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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Facilities Process Chemical Engineer
11+ months
Boise, ID (Onsite/Hybrid)
We're looking for an Intermediate/Associate Process Chemical Engineer in Boise, ID who is excited about working on projects that enable the heart of our clients’ business. Join us and you’ll have the chance to work on projects including state-of-the-art industrial and commercial facilities. You will support your team, working closely with client stakeholders in a fast-paced, dynamic environment to establish design requirements and produce construction documents for the installation of complex manufacturing tools, tenant improvements, and core facility infrastructure upgrades. Responsibilities include design and layout for wet and dry piping, equipment layout, process mechanical, process chemical piping, and gases for extensive tools in some of the most complex, densely packed industrial facilities on the planet. The design may include retrofit of existing building systems to accommodate tool installation, including engineering calculations, equipment and component sizing, selection, and specification, and support during construction and integration into the factory. Technical engineering responsibilities include design and oversight for piping and equipment related to process mechanical systems, water, wastewater, process chemicals, and gases. As a chemical process representative on a multi-discipline design team, you will work directly with other CLIENT's design staff, client equipment owners, stakeholders, and equipment manufacturers of next-generation and prototype tools to build utility requirement documents to allow the development of installation design packages. Your multi-discipline, highly interactive team will successfully deliver on the design, development, application, evaluation, recommendation, and specification of engineered systems and products for building construction. You and the other team members will work closely with client stakeholders in a fast-paced, dynamic environment to establish design requirements and produce construction documents for the installation of complex manufacturing tools, tenant improvements, and core facility infrastructure upgrades. You will interact directly with clients and contractors throughout the design process and assist with RFI and submittal services on site during the construction phase. If you’re up for the challenge, we’ve been looking for someone just like you. Join our team and help us lay the foundation for human progress.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
- Local to or willing to relocate to Boise, ID as this position is considered ONSITE/HYBRID and will require you to work in the local office/project site.
- This is an on-site position requiring work to be performed on the client site in Boise, ID; Candidate must be willing to commute to the site or CLIENT's office twice weekly during normal business hours – nominally 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with some flexibility based on ability of site to support and employee preference. Relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidate.
- Position requires field visits and walks at an active client site in various stages of construction. Applicant must be able to walk long distances, sit and stand for extended periods, bend, stoop, twist, crawl, climb ladders, work on catwalks, work in small spaces, lift and carry up to 25lbs.
- Applicant must complete background check, drug screen and be fully authorized to work for any client in the United States.
Here's what you'll need
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering from ABET Accredited University
- At least 3 years of practical application of chemical/mechanical facilities engineering, including ultrapure water, chemical distribution, gas distribution, process piping, exhaust, plumbing, waste drains, pumps, tank storage/design and related chemical/mechanical facilities systems
- At least 3 years of design project delivery processes experience
- Ability to collaborate and work effectively in a variety of teams, including multi-disciplinary teams
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and leadership experience
Ideally, you will also have:
- At least 2 years of experience working with complex semiconductor manufacturing tools, either their manufacture, installation, or use in cleanrooms
- Proficient working knowledge of AutoCAD software
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Forward-thinking, eager to learn best practices and contribute with innovative ideas
- Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and driven to broaden knowledge base
- Passion for buildings and construction
- 3 years field experience
- EIT or PE license
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Get Access To All JobsTips 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.
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 visa 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.