OPT Technical Lead Jobs
Technical Lead roles on OPT require sponsors willing to file an H-1B visa on your behalf, since most positions qualify as specialty occupations in software engineering or computer science. Your 12-month standard OPT window, or 24-month STEM extension if your degree qualifies, gives you a realistic runway to land a leadership-level offer.
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A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech!
Join our global Analytical Development and Quality Control team as a Technical Development Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry Characterization Lead, driving analytical strategies that transform cutting-edge biologic therapeutics from early development to commercialization. In this role, you will bridge strategic leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines. You will lead mass spectrometry characterization, solve complex analytical challenges, and guide cross-functional teams with scientific excellence and impact.
The Opportunity
- Lead the mass spectrometry (MS) characterization strategy and execution across all stages of biologic therapeutic development, from early development through to commercial launch.
- Design, execute, and interpret complex liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses to establish deep structural understanding of protein modalities and resolve technical root causes.
- Develop and implement phase-appropriate MS methods and advanced multi-attribute method (MAM) strategies where standard analytical assays fall short.
- Identify, monitor, and quantify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and post-translational modifications (PTMs) to ensure reliable analytical control.
- Support process development milestones, including cell line selection, purification, formulation, stability, minor variant characterization, and structure-function elucidation.
- Author filing-ready MS characterization sections for global regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, and MAA) and represent technical packages in regulatory interactions.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, analytical leads, and external research/manufacturing partners to achieve project delivery milestones.
- Mentor scientific team members in MS data interpretation and champion modern analytical capabilities and best practices.
Who you are
You hold a Ph.D. with 4–6+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S./B.S. with 6–10+ years of experience in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. You bring deep analytical expertise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) applied to the characterization of proteins or related therapeutic modalities. You possess strong working knowledge of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) drug development and regulatory filing processes (IND/BLA). You demonstrate excellent collaborative, organizational, and communication skills, thriving both as an independent lead and as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. You are an agile problem-solver motivated by scientific curiosity, technical quality, and delivering meaningful results in a fast-paced environment.
Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $120,800 - $224,300. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
The Position
A healthier future. It’s what drives us to innovate. To continuously advance science and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they need today and for generations to come. Creating a world where we all have more time with the people we love. That’s what makes us Genentech!
Join our global Analytical Development and Quality Control team as a Technical Development Principal Scientist, Mass Spectrometry Characterization Lead, driving analytical strategies that transform cutting-edge biologic therapeutics from early development to commercialization. In this role, you will bridge strategic leadership with hands-on laboratory expertise within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment dedicated to delivering life-changing medicines. You will lead mass spectrometry characterization, solve complex analytical challenges, and guide cross-functional teams with scientific excellence and impact.
The Opportunity
- Lead the mass spectrometry (MS) characterization strategy and execution across all stages of biologic therapeutic development, from early development through to commercial launch.
- Design, execute, and interpret complex liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses to establish deep structural understanding of protein modalities and resolve technical root causes.
- Develop and implement phase-appropriate MS methods and advanced multi-attribute method (MAM) strategies where standard analytical assays fall short.
- Identify, monitor, and quantify critical quality attributes (CQAs) and post-translational modifications (PTMs) to ensure reliable analytical control.
- Support process development milestones, including cell line selection, purification, formulation, stability, minor variant characterization, and structure-function elucidation.
- Author filing-ready MS characterization sections for global regulatory submissions (IND, BLA, and MAA) and represent technical packages in regulatory interactions.
- Collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, analytical leads, and external research/manufacturing partners to achieve project delivery milestones.
- Mentor scientific team members in MS data interpretation and champion modern analytical capabilities and best practices.
Who you are
You hold a Ph.D. with 4–6+ years of relevant experience, or an M.S./B.S. with 6–10+ years of experience in Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. You bring deep analytical expertise in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) applied to the characterization of proteins or related therapeutic modalities. You possess strong working knowledge of chemistry, manufacturing, and controls (CMC) drug development and regulatory filing processes (IND/BLA). You demonstrate excellent collaborative, organizational, and communication skills, thriving both as an independent lead and as part of a dynamic, multidisciplinary team. You are an agile problem-solver motivated by scientific curiosity, technical quality, and delivering meaningful results in a fast-paced environment.
Relocation benefits are available for this job posting.
The expected salary range for this position based on the primary location of South San Francisco, CA is $120,800 - $224,300. Actual pay will be determined based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other job-related factors permitted by law. A discretionary annual bonus may be available based on individual and Company performance. This position also qualifies for the benefits detailed at the link provided below.
Benefits
Genentech is an equal opportunity employer. It is our policy and practice to employ, promote, and otherwise treat any and all employees and applicants on the basis of merit, qualifications, and competence. The company's policy prohibits unlawful discrimination, including but not limited to, discrimination on the basis of Protected Veteran status, individuals with disabilities status, and consistent with all federal, state, or local laws.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation in relation to the online application process, please contact us by completing this form Accommodations for Applicants.
See all 3,325+ OPT Technical Lead Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Technical Lead
Target engineering-forward companies with established visa programs
Companies that regularly promote engineers into leadership have existing immigration infrastructure. Smaller startups often lack the legal resources to sponsor Technical Leads, so prioritize mid-size and enterprise employers with a track record of H-1B visa filings.
Demonstrate you can lead before you have the title
Interviewers for Technical Lead roles want evidence of cross-functional ownership, not just strong code. Highlight projects where you drove architecture decisions, mentored junior engineers, or coordinated across product and design to hit a delivery milestone.
Apply early relative to your OPT expiration date
Technical Lead hiring cycles run longer than individual contributor roles. Expect four to eight weeks from first interview to offer. Factor that timeline against your OPT end date and STEM extension eligibility before applying to avoid authorization gaps.
Verify your degree qualifies for the STEM OPT extension
Computer science, electrical engineering, and information systems degrees typically qualify. Confirm your specific program is on the STEM Designated Degree Program list before counting on the 24-month extension in your job search timeline planning.
Address sponsorship directly in recruiter conversations
Bring up OPT status and future H-1B sponsorship needs in the first recruiter screen, not after an offer. This filters out employers who won't sponsor early and saves weeks of interview cycles you cannot afford to lose on your timeline.
Frame your OPT timeline as a near-term certainty, not a risk
Employers often view sponsorship as uncertainty. Counter this by explaining that Technical Lead roles qualify as specialty occupations, H-1B cap registration is annual, and your STEM extension provides buffer time to bridge any gap between OPT expiration and H-1B approval.
Technical Lead OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Technical Lead roles qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes. Technical Lead positions consistently qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. This makes them fully eligible for F-1 OPT work authorization, and they're strong candidates for H-1B sponsorship when your OPT window closes.
How do I find Technical Lead jobs that sponsor OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for roles open to F-1 OPT candidates, so you're not sorting through postings that won't sponsor. Technical Lead roles on the platform are from employers with demonstrated willingness to work with international students and navigate the H-1B process for qualified candidates.
Can I work as a Technical Lead on STEM OPT extension?
Yes, and Technical Lead roles are well-suited to the STEM extension. Your degree must appear on the STEM Designated Degree Program list, your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and you'll need to submit a formal training plan. Most established technology employers already meet all three requirements and are familiar with the process.
Will employers see my OPT status as a problem for a leadership role?
Some will, but many won't. Engineering-focused companies that hire Technical Leads understand that sponsoring a strong candidate is a manageable cost. The concern is usually timeline uncertainty rather than OPT itself. Coming into interviews with a clear explanation of your STEM extension runway and H-1B eligibility significantly reduces that hesitation.
What happens to my Technical Lead job if my OPT expires before H-1B approval?
If your employer files your H-1B petition before April 1 of the cap year and you're selected in the lottery, you're covered by cap-gap protection through September 30. This allows you to keep working without interruption. Your employer's immigration counsel should file as early as possible to maximize this protection window.