R D Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
R&D Engineer jobs are strong candidates for OPT work authorization. Most roles require a degree in engineering, materials science, or a related STEM field, making them eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Employers in this space are generally familiar with sponsoring international talent through H-1B.
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We are seeking a Sr R&D Engineer to drive the end-to-end design, development, and testing of innovative new products, from concept through commercialization. This position will also participate in sustaining engineering activities for our existing product portfolio.
Schedule: Hybrid, 3x week in office
Responsibilities
- Lead or contribute to the design, development, and testing of new products and product enhancements from concept through commercialization, adhering to New Product Development (NPD) processes.
- Troubleshoots various issues that arise pertaining to concept designs and production products through testing and computer-based statistical analysis.
- Defines specifications and oversees component prototype manufacturing processes to ensure quality with respect to finished products.
- Utilize statistical software (e.g., Minitab) for data analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and process capability studies to support design decisions and product validation.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, test protocols, and reports, utilizing design documentation tools (e.g., Oracle Agile).
- Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and marketing teams to ensure successful product launch and post-market support.
- Interacts with external personnel on significant cross-functional programs, often requiring coordination with vendors and suppliers outside the organization.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or related field preferred
- Preferred Certifications: LSS Green Belt, DFSS
- 2+ years of experience in New Product Development/R&D Engineering preferred
- Experience with design documentation tools (Oracle Agile preferred)
- Experience with SolidWorks and AutoCAD is a plus
- Experience with Minitab or other statistical software
- Travel Expectations: 10% (Domestic and International)
Anticipated salary range: $80,500 - $103,410
Bonus eligible: No
Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Paid time off plan
- Health savings account (HSA)
- 401k savings plan
- Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Work-Life resources
- Paid parental leave
- Healthy lifestyle programs
Application window anticipated to close: 4/6/26 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.
The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.
#LI-JB1
Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Sr R&D Engineer to drive the end-to-end design, development, and testing of innovative new products, from concept through commercialization. This position will also participate in sustaining engineering activities for our existing product portfolio.
Schedule: Hybrid, 3x week in office
Responsibilities
- Lead or contribute to the design, development, and testing of new products and product enhancements from concept through commercialization, adhering to New Product Development (NPD) processes.
- Troubleshoots various issues that arise pertaining to concept designs and production products through testing and computer-based statistical analysis.
- Defines specifications and oversees component prototype manufacturing processes to ensure quality with respect to finished products.
- Utilize statistical software (e.g., Minitab) for data analysis, design of experiments (DOE), and process capability studies to support design decisions and product validation.
- Develop and maintain comprehensive design documentation, including specifications, test protocols, and reports, utilizing design documentation tools (e.g., Oracle Agile).
- Collaborate cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, regulatory, and marketing teams to ensure successful product launch and post-market support.
- Interacts with external personnel on significant cross-functional programs, often requiring coordination with vendors and suppliers outside the organization.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Biomedical Engineering or related field preferred
- Preferred Certifications: LSS Green Belt, DFSS
- 2+ years of experience in New Product Development/R&D Engineering preferred
- Experience with design documentation tools (Oracle Agile preferred)
- Experience with SolidWorks and AutoCAD is a plus
- Experience with Minitab or other statistical software
- Travel Expectations: 10% (Domestic and International)
Anticipated salary range: $80,500 - $103,410
Bonus eligible: No
Benefits: Cardinal Health offers a wide variety of benefits and programs to support health and well-being.
- Medical, dental and vision coverage
- Paid time off plan
- Health savings account (HSA)
- 401k savings plan
- Access to wages before pay day with myFlexPay
- Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
- Short- and long-term disability coverage
- Work-Life resources
- Paid parental leave
- Healthy lifestyle programs
Application window anticipated to close: 4/6/26 *if interested in opportunity, please submit application as soon as possible.
The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Cardinal Health is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.
#LI-JB1
Candidates who are back-to-work, people with disabilities, without a college degree, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a R D Engineer
Target STEM-designated programs
Confirm your degree program appears on the STEM OPT designated degree list before applying. R&D roles at companies requiring engineering or science backgrounds qualify for the 24-month extension, giving you significantly more runway than standard OPT.
Focus on employers with R&D departments
Large manufacturers, biotech firms, semiconductor companies, and defense contractors maintain dedicated R&D teams and typically have established processes for sponsoring international engineers. These employers are far more likely to be comfortable with OPT work authorization.
Highlight research output concretely
List publications, patents, conference presentations, and lab projects on your resume. R&D hiring managers evaluate candidates on research contributions, and a concrete track record signals you can contribute independently from day one.
Apply before your OPT start date
Start applying three to four months before your OPT authorization begins. R&D hiring cycles are longer than general engineering roles because technical evaluations and security clearance checks add time to the process.
Match your specialization to the role precisely
R&D positions are highly specialized. Tailor each application to match your specific research background to the role's technical requirements. A materials scientist applying to a photonics role without connecting the dots will lose to a closer match.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can F-1 OPT students work as R&D Engineers without employer sponsorship?
Yes. During your OPT period, you can work as an R&D Engineer using your EAD card without your employer filing any additional petitions. If your degree is STEM-designated, you can apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of authorized work experience before needing H-1B or another visa.
Do R&D Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do. R&D Engineer positions typically require degrees in engineering, computer science, physics, chemistry, or materials science, all of which appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list. You should verify that your specific CIP code qualifies and confirm the role is directly related to your field of study, as USCIS requires both conditions to be met.
Where can I find R&D Engineer jobs that are open to OPT candidates?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for visa-authorized candidates, so you can browse R&D Engineer roles from employers who are already open to OPT work authorization. This saves significant time compared to applying broadly and discovering sponsorship limitations late in the hiring process.
Are R&D Engineer positions commonly sponsored for H-1B after OPT?
Yes, more so than many other engineering roles. R&D functions are often tied to proprietary research, making it expensive for employers to replace specialized engineers after investing in their onboarding and training. Companies in biotech, semiconductors, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing have long track records of sponsoring international R&D staff for H-1B petitions.
What should I do if an R&D Engineer role requires a security clearance?
Security clearances are generally unavailable to non-U.S. citizens and permanent residents, which means most cleared R&D positions are off limits during OPT. Focus your search on unclassified R&D roles in commercial industries. Many high-value R&D positions in semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and consumer electronics do not require clearances and actively recruit international candidates.
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