STEM OPT Chemical Process Engineer Jobs

Chemical Process Engineer roles in petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and advanced manufacturing qualify for STEM OPT's 24-month extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need a signed I-983 training plan before your extension begins.

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Overview

Open Jobs123+
Top Visa TypeF-1 OPT
Work Type85% On-site
Median Salary$94K
Top LocationTualatin, OR
Most JobsLam Research

Showing 5 of 123+ Chemical Process Engineer jobs

GE Vernova
Lead FIC and Chemical Process Engineer
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GE Vernova
Added 5d ago
Lead FIC and Chemical Process Engineer
GE Vernova
Greenville, South Carolina
Specialized Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Quality Control
Engineering (Non-Software)
Manufacturing Engineering
$98,400/yr - $164,000/yr
On-Site
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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CordenPharma
Chemical Process Engineer
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CordenPharma
Added 2w ago
Chemical Process Engineer
CordenPharma
Boulder, Colorado
Specialized Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
$91,000/yr - $114,000/yr
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

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Kimberly-Clark
Process Engineer
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Kimberly-Clark
Added 1d ago
Process Engineer
Kimberly-Clark
Pennsylvania
Specialized Engineering
Manufacturing Operations
Project & Program Management
Engineering (Non-Software)
Chemical Engineering
Project Management
$96,100/yr - $118,700/yr
Hybrid
3+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Ingredion
Process Engineer
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Ingredion
Added 1d ago
Process Engineer
Ingredion
Indianapolis, Indiana
Specialized Engineering
Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering
Engineering (Non-Software)
Chemical Engineering
Manufacturing Engineering
$84,400/yr - $112,533/yr
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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Arkema
Process Engineer
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Arkema
Added 2d ago
Process Engineer
Arkema
Chester, South Carolina
Specialized Engineering
Quality Control
Health & Safety (EHS & OHS)
Engineering (Non-Software)
Chemical Engineering
On-Site
2+ yrs exp.
Bachelor's
10,000+

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See all 123+ Chemical Process Engineer jobs

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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Chemical Process Engineer

Confirm your CIP code before applying

Chemical engineering degrees typically fall under CIP code 14.0701, but process engineering roles may also be supported by related codes. Cross-check your I-20's field-of-study code against the STEM Designated Degree Program list on USCIS before submitting applications.

Filter job postings by E-Verify status

Many chemical manufacturing employers haven't completed E-Verify enrollment even when they're open to OPT hires. Ask your recruiter directly during the first screen, or search E-Verify's employer search tool to confirm enrollment before investing time in interviews.

Request a process-specific training plan early

Your I-983 must list concrete learning objectives tied to chemical process engineering tasks, not generic job duties. Draft it before your offer letter is finalized so your DSO can review it without delaying your extension start date.

Check prevailing wages for your process specialization

Wage requirements shift based on whether your role involves refining, semiconductor fabrication, or pharmaceutical synthesis. Run your SOC code through the OFLC Wage Search to verify the prevailing wage level before evaluating any offer.

Use Migrate Mate to find verified STEM OPT employers

Target companies with active LCA filing history in chemical process engineering on Migrate Mate. The platform filters for E-Verify-enrolled employers, so you can focus outreach on companies already structured to hire STEM OPT students.

Negotiate your start date around extension processing

STEM OPT extension applications must be filed at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. If your offer arrives late in that window, align your start date to your current EAD expiration and build in time for USCIS processing to avoid a gap.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does a chemical engineering degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, provided your degree is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program list and your I-20 reflects an eligible CIP code. CIP code 14.0701 (Chemical Engineering) is the most common qualifying code for Chemical Process Engineer roles, but related fields like materials science or environmental engineering may also qualify depending on your specific program. Confirm with your DSO before applying.

What E-Verify requirements apply to my Chemical Process Engineer employer?

Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify before your STEM OPT extension can begin. Enrollment isn't the same as having used E-Verify in the past. You can confirm current enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search tool. If your employer isn't enrolled, they'll need to complete the registration process before USCIS will approve your extension.

What should my I-983 training plan include for a process engineering role?

Your I-983 must document specific technical learning goals tied to chemical process engineering work, such as process simulation, unit operations design, safety compliance, or scale-up methodology. Generic descriptions like 'assist with engineering projects' are insufficient. Your employer's supervisor signs the form and must identify how each goal connects to your STEM degree field. Your DSO submits the updated SEVIS record once it's complete.

How does cap-gap protection apply if I'm a Chemical Process Engineer on STEM OPT?

If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your STEM OPT EAD expires and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year. You can continue working in your Chemical Process Engineer role during this period without interruption. Your I-20 must reflect the cap-gap extension, so notify your DSO as soon as your employer confirms the H-1B filing.

Where can I find Chemical Process Engineer jobs where employers are already set up for STEM OPT?

Migrate Mate lists Chemical Process Engineer roles filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers with documented LCA filing history, so you're not cold-applying to companies unfamiliar with STEM OPT requirements. Targeting employers who have filed LCAs in your SOC code reduces the time spent educating hiring managers about work authorization and speeds up the offer-to-extension timeline.

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