Technical Sales Manager Jobs for OPT Students
Technical Sales Manager jobs on OPT combine engineering or business expertise with client-facing sales strategy, making them a strong fit for STEM OPT extensions. Most roles qualify under computer science, engineering, or business degree fields, giving eligible students up to 36 months of work authorization to build a sponsorship track record.
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Get Access To All JobsForge Your Future With Us
At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you’re driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins. Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won’t just watch innovation happen — you’ll be part of it. Whether you’re scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you’ll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases. What sets Forge apart is our culture of H.O.P.E. We are hardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We are open, creating a space where ideas flow freely, and every voice is valued. We are purpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we are engaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together. At Forge, your growth matters. We’re committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we’re proud to see team members grow with us. If you’re ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.
About The Role
Forge Biologics is seeking a Manager to join its Technical Sales team in a highly visible, customer-facing role supporting gene therapy programs. This position serves as a technical authority for AAV-based therapeutic development and manufacturing, engaging directly with scientific and executive leadership at client organizations. The ideal candidate is a PhD-level scientist with deep expertise across AAV therapeutic development, process development, GMP manufacturing, and associated analytics. This role functions as a technical overlay to commercial and delivery teams, leading peer-to-peer scientific discussions that shape client strategy, program design, and successful CMC pathways. This role is remote-eligible and requires approximately 30% travel to Forge Biologics’ headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, as well as to domestic and international client meetings and industry conferences.
Responsibilities
Pre-Sales
- Serve as the primary scientific and technical interface between Forge Biologics, prospective clients, and internal commercial and delivery teams.
- Lead technical scoping and program strategy development through proposal and contract execution stages.
- Represent Forge Biologics as a subject matter expert in client engagements, addressing complex technical questions and influencing program direction through credible scientific insight.
- Partner with Sales to develop account growth strategies and support expansion of existing and new client relationships.
- Build and maintain trusted, senior-level relationships with client technical and scientific leadership.
- Develop and deliver high-impact technical proposals, presentations, and sales materials that clearly articulate Forge’s capabilities and competitive differentiation.
- Actively represent Forge Biologics at industry conferences, trade shows, and client meetings as a visible technical leader in the gene therapy space.
Delivery
- Collaborate closely with Client Relations, Project Management, and technical delivery teams to ensure successful execution of contracted programs.
- Provide program insight during routine client delivery calls.
- Support timely evaluation and scoping of Change Order requests.
- Participate in Client Joint Steering Committee meetings, contributing technical insight alongside commercial partners and Forge leadership.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field required; advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) highly preferred.
- Significant hands-on experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a strong preference for experience in MS&T, GMP manufacturing, Process Engineering, Process Development, or related disciplines.
- Deep technical expertise in gene therapy development and manufacturing, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
- Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory expectations, and market dynamics within the gene therapy field.
- Exceptional relationship-building, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
- Willingness to travel up to 30%.
Preferred Skills
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
We’ve Got You Covered
At Forge Biologics, we believe our people deserve to be taken care of – in and out of the workplace. We’ve built a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to help you thrive, grow, and feel valued every step of the way:
Health from day one
- Health, dental and vision insurance start your first day – with 90% of premiums covered for you and your family.
Time to recharge
- A competitive paid time off plan – because rest fuels innovation.
- 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave so you can focus on family when it matters most.
Rewarding your impact
- Annual bonus opportunities for all full-time team members.
- 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
- Special employee discounts, including childcare and dependent care savings.
Your wellness, supported
- Onsite fitness facility at The Hearth.
- Mental health counseling and financial planning services through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage to protect your peace of mind.
Fuel for your workday
- A fully stocked kitchen with free snacks and beverages – we keep you energized and ready for what’s next.
Grow with us
- Ongoing professional development resources, training, and mentorship programs to help you build your care and grow within Forge.
Forge Your Future With Us
At Forge Biologics, we believe in turning bold ideas into life-changing realities. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to enable access to life-changing gene therapies and help bring them from ideas into reality. We partner with scientists, physicians, biotech and pharma innovators, and patient communities — all united by one goal: improving lives. If you’re driven by purpose and excited to make a tangible impact, this is where your journey begins. Our team works out of The Hearth, a state-of-the-art, 200,000-square-foot cGMP facility in Columbus, Ohio. Here, you won’t just watch innovation happen — you’ll be part of it. Whether you’re scaling AAV manufacturing, collaborating on cutting-edge therapies, or supporting complex technical projects, you’ll play a key role in bringing hope to patients with genetic diseases. What sets Forge apart is our culture of H.O.P.E. We are hardworking, showing up each day with determination and grit. We are open, creating a space where ideas flow freely, and every voice is valued. We are purpose-driven, with every task directly tied to changing lives. And we are engaged, energized by the challenges we face and the milestones we achieve together. At Forge, your growth matters. We’re committed to helping you expand your skills, take on new challenges, and develop your career through mentorship, hands-on learning, and opportunities for advancement. Our people are our greatest investment, and we’re proud to see team members grow with us. If you’re ready to use your talent to help deliver hope to patients around the world, join us — and be part of something bigger than yourself.
About The Role
Forge Biologics is seeking a Manager to join its Technical Sales team in a highly visible, customer-facing role supporting gene therapy programs. This position serves as a technical authority for AAV-based therapeutic development and manufacturing, engaging directly with scientific and executive leadership at client organizations. The ideal candidate is a PhD-level scientist with deep expertise across AAV therapeutic development, process development, GMP manufacturing, and associated analytics. This role functions as a technical overlay to commercial and delivery teams, leading peer-to-peer scientific discussions that shape client strategy, program design, and successful CMC pathways. This role is remote-eligible and requires approximately 30% travel to Forge Biologics’ headquarters in Columbus, Ohio, as well as to domestic and international client meetings and industry conferences.
Responsibilities
Pre-Sales
- Serve as the primary scientific and technical interface between Forge Biologics, prospective clients, and internal commercial and delivery teams.
- Lead technical scoping and program strategy development through proposal and contract execution stages.
- Represent Forge Biologics as a subject matter expert in client engagements, addressing complex technical questions and influencing program direction through credible scientific insight.
- Partner with Sales to develop account growth strategies and support expansion of existing and new client relationships.
- Build and maintain trusted, senior-level relationships with client technical and scientific leadership.
- Develop and deliver high-impact technical proposals, presentations, and sales materials that clearly articulate Forge’s capabilities and competitive differentiation.
- Actively represent Forge Biologics at industry conferences, trade shows, and client meetings as a visible technical leader in the gene therapy space.
Delivery
- Collaborate closely with Client Relations, Project Management, and technical delivery teams to ensure successful execution of contracted programs.
- Provide program insight during routine client delivery calls.
- Support timely evaluation and scoping of Change Order requests.
- Participate in Client Joint Steering Committee meetings, contributing technical insight alongside commercial partners and Forge leadership.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Life Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field required; advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) highly preferred.
- Significant hands-on experience in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, with a strong preference for experience in MS&T, GMP manufacturing, Process Engineering, Process Development, or related disciplines.
- Deep technical expertise in gene therapy development and manufacturing, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for diverse audiences.
- Strong understanding of drug development, regulatory expectations, and market dynamics within the gene therapy field.
- Exceptional relationship-building, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
- Willingness to travel up to 30%.
Preferred Skills
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned.
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Forge Biologics is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. Forge Biologics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
We’ve Got You Covered
At Forge Biologics, we believe our people deserve to be taken care of – in and out of the workplace. We’ve built a comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to help you thrive, grow, and feel valued every step of the way:
Health from day one
- Health, dental and vision insurance start your first day – with 90% of premiums covered for you and your family.
Time to recharge
- A competitive paid time off plan – because rest fuels innovation.
- 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave so you can focus on family when it matters most.
Rewarding your impact
- Annual bonus opportunities for all full-time team members.
- 401(k) with company match to help you plan for the future.
- Special employee discounts, including childcare and dependent care savings.
Your wellness, supported
- Onsite fitness facility at The Hearth.
- Mental health counseling and financial planning services through our Employee Assistance Program.
- Employer-paid short and long-term disability coverage to protect your peace of mind.
Fuel for your workday
- A fully stocked kitchen with free snacks and beverages – we keep you energized and ready for what’s next.
Grow with us
- Ongoing professional development resources, training, and mentorship programs to help you build your care and grow within Forge.
How to Get Visa Sponsorship as a Technical Sales Manager
Target companies with active H-1B sponsorship history
Before applying, check whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas before. Companies with a track record of sponsorship are far more likely to support your transition from OPT. Prioritize mid-size and enterprise tech firms over early-stage startups.
Frame your technical background as a competitive advantage
Hiring managers for technical sales roles want candidates who can speak fluently to engineers and procurement teams. Lead with your technical degree and any hands-on product or lab experience. This differentiates you from non-technical sales candidates immediately.
Clarify whether your degree qualifies for STEM OPT extension
Technical Sales Manager roles often qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in engineering, computer science, or a related STEM field. Confirm your CIP code with your DSO before accepting any offer to verify eligibility.
Prepare to explain OPT clearly and confidently to employers
Many hiring managers are unfamiliar with OPT authorization. Come ready to explain your timeline, work authorization documentation, and that no employer petition is required during OPT. Reducing perceived friction increases your chances of moving forward.
Use your sales skills to negotiate sponsorship into your offer
Technical sales candidates are expected to negotiate. Use that same skill when it matters most. Ask directly about the company's sponsorship policy during final-round interviews, and treat willingness to sponsor as a non-negotiable part of your decision criteria.
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Technical Sales Manager on OPT?
Yes, Technical Sales Manager roles are eligible for OPT work authorization provided the position is directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in engineering, computer science, business, or a related discipline, most Technical Sales Manager job descriptions will satisfy the direct relationship requirement your DSO needs to verify.
Does a Technical Sales Manager role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree, not the job title. If your bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree is in a STEM-designated field and your employer meets the E-Verify requirement, the role can qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO, since the extension is tied to your academic program, not your job title.
How do I find Technical Sales Manager jobs that sponsor H-1B visas?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and filters for employers willing to sponsor work visas. Browsing Technical Sales Manager roles on Migrate Mate lets you focus your applications on companies that have demonstrated sponsorship intent, rather than spending weeks applying to employers who will decline once your authorization timeline comes up.
Do Technical Sales Manager employers typically understand OPT?
Larger technology and manufacturing companies generally have HR and legal teams familiar with OPT and H-1B sponsorship. Smaller companies often do not. When applying to companies without a sponsorship history, plan to clearly explain your work authorization status, confirm no employer action is required during OPT, and ask early about their willingness to sponsor before investing time in a long interview process.
What happens to my Technical Sales Manager job if I don't win the H-1B lottery?
If your H-1B is not selected in the lottery, your OPT authorization ends when your current period expires unless you have another pathway available. Some Technical Sales Manager employers will explore alternatives like the O-1 visa for candidates with strong performance records, or the E-3 if you are an Australian citizen. Discuss contingency options with your employer before the lottery results are announced.
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