OPT Technical Communicator Jobs
Technical Communicator roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in technical writing, communications, English, or a related field. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations, supporting H-1B visa sponsorship. Your 12-month OPT window, plus a potential 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives you real runway to build a career here.
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Get Access To All JobsHow to Apply
As a single PDF document, please submit the following materials to Interfolio:
- A cover letter that addresses your specific interest in the position and outlines your skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
- A CV/resume
- A list of 3 references with contact information (phone and email)
- A 1-page teaching statement that includes explanations and concrete examples of your pedagogy
Review of applications will begin immediately, on a rolling basis. For best consideration, please submit materials by May 15, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.
Please submit applications to Interfolio. Please do not use the MCareers webpage to apply. Only applications submitted via Interfolio will be considered.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement, enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
Michigan Engineering places special emphasis on the ability of graduates to express themselves and their ideas in a professional and highly successful manner. As such, the Technical Communication (TC) Program plays a significant role in the delivery of a writing and communication curriculum across the college, with a focus on first-year, laboratory, and senior design courses. TC faculty integrate written, oral, and visual communication into engineering courses; we also help students learn teamwork and address questions of ethics and social impact. We regularly team-teach courses with both technical communication and engineering (technical) faculty. Our department employs 36 faculty and maintains a vibrant, supportive, and people-centered culture.
As a Lecturer I, you would teach sections of both standalone and team-taught technical communication courses, with an initial focus on first-year writing in our team-taught Engineering 100 courses; on intermediate technical communication in TCHNCLCM-300 (our standalone course for Computer Science and Computer/Electrical Engineering majors); and on supporting upper-level courses (as needed).
The TC Program offers a range of courses. Each course can vary in credit hours (1-4 credits) and overall teaching workload (20-50% effort). A full-time, 100% effort Lecturer I appointment aligns with the workload of a traditional 3:3 workload (or equivalent), in accordance with collective bargaining agreement between The University of Michigan and the Lecturers' Employee Organization. Lecturer I faculty positions are 100% teaching positions (no service requirement) and are renewed annually.
The initial appointment would be for the AY 2026-27 school year (8-month contract, from the start of the Fall term in late August through the end of the Winter term in late April). This is a renewable, promotion-track position: successful candidates are eligible for annual raises and promotion to Lecturer II (and eventually Teaching Professor), per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. All CoE faculty are reviewed annually.
All job offers are subject to final approval of the College.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the Lecturer I in Technical Communication include, but are not limited to:
- Teaching communication in the context of engineering content and engineering project work by student teams
- Team teaching with disciplinary engineering faculty and technical communication faculty in undergraduate courses
- Designing, preparing, and delivering lectures in technical communication
- Creating active-learning lessons on technical communication, teamwork, ethics, and social impact in an engineering context
- Creating digital content (videos, lectures, assessments, activities, etc.) to support in-person student learning
- Attending class sessions and weekly team meetings of teaching team(s)
- Leading discussion and critique sessions
- Conducting workshop exercises
- Holding office hours
- Evaluating and grading student projects, student papers, and oral presentations
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Technical Communication or related field (e.g. Communication, English, Rhetoric/Composition, Writing Studies, Science Communication, Engineering, Engineering Education, Law, or similar), and/or significant relevant training and experience in technical communication or related field; PhD preferred
- Training and experience in the teaching of writing and communication
- Successful teaching experience
- Experience with various technical communication genres (e.g. memos, proposals, reports, posters, instructions, visuals, oral presentations, etc.), such as in academia, industry, or government
- Ability to work effectively with students individually and in course project teams
- Ability to work independently and self-manage complex planning and long-term service and teaching projects
- Ability to self-identify areas for professional growth and self-regulate professional development opportunities
- Ability to teach and work in a multi-disciplinary, team-based environment
- Ability to incorporate technology and Learning Management systems into teaching
- Experience working with scientific/engineering students and/or content a plus. We are especially interested in candidates whose background includes training in both engineering and communication.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Depending on enrollment needs, the Program may have multiple Lecturer I positions open.
Appointment Start Date: Fall Term 2026 (on August 26, 2026).
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Contact Information
For questions, please contact Kelly Hanson, Director, Program in Technical Communication [email protected].
Application Deadline
LEO Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Opening ID
276129
Working Title
Lecturer I in Technical Communication (Fall 2026)
Job Title
LEO Lecturer I
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE Technical Communication
Posting Begin/End Date
4/14/2026 - 5/19/2026
Career Interest
LEO - Lecturers
How to Apply
As a single PDF document, please submit the following materials to Interfolio:
- A cover letter that addresses your specific interest in the position and outlines your skills and experience that directly relate to this position.
- A CV/resume
- A list of 3 references with contact information (phone and email)
- A 1-page teaching statement that includes explanations and concrete examples of your pedagogy
Review of applications will begin immediately, on a rolling basis. For best consideration, please submit materials by May 15, 2026. Review will continue until the position is filled.
Please submit applications to Interfolio. Please do not use the MCareers webpage to apply. Only applications submitted via Interfolio will be considered.
Who We Are
At Michigan Engineering, we develop the talent and technologies that move society forward and serve our state and national interests. Through discovery and innovation, we create the foundational knowledge and practical technologies to solve not only today's most pressing challenges, but also power industries and change lives. Our programs and community are designed to promote personal well-being and achievement, enabling everyone to unlock their potential and contribute with confidence.
Job Summary
Michigan Engineering places special emphasis on the ability of graduates to express themselves and their ideas in a professional and highly successful manner. As such, the Technical Communication (TC) Program plays a significant role in the delivery of a writing and communication curriculum across the college, with a focus on first-year, laboratory, and senior design courses. TC faculty integrate written, oral, and visual communication into engineering courses; we also help students learn teamwork and address questions of ethics and social impact. We regularly team-teach courses with both technical communication and engineering (technical) faculty. Our department employs 36 faculty and maintains a vibrant, supportive, and people-centered culture.
As a Lecturer I, you would teach sections of both standalone and team-taught technical communication courses, with an initial focus on first-year writing in our team-taught Engineering 100 courses; on intermediate technical communication in TCHNCLCM-300 (our standalone course for Computer Science and Computer/Electrical Engineering majors); and on supporting upper-level courses (as needed).
The TC Program offers a range of courses. Each course can vary in credit hours (1-4 credits) and overall teaching workload (20-50% effort). A full-time, 100% effort Lecturer I appointment aligns with the workload of a traditional 3:3 workload (or equivalent), in accordance with collective bargaining agreement between The University of Michigan and the Lecturers' Employee Organization. Lecturer I faculty positions are 100% teaching positions (no service requirement) and are renewed annually.
The initial appointment would be for the AY 2026-27 school year (8-month contract, from the start of the Fall term in late August through the end of the Winter term in late April). This is a renewable, promotion-track position: successful candidates are eligible for annual raises and promotion to Lecturer II (and eventually Teaching Professor), per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. All CoE faculty are reviewed annually.
All job offers are subject to final approval of the College.
Responsibilities
Responsibilities of the Lecturer I in Technical Communication include, but are not limited to:
- Teaching communication in the context of engineering content and engineering project work by student teams
- Team teaching with disciplinary engineering faculty and technical communication faculty in undergraduate courses
- Designing, preparing, and delivering lectures in technical communication
- Creating active-learning lessons on technical communication, teamwork, ethics, and social impact in an engineering context
- Creating digital content (videos, lectures, assessments, activities, etc.) to support in-person student learning
- Attending class sessions and weekly team meetings of teaching team(s)
- Leading discussion and critique sessions
- Conducting workshop exercises
- Holding office hours
- Evaluating and grading student projects, student papers, and oral presentations
Required Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Technical Communication or related field (e.g. Communication, English, Rhetoric/Composition, Writing Studies, Science Communication, Engineering, Engineering Education, Law, or similar), and/or significant relevant training and experience in technical communication or related field; PhD preferred
- Training and experience in the teaching of writing and communication
- Successful teaching experience
- Experience with various technical communication genres (e.g. memos, proposals, reports, posters, instructions, visuals, oral presentations, etc.), such as in academia, industry, or government
- Ability to work effectively with students individually and in course project teams
- Ability to work independently and self-manage complex planning and long-term service and teaching projects
- Ability to self-identify areas for professional growth and self-regulate professional development opportunities
- Ability to teach and work in a multi-disciplinary, team-based environment
- Ability to incorporate technology and Learning Management systems into teaching
- Experience working with scientific/engineering students and/or content a plus. We are especially interested in candidates whose background includes training in both engineering and communication.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Depending on enrollment needs, the Program may have multiple Lecturer I positions open.
Appointment Start Date: Fall Term 2026 (on August 26, 2026).
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Contact Information
For questions, please contact Kelly Hanson, Director, Program in Technical Communication [email protected].
Application Deadline
LEO Job openings are posted for a minimum of ten calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Job Opening ID
276129
Working Title
Lecturer I in Technical Communication (Fall 2026)
Job Title
LEO Lecturer I
Work Location
Ann Arbor Campus
Ann Arbor, MI
Modes of Work
Onsite
Full/Part Time
Full-Time
Regular/Temporary
Regular
FLSA Status
Exempt
Organizational Group
College Engineering
Department
CoE Technical Communication
Posting Begin/End Date
4/14/2026 - 5/19/2026
Career Interest
LEO - Lecturers
See all 69+ OPT Technical Communicator Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Technical Communicator Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Technical Communicator
Confirm your degree supports specialty occupation status
Technical Communicator roles qualify as specialty occupations when the employer requires a degree in technical writing, communications, or a related field. Before applying, verify the job posting specifies a degree requirement, not just a preference. That distinction affects H-1B visa eligibility.
Target employers with established documentation teams
Companies with dedicated technical writing departments, such as enterprise software firms, medical device manufacturers, and defense contractors, are more likely to sponsor visas. They have existing immigration infrastructure and understand the value of retaining experienced technical communicators long-term.
Highlight tools and domain expertise in your application
Employers sponsoring visas want candidates who reduce ramp-up time. Showcase proficiency in tools like MadCap Flare, DITA, or Confluence alongside domain knowledge in software, engineering, or healthcare. Specificity signals you can contribute immediately, making sponsorship a worthwhile investment.
Check if your degree qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as computer science, information systems, or engineering technology, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. That gives employers three years of work authorization before H-1B sponsorship becomes necessary, which reduces their risk.
Address OPT status proactively in the application process
Bring up your authorization timeline before the offer stage, not after. Mention that you have 12 months of work authorization, note any STEM extension eligibility, and confirm you are actively pursuing H-1B sponsorship. Employers who know what to expect are more likely to move forward.
Prioritize roles at companies that have sponsored before
Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest predictor of future sponsorship. Research employers using public H-1B filing data to identify companies that have sponsored Technical Communicator or similar roles. Migrate Mate surfaces OPT-friendly employers to make this step easier.
Technical Communicator OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Technical Communicator jobs qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Technical Communicator roles typically qualify for OPT because they require a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field, meeting the specialty occupation standard. Your OPT work authorization must match your degree field, so degrees in technical writing, communications, English, or information design are the clearest fit. Some engineering or computer science graduates also qualify depending on the role's requirements.
Can I get a STEM OPT extension as a Technical Communicator?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as information systems, computer science, or engineering technology, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension even in a Technical Communicator role. Degrees in English or traditional communications are generally not STEM-designated. Check your degree's CIP code against the DHS STEM list to confirm.
Which industries hire Technical Communicators and are most likely to sponsor visas?
Software, medical devices, aerospace, defense, and financial technology are the industries most likely to sponsor visas for Technical Communicators. These sectors have complex products requiring specialized documentation and established immigration processes. To find employers in these industries that have a track record of sponsoring OPT and H-1B candidates, browse roles on Migrate Mate, which filters specifically for visa-friendly positions.
How does H-1B sponsorship work for Technical Communicators after OPT ends?
After your OPT period ends, your employer would need to file an H-1B petition on your behalf, subject to the annual lottery. Technical Communicator roles generally qualify as specialty occupations, but the employer must document that the position requires a specific bachelor's degree. Starting conversations about sponsorship early, ideally within the first few months of employment, gives your employer time to prepare before the April filing window.
What should I look for in a job posting to know if OPT sponsorship is realistic?
Look for postings that list a specific required degree field, such as technical writing, communications, or engineering, rather than listing any bachelor's degree as acceptable. Roles requiring domain knowledge in software, science, or engineering are stronger candidates for specialty occupation classification. Avoid roles where the degree requirement is vague or optional, since those are harder to support through the H-1B process.