OPT Quality Specialist Jobs
Quality Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in engineering, manufacturing, or life sciences. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in regulated industries like medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and aerospace routinely hire OPT candidates for quality assurance and compliance work.
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The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) at the Institute for Human Development (IHD) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)
Job Description
The Institute for Human Development (IHD), a University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), is an applied research and training center for human services designed to exemplify the University’s goals of engaged scholarship and community partnerships. Its functions include interdisciplinary training, applied research, community program development and information dissemination.
The Early Childhood Quality Specialist will work to assess programs and coach educators and/or program administrators at early learning programs in a designated region within Missouri. While this position supports remote work, candidates must reside in Missouri or are geographically close to Missouri to facilitate on-site observations and coaching visits regularly at programs. The project is specifically looking for candidates in the following regions: Springfield, MO, St. Louis, MO, and Lake of the Ozarks, MO. If candidates are willing to locate to the preferred regions, please indicate on cover letter.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct program observations of teachers or administrators in Missouri
- Schedule and implement evidence-based coaching sessions with teachers or administrators
- Complete coaching session reports
- Select and disseminate resources to support teachers or administrators based on their needs
- Participate in training for observation instruments and coaching methods
- Establish and maintain certification on observation instruments
- Engage in reflective supervision of practice
- Collaborate with Early Childhood team members and other IHD employees
- Other duties as assigned
The Early Childhood Quality Specialist will be part of a statewide team serving all regional areas across Missouri. The position can accommodate and supports a fully remote work schedule with regular travel within designated region, monthly travel to other regions within Missouri, and occasional trips to Kansas City, Missouri as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field
- 3 years’ experience in early learning programs or educational program administration, with preference for those with infant, toddler, and preschool education experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood and business management best practices
- Experience conducting program- or classroom-based assessment
Anticipated Hiring Range
The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as starting at $57,000 annually.
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Grade: 9E
University Title: EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE COACH
To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Deadline
Open until filled. Review of applications to begin immediately.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.
Hiring Department
The Early Childhood Innovation Center (ECIC) at the Institute for Human Development (IHD) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC)
Job Description
The Institute for Human Development (IHD), a University Center on Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD), is an applied research and training center for human services designed to exemplify the University’s goals of engaged scholarship and community partnerships. Its functions include interdisciplinary training, applied research, community program development and information dissemination.
The Early Childhood Quality Specialist will work to assess programs and coach educators and/or program administrators at early learning programs in a designated region within Missouri. While this position supports remote work, candidates must reside in Missouri or are geographically close to Missouri to facilitate on-site observations and coaching visits regularly at programs. The project is specifically looking for candidates in the following regions: Springfield, MO, St. Louis, MO, and Lake of the Ozarks, MO. If candidates are willing to locate to the preferred regions, please indicate on cover letter.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct program observations of teachers or administrators in Missouri
- Schedule and implement evidence-based coaching sessions with teachers or administrators
- Complete coaching session reports
- Select and disseminate resources to support teachers or administrators based on their needs
- Participate in training for observation instruments and coaching methods
- Establish and maintain certification on observation instruments
- Engage in reflective supervision of practice
- Collaborate with Early Childhood team members and other IHD employees
- Other duties as assigned
The Early Childhood Quality Specialist will be part of a statewide team serving all regional areas across Missouri. The position can accommodate and supports a fully remote work schedule with regular travel within designated region, monthly travel to other regions within Missouri, and occasional trips to Kansas City, Missouri as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education or closely related field
- 3 years’ experience in early learning programs or educational program administration, with preference for those with infant, toddler, and preschool education experience
- Demonstrated knowledge of early childhood and business management best practices
- Experience conducting program- or classroom-based assessment
Anticipated Hiring Range
The anticipated hiring range for this position has been established as starting at $57,000 annually.
Salary is determined by a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the individual’s particular combination of education, skills, and experience, as well as organizational requirements.
Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.
Grade: 9E
University Title: EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE COACH
To review the University of Missouri’s Staff Compensation Structure you can view the Job Code detail page. Internal applicants can determine their university title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.
Application Deadline
Open until filled. Review of applications to begin immediately.
Benefit Eligibility
This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.
See all 249+ OPT Quality Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Quality Specialist
Target STEM-designated programs
Quality Specialist roles in engineering and sciences typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree CIP code is STEM-eligible before applying so you can honestly communicate your full three-year authorization window to employers.
Lead with regulatory knowledge
Employers in FDA-regulated industries prioritize candidates who understand ISO 9001, GMP, or 21 CFR Part 820. Highlight any coursework, lab experience, or internships involving quality management systems, audits, or corrective action processes directly in your resume summary.
Address OPT proactively in applications
Hiring managers often hesitate because they misunderstand OPT. State clearly in your cover letter that OPT requires no employer sponsorship cost or petition during the authorization period, and that STEM extension gives them three years of work authorization.
Pursue quality certifications
A Certified Quality Improvement Associate or Six Sigma Green Belt certification signals serious commitment to the field. These credentials reduce employer hesitation about OPT candidates because they demonstrate measurable professional investment beyond your degree alone.
Focus on industries with high OPT hire rates
Medical devices, automotive, aerospace, and contract manufacturing firms consistently hire OPT students for quality roles. These industries operate under strict compliance requirements and value technically trained candidates, making them more comfortable navigating work authorization paperwork.
Quantify quality impact on your resume
Generic quality descriptions lose hiring managers fast. Cite specific outcomes: defect reduction percentages, audit pass rates, or process improvement results. Concrete metrics make your application competitive against domestic candidates and demonstrate real-world quality systems experience.
Quality Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Quality Specialist employers need to sponsor F-1 OPT students?
No. During your OPT period, you already have work authorization through USCIS. Your employer does not file any petition or pay any sponsorship fee. For STEM OPT extension, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled and sign a training plan, but that is not the same as visa sponsorship. You can browse OPT-friendly Quality Specialist openings directly on Migrate Mate.
Does a Quality Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do, provided your underlying degree is in a STEM-designated field such as industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, or biology. The job itself does not need to be classified as STEM, but it must be directly related to your degree program. Review your degree's CIP code with your DSO before applying to confirm STEM eligibility.
What degree backgrounds are most relevant for Quality Specialist OPT jobs?
Industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, and manufacturing technology are the most common degree backgrounds. Life sciences degrees are especially relevant for pharmaceutical and medical device quality roles. Employers in regulated industries expect your coursework to connect directly to quality management, statistics, or process control concepts.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule affect Quality Specialist job searches?
USCIS allows no more than 90 cumulative days of unemployment during standard OPT and an additional 60 days during STEM OPT extension. Quality Specialist roles can take time to secure because many positions require industry-specific experience. Start your search early, track your unemployment days carefully, and target regulated industries where hiring timelines tend to move faster.
Can I work for a staffing agency or contract firm as a Quality Specialist on OPT?
Yes, third-party placement is generally permitted on OPT as long as there is a bona fide employer-employee relationship and the work is related to your degree. For STEM OPT specifically, the end client site must also be E-Verify enrolled. Confirm with your DSO before accepting any contract arrangement to ensure your training plan meets USCIS requirements.