OPT Regulatory Affairs Specialist Jobs
Regulatory Affairs Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in life sciences, pharmacy, chemistry, or engineering. Most positions qualify as STEM OPT extensions, giving you up to 36 months of work authorization. Employers in pharma, biotech, and medical devices regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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INTRODUCTION
AtriCure, Inc. provides innovative technologies for the treatment of Afib and related conditions. Afib affects more than 33 million people worldwide. Electrophysiologists and cardiothoracic surgeons around the globe use AtriCure technologies for the treatment of Afib and reduction of Afib related complications. AtriCure's Isolator® Synergy™ Ablation System is the first medical device to receive FDA approval for the treatment of persistent Afib. AtriCure's AtriClip® Left Atrial Appendage Exclusion System products are the most widely sold LAA management devices worldwide. AtriCure's Hybrid AF™ Therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that provides a lasting solution for long-standing persistent Afib patients. AtriCure's cryoICE cryoSPHERE® probe is cleared for temporary ablation of peripheral nerves to block pain, providing pain relief in cardiac and thoracic procedures.
We foster a culture of inclusion by embracing diverse experiences and individuals where everyone's authentic self is welcome. We offer supporting programs and resources that provide enriching and equitable opportunities for each person to contribute professionally and personally.
Position Summary:
This position will originate appropriate documents to obtain and maintain marketing privileges consistent with applicable government requirements where AtriCure conducts business. This position will also maintain internal documentation of such approvals and handle requests for documentation from our international distributors and customers. This position is responsible for practicing Quality System Manual procedures and complying with its requirements, and carrying out responsibilities as outlined in safety, health and environmental policies.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
- Support global regulatory pre-market applications for geographies included but not limited to: Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, Brazil, Korea, UAE, EU, UK, U.S, Japan, and Canada. Submission support may include but is not limited to: IDEs, PMA submissions and supplements or 510k for US, EU Technical Documentation, and/or Japan Shonin.
- Support global regulatory post-market activities for the responsible geographies above, such as updating 510(k) letters to file, Technical Files and Design Dossiers on an annual basis, preparing and submitting product renewals, and annual/post-approval reports.
- Support product marketing in additional geographies, as necessary, with international regulatory submissions, product renewals, tender bids, and fulfilling custom requirements.
- Request Certificates to Foreign government and Free Sale Certificates as new products are approved.
- Obtain notarization and legalization of documents as required.
- Maintain, update and track open regulatory requests. Provide periodic status updates on open and closed requests.
- Review of product and manufacturing changes for compliance with applicable regulations (Change Control).
- Work with Regulatory Affairs staff, engineers and technical experts to resolve potential regulatory issues, deficiencies and questions from regulatory agencies.
- Maintain submission correspondence files and other regulatory files in a complete manner.
- Maintain regulatory files for product compliance.
- Perform other related duties as assigned in support of regulatory activities.
- Assist in interacting with reviewers from regulatory agencies on specific projects.
- Provide support during internal and external audits.
- Maintain current knowledge of worldwide regulatory requirements.
ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
- Regular and predictable work performance.
- Ability to work under fast-paced conditions.
- Ability to make decisions and use good judgement.
- Ability to prioritize various duties and multitask as required.
- Ability to successfully work with others.
- Additional duties as assigned.
- Hybrid environment (with remote possibilities).
- Travel responsibilities to AtriCure facilities for team functions and activities when needed.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in a technical/scientific/life science discipline required or 3+ years of Regulatory experience in the medical device industry.
- Proficient on programs within Microsoft Office.
- Written and verbal communication skills.
- Problem solving and/or troubleshooting experience.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in the medical device industry.
- Basic knowledge of U.S. and/or European/International regulations and standards.
- Strong understanding of documentation within a quality management system.
- Team oriented and able to effectively manage and prioritize multiple projects.
- General knowledge of medical terminology.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to regularly walk, sit, or stand as needed.
- Ability to occasionally bend and push/pull as needed.
- Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
- Occasional travel may be required.
MN Hiring Range:
$85,000-104,000
AtriCure has a variety of benefits available for US based employees and their families. Examples include Medical & Dental beginning day 1 of employment, 401K plus match, 30 days of paid Parental Leave, in addition to maternity leave, for new moms and dads, Volunteer Time off, Pet Insurance, and more. Corporate-based employees also have full access to our on-site fitness center and cafeteria.
AtriCure participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity of and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. AtriCure is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and provides Drug Free Workplaces. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, protected veteran status, status as an individual with disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law(s).
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Target regulated industries first
Pharma, biotech, and medical device companies have dedicated regulatory departments and are accustomed to visa sponsorship. These employers file H-1B petitions regularly, making them far more likely to extend your OPT into full sponsorship than general employers.
Confirm your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Regulatory Affairs roles typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in biology, chemistry, pharmacy, or a related field. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before applying so you know your full authorization window upfront.
Highlight regulatory database experience on your resume
Familiarity with FDA submission systems, eCTD formatting, or ICH guidelines signals job-readiness to hiring managers. Specific technical knowledge reduces employer hesitation about the time investment required to train an OPT hire before sponsorship becomes relevant.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
Regulatory Affairs positions are specialty occupations that meet H-1B criteria, but not every employer actively sponsors. Confirm willingness to sponsor during the offer stage, not after you've started, so you can plan your immigration timeline without surprises.
Apply early relative to your OPT end date
H-1B cap-subject petitions must be filed in April for an October 1 start. If your OPT expires before October, your employer may need to request a cap-gap extension. Start your job search at least six months before your OPT authorization ends.
Pursue RAC or RAPS certification if you're early career
The Regulatory Affairs Certification from RAPS signals credibility in a field where credentials matter. Even pursuing coursework demonstrates commitment to the profession, which can reassure employers considering the additional overhead of sponsoring a work visa.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Regulatory Affairs Specialist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. If your undergraduate or graduate degree is in a STEM field such as biology, chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, or biomedical engineering, your role will typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO, since the extension is tied to your degree classification, not the job title itself.
Is Regulatory Affairs Specialist considered a specialty occupation for H-1B purposes?
Yes. Regulatory Affairs Specialist positions generally qualify as specialty occupations under H-1B rules because they require at minimum a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as life sciences, chemistry, or pharmacy. USCIS has consistently approved H-1B petitions for this role when the degree requirement is clearly documented in the job description and employer attestation.
Which types of employers are most likely to sponsor OPT students in regulatory affairs?
Pharmaceutical companies, biotechnology firms, medical device manufacturers, and contract research organizations are the most active sponsors for this role. These companies operate under FDA oversight and maintain in-house regulatory teams that file H-1B petitions routinely. You can browse OPT-friendly regulatory affairs openings directly on Migrate Mate, which filters for employers open to sponsorship.
What happens if my OPT expires before the H-1B October 1 start date?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT expires, you're covered by cap-gap protection, which automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Your employer must file before your OPT end date for cap-gap to apply. Work with your DSO and employer's immigration counsel to confirm the filing timeline well in advance.
Do I need to disclose my OPT status when applying for Regulatory Affairs roles?
You don't have to disclose it upfront in your application, but employers will ask about work authorization status before extending an offer. Being prepared to explain your OPT timeline, STEM extension eligibility, and H-1B sponsorship needs clearly and confidently tends to reduce employer hesitation. Framing your remaining authorization window accurately helps employers assess whether the timeline works for their hiring plans.