OPT Training And Development Specialist Jobs
Training and Development Specialist roles are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with backgrounds in human resources, instructional design, or organizational psychology. Most positions qualify as specialty occupations for OPT purposes, and employers in corporate learning, healthcare, and tech sectors regularly hire candidates who need work authorization.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space. You will find our products in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores, and automotive chains. They're in the cars you drive, the trailers you tow, and the heavy-duty machinery you operate. MAT can maintain consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain. We’re experts in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service — we don't just make it happen, we ensure it happens with excellence. We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT. MAT Industries Inc. (MIND), a proud member of MAT Holdings Inc., is a leading manufacturer of air compressors and air brake tanks. World class domestic manufacturing facilities allow MAT Industries to offer high quality air compressors, air tools, and accessories to retailers under brands such as Powermate®, Industrial Air®, Industrial Air Contractor®, and Sanborn® as well as private label. Our air compressors are sold through retailers including major home centers, hardware co-ops, independents, and farm and fleet stores around the US.
Core Values:
Accountability - Each of us is responsible for our words, actions, and results.
Integrity - We are committed to doing the right thing and maintaining high ethical standards in all our business dealings.
Teamwork - We collaborate effectively to drive excellence and deliver results.
Customer Centric - We focus on our customers and are responsive to their needs. When they succeed, we succeed.
Equality/Respect - We strive to create a supportive environment by respecting, valuing, and treating people of all backgrounds with dignity and professionalism.
Continuous Improvement - We are curious, continually seeking new knowledge, ways to improve ourselves, and the company.
Quality Policy:
* MAT Industries, LLC. and all its employees are committed to manufacturing & delivering quality products that exceed our customers’ expectations. Our Quality Management System uses continuous improvement tools and total employee involvement to achieve the goal of being a world-class manufacturer/supplier.
Benefits
MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
Career Advancement Program, training and development
Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Voluntary Life / AD&D, Employer Provided Life/AD&D
and More
JOB DESCRIPTION
We’re looking for a dynamic Training & Development Specialist to lead all training at our Jackson, TN location. In this role, you’ll design and deliver innovative training experiences that empower teams, foster leadership, and drive operational excellence. If you’re passionate about helping people unlock their potential in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Position Responsibilities & Specialized Skillset Requirements:
Bilingual Communication — Strongly preferred Spanish/English fluency to support a diverse workforce.
Training Program Design — Ability to build structured training programs, including JSTM content, certification pathways, and role‑specific learning plans tailored to manufacturing operations.
Manufacturing Process Knowledge — Understanding of production workflows, safety protocols, equipment operation, and quality standards to ensure training aligns with operational needs.
On‑the‑Floor Coaching — Skilled in hands‑on instruction, job shadowing, and real‑time performance coaching in a fast‑paced, non‑climate‑controlled environment.
SOP & Visual Aid Development — Ability to create, revise, and maintain SOPs, visual work instructions, and training materials that support consistent, high‑quality performance.
Skills Assessment & Certification — Experience evaluating employee competencies, conducting skills gap analyses, and managing certification/recertification processes.
Training Data Management — Proficiency in maintaining accurate training records, tracking compliance metrics, and reporting training status to leadership. Ensure training plans align with and reflect current job descriptions.
Succession Planning Support — Ability to partner with HR to develop Individual Development Plans (IDP’s) and support long‑term talent pipeline strategies.
Change Adaptability — Skilled at adjusting training approaches based on evolving business priorities, new equipment, or process improvements.
Instructional Leadership — Demonstrated ability to lead group training, facilitate workshops, and influence learning culture across all levels.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
An associate degree in Education, Science, Business, or a related field is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Prior work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
5 years of experience in training/teaching required; manufacturing experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to work in a team environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to lead and conduct training effectively.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment, heat and cold.
Ability to use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Ability to stand prolonged periods of standing and performing repetitive tasks.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
Ability to hear sounds and differentiate between them.
Ability to visually understand distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and color vision.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
INTRODUCTION
Join our vertically integrated team at MAT Holdings, Inc., a leading global manufacturer with a 40-year history. We're proud to provide employment opportunities for more than 14,000 employees across 12 countries. Headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois, we have over 40 factories on three continents, including 2.1 million square feet of U.S. distribution and manufacturing space. You will find our products in home improvement centers, big box retailers, hardware stores, and automotive chains. They're in the cars you drive, the trailers you tow, and the heavy-duty machinery you operate. MAT can maintain consistent expertise and solutions across the entire supply chain. We’re experts in engineering, manufacturing, quality assurance, logistics and distribution, marketing, design, and customer service — we don't just make it happen, we ensure it happens with excellence. We’re more than manufacturing, we’re MAT. MAT Industries Inc. (MIND), a proud member of MAT Holdings Inc., is a leading manufacturer of air compressors and air brake tanks. World class domestic manufacturing facilities allow MAT Industries to offer high quality air compressors, air tools, and accessories to retailers under brands such as Powermate®, Industrial Air®, Industrial Air Contractor®, and Sanborn® as well as private label. Our air compressors are sold through retailers including major home centers, hardware co-ops, independents, and farm and fleet stores around the US.
Core Values:
Accountability - Each of us is responsible for our words, actions, and results.
Integrity - We are committed to doing the right thing and maintaining high ethical standards in all our business dealings.
Teamwork - We collaborate effectively to drive excellence and deliver results.
Customer Centric - We focus on our customers and are responsive to their needs. When they succeed, we succeed.
Equality/Respect - We strive to create a supportive environment by respecting, valuing, and treating people of all backgrounds with dignity and professionalism.
Continuous Improvement - We are curious, continually seeking new knowledge, ways to improve ourselves, and the company.
Quality Policy:
* MAT Industries, LLC. and all its employees are committed to manufacturing & delivering quality products that exceed our customers’ expectations. Our Quality Management System uses continuous improvement tools and total employee involvement to achieve the goal of being a world-class manufacturer/supplier.
Benefits
MAT Holdings Inc. and its subsidiaries offer a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance after 60 days of employment
Paid Time Off (PTO), including paid vacation, sick days, and paid holidays
401k Retirement Plan + Company Match
Career Advancement Program, training and development
Wellness Programs, including fitness reimbursements and mental health support
Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
Voluntary Life / AD&D, Employer Provided Life/AD&D
and More
JOB DESCRIPTION
We’re looking for a dynamic Training & Development Specialist to lead all training at our Jackson, TN location. In this role, you’ll design and deliver innovative training experiences that empower teams, foster leadership, and drive operational excellence. If you’re passionate about helping people unlock their potential in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful impact.
Position Responsibilities & Specialized Skillset Requirements:
Bilingual Communication — Strongly preferred Spanish/English fluency to support a diverse workforce.
Training Program Design — Ability to build structured training programs, including JSTM content, certification pathways, and role‑specific learning plans tailored to manufacturing operations.
Manufacturing Process Knowledge — Understanding of production workflows, safety protocols, equipment operation, and quality standards to ensure training aligns with operational needs.
On‑the‑Floor Coaching — Skilled in hands‑on instruction, job shadowing, and real‑time performance coaching in a fast‑paced, non‑climate‑controlled environment.
SOP & Visual Aid Development — Ability to create, revise, and maintain SOPs, visual work instructions, and training materials that support consistent, high‑quality performance.
Skills Assessment & Certification — Experience evaluating employee competencies, conducting skills gap analyses, and managing certification/recertification processes.
Training Data Management — Proficiency in maintaining accurate training records, tracking compliance metrics, and reporting training status to leadership. Ensure training plans align with and reflect current job descriptions.
Succession Planning Support — Ability to partner with HR to develop Individual Development Plans (IDP’s) and support long‑term talent pipeline strategies.
Change Adaptability — Skilled at adjusting training approaches based on evolving business priorities, new equipment, or process improvements.
Instructional Leadership — Demonstrated ability to lead group training, facilitate workshops, and influence learning culture across all levels.
Qualifications
Education/Experience:
An associate degree in Education, Science, Business, or a related field is required; a bachelor’s degree is preferred. Prior work experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
5 years of experience in training/teaching required; manufacturing experience preferred.
Strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to work in a team environment and adapt to changing priorities.
Ability to lead and conduct training effectively.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled environment, heat and cold.
Ability to use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
Ability to stand prolonged periods of standing and performing repetitive tasks.
Ability to regularly lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
Ability to hear sounds and differentiate between them.
Ability to visually understand distance, peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and color vision.
Additional Information
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
See all OPT Training And Development Specialist Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Training And Development Specialist
Connect your degree field to the role directly
OPT requires your job to relate to your field of study. Prepare a clear explanation of how your degree in HR, education, psychology, or a related field supports the training and development function you'll be performing on the job.
Emphasize instructional design experience
Candidates who can demonstrate hands-on experience with curriculum development, LMS platforms, or needs assessment stand out. Concrete project examples signal readiness for specialty occupation treatment, which strengthens the case for OPT and H-1B eligibility.
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before accepting an offer
OPT authorization is temporary. Before committing, confirm whether the employer has sponsored H-1B visas for this role before. A company with no sponsorship history may leave you without options when your OPT period expires.
Document your STEM extension eligibility if applicable
If your degree is in a STEM-designated field such as industrial-organizational psychology or educational technology, you may qualify for a 24-month OPT extension. Confirm your degree's CIP code with your DSO well before your initial OPT end date.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified sponsoring employers
Not every job posting discloses sponsorship willingness upfront. Browse Training and Development Specialist roles on Migrate Mate to find employers who have a documented history of supporting work authorization for candidates in this field.
Training And Development Specialist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Training and Development Specialist role qualify for OPT work authorization?
Yes, in most cases. The role typically requires a bachelor's degree in human resources, organizational psychology, instructional design, or a related field, which satisfies the specialty occupation standard USCIS applies when evaluating OPT eligibility. Your specific job duties and degree field must align, so review the offer letter carefully and discuss it with your DSO before accepting.
Can I work as a Training and Development Specialist on STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree. If your bachelor's or master's degree is in a STEM-designated field, such as industrial-organizational psychology, educational technology, or human factors, you may qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Non-STEM degrees like general HR or communications do not qualify. Check your program's CIP code with your DSO to confirm eligibility before your standard OPT period ends.
What should I look for in a Training and Development Specialist job to ensure it supports my OPT status?
The position should require a specific degree field relevant to your studies, not just any bachelor's degree. Job postings that list generic education requirements may not meet the specialty occupation threshold. Look for roles that specify instructional design, HR, or organizational development credentials. Browse Migrate Mate to find Training and Development Specialist positions posted by employers with a demonstrated history of hiring OPT candidates.
Will employers sponsor an H-1B visa after my OPT period for this role?
Many mid-size and large employers in corporate learning and HR do sponsor H-1B visas for Training and Development Specialists, but it is not universal. Roles classified as specialty occupations with a clear degree requirement are more likely to be approved by USCIS. Research the employer's past H-1B filing history and raise the sponsorship question directly during the offer stage, not after you start.
How does the 90-day unemployment rule affect Training and Development Specialists on OPT?
F-1 students on post-completion OPT may not accumulate more than 90 days of unemployment, or 150 days combined if on a STEM extension. If your training role ends before you secure a new position, that gap counts against your limit. Track your employment start and end dates carefully, keep your DSO informed of any changes, and maintain documentation of your job search activity throughout.