OPT Research Engineer Jobs

Research Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students, particularly those with STEM degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, materials science, or related fields. Most Research Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of U.S. work authorization to build your career.

Find OPT Research Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs10,640+
Work Type83% On-site
Top LocationNew York, NY
Most JobsJPMorganChase

Showing 5 of 10,640+ Research Engineer jobs

Senior Clinical Research Associate
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New 3h ago
Senior Clinical Research Associate
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Delaware
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
$89k - $145k/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Research Associate I
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New 8h ago
Research Associate I
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
$25 - $30/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Research Support
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New 8h ago
Research Support
Penn State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Clinical Trials & Medical Research
Clinical Trials
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Operation Research Analyst
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New 20h ago
Operation Research Analyst
State of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Business Analysis
Data Science & Analytics
Business Analyst
Data Science
Data Analytics
$36 - $54/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Research Technician
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New 20h ago
Research Technician
Tufts University
Boston, Massachusetts
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
$20 - $28/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Tips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Research Engineer

Target employers with established research divisions

Large technology companies, national laboratories, and research universities file OPT and H-1B visa sponsorship regularly. Employers with active R&D teams are far more familiar with work authorization processes than general hiring managers at smaller firms.

Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT extension

Research Engineer positions at employers registered with E-Verify typically qualify for the 24-month STEM extension. Verify your degree field appears on the STEM OPT designated degree program list before accepting an offer to protect your timeline.

Apply early relative to your OPT end date

STEM OPT extension applications must be filed before your current OPT expires. Filing 90 days early is the practical window. Employers hiring Research Engineers often have long interview cycles, so starting your search four to six months out is realistic.

Highlight research output, not just experience

Publications, conference papers, patents, and open-source contributions carry significant weight for Research Engineer roles. Including these on your resume signals independent research capability, which is exactly what employers sponsoring long-term candidates want to see.

Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer

OPT authorization is temporary. Before signing, ask directly whether the company sponsors H-1B visas for Research Engineers. Employers with active research programs generally do, but confirming this early prevents difficult conversations after your authorization window closes.

Use your university's research network strategically

Faculty advisors, lab alumni, and department career offices often have direct connections to companies that hire OPT students for research roles. Warm introductions through academic networks consistently outperform cold applications for research-focused positions.

Research Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions

Do Research Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Most Research Engineer positions qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, provided your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, or materials science. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify. If both conditions are met, you can work for up to three years total on OPT before needing H-1B or another visa.

How do I find Research Engineer employers that sponsor OPT students?

Browse Research Engineer listings on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for employers open to OPT candidates. Beyond the job board, look for companies with active R&D divisions, government contractors, and national laboratories. These employers file work authorization paperwork routinely and are generally more comfortable with OPT timelines than smaller startups.

Can I work as a Research Engineer on STEM OPT without E-Verify enrollment?

No. E-Verify enrollment is a firm requirement for STEM OPT extension eligibility. If your employer is not enrolled, you cannot receive the 24-month extension, regardless of your degree or role. Before accepting a Research Engineer offer, confirm E-Verify enrollment status directly with the HR team or through the E-Verify website.

What counts as a qualifying STEM degree for a Research Engineer OPT role?

Degrees in computer science, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, applied mathematics, and physics are commonly accepted for Research Engineer positions under the STEM OPT extension. The degree must appear on DHS's official STEM designated degree program list. A degree in business or social sciences would not qualify, even if the role is research-oriented.

How long does the OPT authorization process take for a new Research Engineer job?

If you are starting your first OPT period, USCIS recommends filing at least 90 days before your program end date, and processing typically takes 3 to 5 months. For a STEM OPT extension, file at least 90 days before your current EAD expires. Delays are possible during peak filing seasons, so build buffer time into your job search timeline before your Research Engineer start date.