a Quality Management Specialist role qualify for STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If you hold a degree in industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, or another STEM-designated field, you likely qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The role itself involves data-driven quality systems and engineering principles, which typically satisfies the practical training requirement. Confirm your degree appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program list before assuming eligibility.
Which industries hire Quality Management Specialists who sponsor OPT students?
Pharmaceutical and biotech companies, medical device manufacturers, aerospace and defense firms, and automotive suppliers are the most active sponsors for this role. These industries operate under strict regulatory frameworks like FDA 21 CFR, ISO 9001, and AS9100, which create consistent demand for quality professionals. You can browse current openings from employers with sponsorship history on Migrate Mate.
How do I know if an employer will support my H-1B petition after OPT?
The strongest signal is whether the company has sponsored H-1B petitions for Quality Management or similar engineering roles in the past. Companies operating in regulated industries with dedicated HR or immigration support teams are more likely to follow through. During interviews, ask directly whether the company has sponsored H-1B visas for employees in this function and whether they work with an immigration attorney.
What should I include in my resume to stand out for Quality Management Specialist roles on OPT?
Highlight specific quality systems you've worked with, such as ISO 9001, Six Sigma, FMEA, or CAPA processes. Include any coursework, internships, or capstone projects involving statistical process control, root cause analysis, or audit preparation. Quantify your contributions where possible, for example reducing defect rates or improving inspection cycle times. These specifics demonstrate immediate value and reduce employer hesitation about sponsoring a candidate who needs onboarding time.
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