OPT Technical Sales Specialist Jobs
Technical Sales Specialist roles are actively filled by companies that sponsor OPT work authorization, particularly in software, life sciences, and industrial equipment sectors. Your STEM degree often qualifies you for 24-month STEM OPT extensions, giving employers a longer runway to consider H-1B visa sponsorship after your initial 12 months.
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INTRODUCTION
James Hardie is the industry leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions, with a portfolio that includes fiber cement, fiber gypsum, composite and PVC decking and railing products. Our family of trusted brands includes Hardie®, TimberTech®, AZEK® Exteriors, Versatex®, fermacell®, and StruXure®. With over 8,000 employees and our U.S. operating entities headquartered in Chicago, we boast 31 operating sites, 6 recycling facilities, and 6 research and development centers globally. Powered by a dynamic workforce, we’re united by our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ through sustainable innovation, a Zero Harm culture, and a commitment to empowering our people and communities.
SUMMARY
Location: Remote from Philadelphia, PA
The Technical Sales Specialist (TSS) is responsible for supporting sales initiatives by identifying new install capacity, providing onsite installation training, and developing installer/sub contractor partnerships to drive to deliver value to our customers. The Technical Sales Specialist (TSS) reports to the District Sales Manager and receives training from the Technical Sales Manager. The key objectives of the TSS are to act as the frontline technical enablement resource, train installers and contractor crews on correct installation practices, ensure trained labor meets demand, and provide hands-on technical assistance to ensure consistent execution in the field.
The Technical Sales Specialist must be bilingual in Spanish and English.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
What You’ll Do:
- Installer Account Management.
- Educate and train Installers.
- Provide support to install partners and sub-contractors through the creation and delivery of job site training, on-site support, and quality audits to help convert new business.
- Deliver continuous education and training for our trade partners on James Hardie “Best Practices”, enhancing our brand and setting us apart from our competitors.
- Participate in pre-construction meetings between builders and install companies.
- Gather contractor economics data by speaking with contracting crews about James Hardie product costs.
- Complete installation assessments on new crews, prior to, and after trainings to track compliance progression of installation best practices.
- Create a database of installers and sub-contractors in the local marketplace.
- Targeting select installers and crews to build capacity and drive affordability that will convert new business on behalf of James Hardie supporting joint action plans.
- Develop the installer labor market by identifying new installers and supporting their training and onboarding.
- Increases the pool of trained installers available to support contractor demand.
- Increase outreach and engagement of Hispanic communities in building installer contractor networks.
- Effectively engage with prospective customers by developing a solid understanding of JHBP company products, customer programs and benefits, while utilizing our market development sales approach.
- Supports contractor crews with on-site technical assistance to resolve issues and reinforce proper installation practices during active projects.
- Support contractors as they move to James Hardie by eliminating barriers to conversion & creating a positive customer experience through the transition.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
What You’ll Bring:
- Bilingual Spanish/English required
- Associate's degree or equivalent experience required.
- 1+ years of professional sales experience is preferred.
- Preferred Certifications: Certified Professional Constructor (CPC), Certified Associate, Constructor (CAC), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), OSHA Safety Training, TDEC -EPSC Level 1 Certification.
- 1-3 years of residential construction experience required (technical construction preferred).
- Demonstrated knowledge regarding the use of tools (pneumatic nailing guns, power circular saws, hand tools) and practices of siding installation or general construction applications.
- Knowledge of construction operations and building codes.
- Experience using CRM’s, specifically Salesforce is preferred.
- Travel 30 - 40 %, valid driver’s license required.
COMPENSATION
As of the date of this posting, a good faith estimate of the current pay scale for this position is $54,000 to $72,000. Placement in the range depends on several factors such as experience, skills, geography and internal equity and may change over time. This position qualifies for benefits and you will be eligible to participate in a bonus plan. At James Hardie, we recognize that our success depends on our people. We've worked hard to build a generous and competitive benefits program that demonstrates our commitment to our employees.
- Compensation: competitive salary and bonus eligibility
- Insurance: day-one health coverage medical, dental, vision, life insurance
- Paid Time Off: vacation and company holidays
- Retirement: 401(k) with 6% match
- Investments: Employee Stock Purchase plan (ESP)
- Work-Life Balance: parental leave, wellness programs
- Purpose. Impact. Community: Sustainability Initiatives | James Hardie
Build a Better Future for All - Apply now!
James Hardie Building Products Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, veteran's status, marital status, pregnancy, disability, or any other basis protected by law.
James Hardie will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies.
The position responsibilities outlined above are in no way to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties, responsibilities, and qualifications may be required and/or assigned as necessary.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Technical Sales Specialist
Target companies with a history of OPT and H-1B sponsorship
Focus your search on employers who have filed H-1B visa petitions for technical sales roles before. Past sponsorship behavior is the strongest signal that a company will support your visa journey beyond OPT.
Lead with your technical background in every application
Technical Sales Specialists are hired for their ability to bridge engineering and commercial conversations. Emphasize your STEM degree and any hands-on product or lab experience upfront to differentiate yourself from non-technical candidates.
Address OPT timing early with hiring managers
Bring up your OPT authorization during the second or third interview, not at the offer stage. Framing it as a 12-month minimum with a STEM extension option gives employers a clear picture before they invest in onboarding you.
Target mid-market companies over large enterprises
Mid-sized technology and industrial firms often move faster on sponsorship decisions than large corporations with rigid HR policies. Smaller sales teams also give OPT hires more visibility and faster paths to quota-carrying roles that support H-1B cases.
Build a territory or vertical focus to strengthen your H-1B case
H-1B petitions for sales roles require demonstrating specialty occupation status. Developing deep expertise in a specific industry vertical, such as healthcare IT or semiconductor equipment, makes your role easier to justify as requiring a specialized degree.
Get your DSO to confirm your employer's E-Verify enrollment before accepting any offer
OPT employment requires your employer to be E-Verify enrolled if you are on STEM OPT extension. Confirming this before signing an offer letter prevents a situation where you cannot legally begin work on your start date.
Technical Sales Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a Technical Sales Specialist on OPT?
Yes, as long as the role is directly related to your degree field. A Technical Sales Specialist position at a software or engineering company typically qualifies for STEM OPT students because it requires applying technical knowledge from your major. Your DSO can confirm whether a specific role meets the practical training requirement for your program.
Does a Technical Sales Specialist role qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension?
It can, but the connection to your STEM degree must be documented. If you hold a degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field and the role requires applying that technical knowledge, most DSOs will approve the extension. The job description should reference technical skills tied to your degree, not just general sales responsibilities.
Do Technical Sales Specialist employers typically sponsor H-1B visas?
Many do, particularly in software, medical devices, and industrial technology. Technical sales roles at product companies are often classified as specialty occupations because they require a degree in a specific technical field. Companies that sell complex products to enterprise or research customers tend to be the most willing sponsors. Migrate Mate filters for OPT-friendly employers actively hiring for these roles.
What degree fields qualify an OPT student for Technical Sales Specialist positions?
Computer science, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering, chemistry, and mechanical engineering are the most common qualifying fields. The degree needs to relate to the product or technology you are selling. A biomedical engineering graduate selling lab instruments or a computer science graduate selling SaaS platforms both have strong connections between degree and role.
How do I find Technical Sales Specialist jobs that explicitly support OPT authorization?
Most job postings do not state OPT sponsorship directly, which makes filtering difficult on general job boards. Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT students and surfaces Technical Sales Specialist roles at companies that have a verified history of sponsoring international candidates, so you are not wasting applications on employers who will decline at the offer stage.