OPT Validation Engineer Jobs
Validation Engineer jobs are a strong fit for F-1 OPT students with degrees in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Most roles qualify as STEM OPT, giving you up to three years of work authorization. Employers in pharma, biotech, and medical devices regularly sponsor H-1B visas for this role.
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Get Access To All JobsConsultant, AI Risk & Validation
Our Deloitte Regulatory, Risk & Forensic team helps client leaders translate multifaceted risk and an evolving regulatory environment into defensible actions that strengthen, protect, and transform their organizations. Join our team and use advanced data, AI, and emerging technologies with industry insights to help clients bring clarity from complexity and accelerate their path to value creation.
Work you'll do
As a Consultant Risk and Forensic on the Regulatory & Financial Risk team, you will be responsible for:
- Supporting the design, build, implementation and delivery of artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, and agentic artificial intelligence solutions under the direction of project leadership
- Developing proofs of concept, experiments, and application components using machine learning, natural language processing, image analysis, time series analysis, graph-based methods, and retrieval-augmented generation techniques
- Performing AI solution validation activities, including data review, design assessment, testing support, benchmarking, sensitivity analysis, documentation, traceability, monitoring, and production-readiness assessment
- Evaluating trustworthiness and control considerations such as hallucination risk, grounding, bias, explainability, robustness, privacy, security, guardrails, escalation paths, and audit logging
- Translating technical analysis into clear findings and recommendations, supporting project delivery, and collaborating with Deloitte specialists to strengthen solution design, validation approaches, and responsible AI practices
The successful candidate would possess these skills:
- Ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail and quality of work product
- Ability to build and sustain professional relationships
- Ability to lead projects or workstreams
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to provide clear guidance to others
The team
Our Regulatory & Financial Risk offering supports clients' regulatory and compliance needs, balancing risk and regulatory requirements with enhancing business value and optimizing outcomes. We deliver enhanced value through strategic transformation, end-to-end implementation, and a focus on business-as-usual sustainability across processes, controls, and data & analytic infrastructures.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or a similar quantitative field
- 2+ years of experience developing or supporting artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or agentic artificial intelligence solutions using Python and JavaScript
- Experience with generative artificial intelligence tools and components such as Hugging Face, OpenAI application programming interfaces, Llama, Gemini, Claude, Granite, retrieval-augmented generation, or Stable Diffusion
- Experience with agentic artificial intelligence frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen, Semantic Kernel, or CrewAI, and at least one deep learning framework such as PyTorch or TensorFlow/Keras
- Experience supporting the deployment of AI solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including containerized environments using Docker or Kubernetes
- Limited immigration sponsorship may be available
- Ability to travel 20%, on average, based on the work you do and the clients and industries/sectors you serve
Preferred:
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or a similar quantitative field
- Experience supporting generative artificial intelligence or agentic artificial intelligence solutions in production environments
- Experience training, fine-tuning, or evaluating deep learning models
- Experience with model risk management, model validation, monitoring, documentation, or reporting for AI-enabled solutions
- Experience serving Financial Services clients
- Experience developing AI methods or adapting emerging techniques beyond baseline framework implementation
Deloitte is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruiting process, please direct your inquiries to the Global Call Center (GCC) at USTalentCICInbox@deloitte.com.
Information for applicants with a need for accommodation: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-assistance-for-disabled-applicants.html
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Deloitte, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $86,700 to $170,900.
You may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.
Consultant, AI Risk & Validation
Our Deloitte Regulatory, Risk & Forensic team helps client leaders translate multifaceted risk and an evolving regulatory environment into defensible actions that strengthen, protect, and transform their organizations. Join our team and use advanced data, AI, and emerging technologies with industry insights to help clients bring clarity from complexity and accelerate their path to value creation.
Work you'll do
As a Consultant Risk and Forensic on the Regulatory & Financial Risk team, you will be responsible for:
- Supporting the design, build, implementation and delivery of artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, and agentic artificial intelligence solutions under the direction of project leadership
- Developing proofs of concept, experiments, and application components using machine learning, natural language processing, image analysis, time series analysis, graph-based methods, and retrieval-augmented generation techniques
- Performing AI solution validation activities, including data review, design assessment, testing support, benchmarking, sensitivity analysis, documentation, traceability, monitoring, and production-readiness assessment
- Evaluating trustworthiness and control considerations such as hallucination risk, grounding, bias, explainability, robustness, privacy, security, guardrails, escalation paths, and audit logging
- Translating technical analysis into clear findings and recommendations, supporting project delivery, and collaborating with Deloitte specialists to strengthen solution design, validation approaches, and responsible AI practices
The successful candidate would possess these skills:
- Ability to work independently and collaborate as part of a team
- Effective written and verbal communication skills
- Meticulous attention to detail and quality of work product
- Ability to build and sustain professional relationships
- Ability to lead projects or workstreams
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
- Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor
- Ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to provide clear guidance to others
The team
Our Regulatory & Financial Risk offering supports clients' regulatory and compliance needs, balancing risk and regulatory requirements with enhancing business value and optimizing outcomes. We deliver enhanced value through strategic transformation, end-to-end implementation, and a focus on business-as-usual sustainability across processes, controls, and data & analytic infrastructures.
Qualifications
Required:
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or a similar quantitative field
- 2+ years of experience developing or supporting artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or agentic artificial intelligence solutions using Python and JavaScript
- Experience with generative artificial intelligence tools and components such as Hugging Face, OpenAI application programming interfaces, Llama, Gemini, Claude, Granite, retrieval-augmented generation, or Stable Diffusion
- Experience with agentic artificial intelligence frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, AutoGen, Semantic Kernel, or CrewAI, and at least one deep learning framework such as PyTorch or TensorFlow/Keras
- Experience supporting the deployment of AI solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform (GCP), including containerized environments using Docker or Kubernetes
- Limited immigration sponsorship may be available
- Ability to travel 20%, on average, based on the work you do and the clients and industries/sectors you serve
Preferred:
- Master's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Applied Mathematics, or a similar quantitative field
- Experience supporting generative artificial intelligence or agentic artificial intelligence solutions in production environments
- Experience training, fine-tuning, or evaluating deep learning models
- Experience with model risk management, model validation, monitoring, documentation, or reporting for AI-enabled solutions
- Experience serving Financial Services clients
- Experience developing AI methods or adapting emerging techniques beyond baseline framework implementation
Deloitte is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruiting process, please direct your inquiries to the Global Call Center (GCC) at USTalentCICInbox@deloitte.com.
Information for applicants with a need for accommodation: https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/join-deloitte-assistance-for-disabled-applicants.html
The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Deloitte, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $86,700 to $170,900.
You may also be eligible to participate in a discretionary annual incentive program, subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Validation Engineer
Target regulated industries first
Pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies hire Validation Engineers in volume and have established immigration programs. These employers understand visa timelines and are far more likely to sponsor OPT and H-1B than general manufacturing firms.
Confirm your role qualifies for STEM OPT
Validation Engineer positions tied to biomedical, chemical, or mechanical engineering degrees typically qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. Verify your CIP code with your DSO before accepting an offer to protect your full authorization window.
Apply to employers with active H-1B history
Companies that have filed H-1B petitions for Validation Engineers in the past are your strongest leads. Prior filings signal an existing immigration process and legal support, which reduces delays and uncertainty when your OPT period ends.
Emphasize GMP and regulatory knowledge
Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice, FDA regulations, or ISO standards makes you a more compelling candidate and harder to replace. Employers are more willing to invest in sponsorship for candidates with specialized compliance knowledge that took time to develop.
Start your H-1B conversation at the offer stage
Ask about H-1B sponsorship before signing an offer letter, not months later. Frame it professionally by confirming the company has an immigration attorney on file and has sponsored roles at your level before. Early clarity prevents costly surprises.
Use contract-to-hire roles strategically
Staffing agencies sometimes place Validation Engineers in contract roles at large pharma or medical device companies. If the host company is the one filing your H-1B, confirm sponsorship terms in writing before starting. This path can work, but the details matter.
Validation Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Do Validation Engineer jobs qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Most Validation Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension if your degree is in biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related STEM field. Your employer must be E-Verify enrolled, and your DSO must confirm your CIP code qualifies. If both conditions are met, you get up to three years of total OPT authorization.
Which industries hire the most Validation Engineers willing to sponsor OPT?
Pharmaceutical manufacturing, biotechnology, and medical device companies are the most consistent sponsors for Validation Engineers. These industries are heavily regulated and rely on qualified engineers to maintain FDA and ISO compliance, which makes them more willing to invest in sponsorship. Contract research organizations and drug delivery companies are also strong targets. You can browse OPT-friendly employers in these sectors on Migrate Mate.
What does a Validation Engineer typically do, and does the work qualify as a specialty occupation for H-1B?
Validation Engineers design and execute test protocols to confirm that equipment, processes, and systems meet regulatory and quality standards. The role typically requires a bachelor's degree or higher in a specific engineering discipline, which satisfies the H-1B specialty occupation requirement. USCIS has historically approved H-1B petitions for this title at regulated manufacturers, though the petition must clearly link your degree field to the job duties.
Can I work as a Validation Engineer through a staffing agency on OPT?
Yes, but the arrangement requires care. If a staffing agency places you at a client site, the agency is technically your employer of record and the one responsible for OPT compliance and any future H-1B filing. Confirm that the agency is E-Verify enrolled for STEM OPT eligibility, and get any H-1B sponsorship commitments in writing before you start. Some agencies do sponsor, but many do not.
How early should I apply for Validation Engineer jobs as an F-1 student?
Apply at least three to four months before your program end date to leave room for employer onboarding, OPT card processing, and any delays. If you need the STEM extension, your application must be filed before your initial OPT expires. Validation roles in regulated industries often have longer hiring cycles due to background checks and compliance reviews, so earlier is better.