Research And Development Engineer Jobs for OPT Students
Research and Development Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, especially those with degrees in mechanical, electrical, chemical, or biomedical engineering. STEM OPT extension eligibility gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, making you a practical long-term hire for R&D-focused employers running multi-year projects.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
PsiQuantum’s mission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems. Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries. Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry—including partners like GlobalFoundries—we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don’t feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining—and that now is the time to scale. PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies—including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical—to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact. Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real. Come join us.
JOB SUMMARY
Fault tolerant Quantum Computing is a transformative technology, central to which is the development of single-photon and photon-number resolving detectors. We are seeking individuals with deep expertise in understanding, characterizing and designing superconducting thin films. The applicant will use their expertise of superconducting thin films to perform analysis, plan experiments, and collaborate between fabrication, characterization, and modeling teams to demonstrate high efficiency photon detectors.
Responsibilities
- Performing data analysis at scale using models involving microscopic superconductivity.
- Implementing scalable analysis methods for large-scale deployment.
- Planning, co-ordinating and executing experiments to diagnose the properties of films, to understand device physics and optimize fabrication processes.
- Designing superconducting single-photon detectors using comprehensive electrothermal models.
- Collaborating with theoretical, numerical and data infrastructure personnel to optimize detector performance.
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to systematically and rigorously analyze data from thin-film characterization techniques, and to perform integrated analysis that connects thin-film materials data with superconducting device performance data.
- A strong foundation in condensed matter physics. Familiarity with Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory and/or Ginzburg–Landau (GL) theory is highly desirable, particularly to enable effective collaboration with superconducting theorists.
- Some hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and cryogenic Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (cryo-STM) would be extremely valuable, particularly in working closely with metrology teams.
- Experience in superconducting thin-film growth using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), or related techniques, with the ability to collaborate effectively with fabrication (Fab) teams to inform process optimization and materials development.
PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com. We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
COMPENSATION
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
- U.S. Base Pay Range: $125,000—$145,000 USD
- Bay Area Pay Range: $160,000—$175,000 USD
INTRODUCTION
PsiQuantum’s mission is to build the first useful quantum computers—machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems. Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries. Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry—including partners like GlobalFoundries—we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don’t feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure. In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining—and that now is the time to scale. PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies—including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical—to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact. Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift—and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real. Come join us.
JOB SUMMARY
Fault tolerant Quantum Computing is a transformative technology, central to which is the development of single-photon and photon-number resolving detectors. We are seeking individuals with deep expertise in understanding, characterizing and designing superconducting thin films. The applicant will use their expertise of superconducting thin films to perform analysis, plan experiments, and collaborate between fabrication, characterization, and modeling teams to demonstrate high efficiency photon detectors.
Responsibilities
- Performing data analysis at scale using models involving microscopic superconductivity.
- Implementing scalable analysis methods for large-scale deployment.
- Planning, co-ordinating and executing experiments to diagnose the properties of films, to understand device physics and optimize fabrication processes.
- Designing superconducting single-photon detectors using comprehensive electrothermal models.
- Collaborating with theoretical, numerical and data infrastructure personnel to optimize detector performance.
EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS
- Demonstrated ability to systematically and rigorously analyze data from thin-film characterization techniques, and to perform integrated analysis that connects thin-film materials data with superconducting device performance data.
- A strong foundation in condensed matter physics. Familiarity with Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer (BCS) theory and/or Ginzburg–Landau (GL) theory is highly desirable, particularly to enable effective collaboration with superconducting theorists.
- Some hands-on experience with characterization techniques such as Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and cryogenic Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (cryo-STM) would be extremely valuable, particularly in working closely with metrology teams.
- Experience in superconducting thin-film growth using Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD), Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), or related techniques, with the ability to collaborate effectively with fabrication (Fab) teams to inform process optimization and materials development.
PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com. We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
COMPENSATION
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate's qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
- U.S. Base Pay Range: $125,000—$145,000 USD
- Bay Area Pay Range: $160,000—$175,000 USD
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Research And Development Engineer
Lead with your research output, not just your degree
Hiring managers in R&D prioritize demonstrated output. List patents filed, publications authored, prototypes built, or test results you contributed to. Quantify wherever possible. A thesis project with measurable outcomes carries more weight than a GPA alone.
Target employers with active R&D budgets
Companies with dedicated research divisions, federal contracts, or NIH and NSF grant funding are far more likely to sponsor OPT and H-1B workers. Look for employers in aerospace, semiconductor manufacturing, biotech, and advanced materials where specialized engineering talent is scarce.
Emphasize your STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
Many R&D teams plan projects on two to three year timelines. Letting hiring managers know you qualify for a 24-month STEM OPT extension reframes you as a viable long-term contributor, not a short-term hire they need to replace in 12 months.
Align your application materials to the specific engineering domain
R&D roles are highly specialized. A resume written for a mechanical R&D position should highlight CAD tools, FEA software, and materials testing. Tailor every application to the technical stack and methodology the employer uses, not a generic engineering template.
Prepare to discuss your CPT or lab work during screening calls
R&D interviewers frequently probe the depth of hands-on experience. Be ready to walk through a specific project from hypothesis to result. Describe the methodology, the obstacles, and what the outcome demonstrated. Vague answers about coursework will not advance your application.
Use Migrate Mate to find R&D roles at OPT-friendly employers
Not every employer understands or welcomes OPT work authorization. Migrate Mate surfaces R&D engineering roles at companies with documented sponsorship track records, saving you time spent applying to positions where visa status will be an immediate disqualifier.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Research and Development Engineer on F-1 OPT?
Yes. Research and Development Engineer roles qualify for F-1 OPT as long as the position is directly related to your field of study. Engineering degrees in mechanical, electrical, chemical, biomedical, or materials science typically satisfy this requirement. Your DSO can confirm the connection between your degree and the specific role before you accept an offer.
Do Research and Development Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most do. R&D engineering positions at companies enrolled in E-Verify typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 36 months of total OPT work authorization. The role must be in a STEM-designated field, which covers the vast majority of engineering disciplines. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO to be certain.
How do I find Research and Development Engineer jobs that sponsor OPT and H-1B?
The most efficient approach is to focus on employers with a history of sponsoring work visas rather than applying broadly. Migrate Mate is built specifically for this, surfacing R&D engineering roles at companies with established OPT and H-1B sponsorship track records. This significantly reduces time spent on applications that will be rejected on immigration status grounds alone.
What should I do if an R&D employer says they don't sponsor visas?
Clarify what they mean before walking away. Some employers conflate OPT work authorization with H-1B sponsorship. OPT is your own work authorization from USCIS and does not require the employer to file any petition on your behalf. If the concern is future H-1B sponsorship, that is a separate conversation you can address after demonstrating value in the role.
Does working in R&D affect my OPT reporting requirements?
Yes. You are required to report your employer, job title, and start date to your DSO within 10 days of beginning employment. If your R&D role is contract-based or involves multiple project sites, report each change. Gaps in employment longer than 90 days on post-completion OPT can jeopardize your status, so maintain continuous qualifying employment throughout your OPT period.
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