STEM OPT Lab Assistant Jobs
Lab Assistant roles in research, clinical, and industrial settings qualify for STEM OPT when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code. The 24-month STEM OPT extension brings your total work authorization to 36 months, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can file.
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Get Access To All JobsJob Title: Test Lab Technician
Location: Morton, IL (On-site)
About Yinlun TDI LLC
Yinlun TDI LLC is a leading provider of advanced thermal management solutions for the U.S. automotive, commercial truck, and off highway markets. Following the acquisition by Zhejiang Yinlun Co., Ltd., Yinlun TDI has further strengthened its engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Yinlun TDI LLC maintains sales and engineering facilities in California, Michigan, and Illinois. With strong support from our parent company, we are well positioned for continued growth across conventional heat exchangers, hybrid, electric vehicle (EV), and autonomous driving sectors.
Yinlun TDI LLC is an ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 certified manufacturer of heat exchangers and fluid cooling components for automotive, commercial truck, bus, and industrial markets.
Position Overview
Test Lab Technician is responsible for setting up, conducting, documenting, and maintaining laboratory testing activities for heat exchangers and thermal management products. This role supports product verification, validation, and durability testing by operating laboratory equipment, preparing test setups, collecting data, and ensuring accurate documentation. The Test Lab Technician works closely with engineering teams to support product development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Perform mechanical and thermal testing on heat exchangers and thermal management components.
- Set up laboratory equipment and test fixtures according to engineering requirements and customer specifications.
- Conduct product validation testing, including but not limited to: Thermal Performance Testing, Pressure Cycle Testing, Burst Pressure Testing, Leak Testing, Durability Testing.
- Record, analyze, and report test results accurately and in a timely manner.
- Prepare complete laboratory reports and verify testing documentation for accuracy.
- Build, modify, and maintain laboratory test fixtures and equipment.
- Install, modify, and maintain laboratory air, fluid, and plumbing systems required for testing.
- Install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical wiring and control systems for laboratory equipment.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic repairs on laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
- Operate laboratory instrumentation safely and efficiently.
- Maintain laboratory records, calibration documentation, and testing logs.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures and company quality standards.
- Collaborate with engineering and management teams to improve laboratory processes, testing methods, and equipment efficiency.
- Assist with additional laboratory or engineering support activities as assigned.
Requirements
Education
- Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive Technology, or a related technical field required.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of laboratory, product testing, manufacturing, or related technical experience preferred.
- Experience operating mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal testing equipment is preferred.
- Experience in the automotive, commercial vehicle, or manufacturing industry is a plus.
Skills
- Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting skills.
- Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and plumbing systems.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.
- Basic electrical wiring and instrumentation knowledge.
- Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment and data acquisition systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.
- Regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Frequently use hand and power tools.
- Ability to distinguish colors, gauges, and instrumentation readings.
- Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment and laboratory machinery.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
- Work is primarily performed in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, compressed air systems, hot fluids, and pressurized testing equipment.
- Moderate to high noise levels may be present.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and floating holidays
- Career growth opportunities in a fast-paced, global environment
Job Title: Test Lab Technician
Location: Morton, IL (On-site)
About Yinlun TDI LLC
Yinlun TDI LLC is a leading provider of advanced thermal management solutions for the U.S. automotive, commercial truck, and off highway markets. Following the acquisition by Zhejiang Yinlun Co., Ltd., Yinlun TDI has further strengthened its engineering expertise and manufacturing capabilities in the United States.
Headquartered in Houston, TX, Yinlun TDI LLC maintains sales and engineering facilities in California, Michigan, and Illinois. With strong support from our parent company, we are well positioned for continued growth across conventional heat exchangers, hybrid, electric vehicle (EV), and autonomous driving sectors.
Yinlun TDI LLC is an ISO 14001 and IATF 16949 certified manufacturer of heat exchangers and fluid cooling components for automotive, commercial truck, bus, and industrial markets.
Position Overview
Test Lab Technician is responsible for setting up, conducting, documenting, and maintaining laboratory testing activities for heat exchangers and thermal management products. This role supports product verification, validation, and durability testing by operating laboratory equipment, preparing test setups, collecting data, and ensuring accurate documentation. The Test Lab Technician works closely with engineering teams to support product development, quality assurance, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Perform mechanical and thermal testing on heat exchangers and thermal management components.
- Set up laboratory equipment and test fixtures according to engineering requirements and customer specifications.
- Conduct product validation testing, including but not limited to: Thermal Performance Testing, Pressure Cycle Testing, Burst Pressure Testing, Leak Testing, Durability Testing.
- Record, analyze, and report test results accurately and in a timely manner.
- Prepare complete laboratory reports and verify testing documentation for accuracy.
- Build, modify, and maintain laboratory test fixtures and equipment.
- Install, modify, and maintain laboratory air, fluid, and plumbing systems required for testing.
- Install, troubleshoot, and maintain electrical wiring and control systems for laboratory equipment.
- Perform routine preventive maintenance and basic repairs on laboratory equipment to ensure reliable operation.
- Operate laboratory instrumentation safely and efficiently.
- Maintain laboratory records, calibration documentation, and testing logs.
- Follow laboratory safety procedures and company quality standards.
- Collaborate with engineering and management teams to improve laboratory processes, testing methods, and equipment efficiency.
- Assist with additional laboratory or engineering support activities as assigned.
Requirements
Education
- Associate degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance, Automotive Technology, or a related technical field required.
- Equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
Professional Experience
- Minimum of two (2) years of laboratory, product testing, manufacturing, or related technical experience preferred.
- Experience operating mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or thermal testing equipment is preferred.
- Experience in the automotive, commercial vehicle, or manufacturing industry is a plus.
Skills
- Strong mechanical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting skills.
- Working knowledge of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and plumbing systems.
- Ability to read engineering drawings, schematics, and test procedures.
- Basic electrical wiring and instrumentation knowledge.
- Familiarity with laboratory testing equipment and data acquisition systems.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Commitment to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
- Frequently stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach throughout the workday.
- Regularly lift and move materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
- Frequently use hand and power tools.
- Ability to distinguish colors, gauges, and instrumentation readings.
- Ability to work around moving mechanical equipment and laboratory machinery.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position.
- Work is primarily performed in a laboratory and manufacturing environment.
- Exposure to moving mechanical equipment, compressed air systems, hot fluids, and pressurized testing equipment.
- Moderate to high noise levels may be present.
- Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as required.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and performance-based bonus
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance)
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation, sick time, holidays, and floating holidays
- Career growth opportunities in a fast-paced, global environment
See all 203+ STEM OPT Lab Assistant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Lab Assistant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Lab Assistant
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List before targeting Lab Assistant roles. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, and clinical laboratory science commonly qualify, but your DSO confirms the match on your I-20.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment during interviews
Ask hiring managers directly whether the lab is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer. Labs at universities, hospitals, and contract research organizations sometimes operate under separate legal entities, so check the specific hiring entity, not just the parent institution.
Document lab duties to satisfy the I-983 training plan
Your I-983 must show a direct connection between your daily lab tasks and your STEM degree. List specific techniques you'll use, such as PCR, cell culture, or spectroscopy, and map each to a learning objective your DSO and employer supervisor both sign off on.
Use OFLC Wage Search to benchmark offers
STEM OPT training plans require that your compensation meets USCIS standards for similarly situated workers. Pull the prevailing wage for Lab Assistant roles in your metro area using OFLC Wage Search before evaluating any offer, so you can flag underpayment early.
Target employers through Migrate Mate's E-Verify filter
Search Lab Assistant openings on Migrate Mate, which filters for E-Verify-enrolled employers, so you're only reviewing roles where STEM OPT is structurally possible. This saves time you'd otherwise spend vetting each lab's compliance status manually.
Start the STEM OPT extension 90 days before OPT expires
File your STEM OPT extension application with USCIS no earlier than 90 days before your initial OPT EAD expires. Your DSO must update your SEVIS record first, so build in at least two weeks for that step before you submit anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lab Assistant role qualify for STEM OPT?
A Lab Assistant position qualifies for STEM OPT when your degree's CIP code is on the STEM Designated Degree Program List and the role directly uses that STEM knowledge. Degrees in biology, chemistry, biochemistry, environmental science, and clinical laboratory science routinely support Lab Assistant I-983 training plans. Your DSO confirms eligibility by cross-referencing your I-20 CIP code against the official SEVP list before approving the extension request.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my Lab Assistant employer?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify before you can work under STEM OPT, and enrollment must cover the specific site where you'll work. A hospital system or university may be enrolled at the parent level, but if your lab operates as a subsidiary or separate cost center, confirm that entity specifically appears in E-Verify. You can verify enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search tool before accepting any offer.
What does an I-983 training plan need to include for a Lab Assistant?
Your I-983 must describe how your Lab Assistant duties connect to your STEM degree's field of study and include measurable learning objectives. For lab roles, this means listing specific techniques or instruments you'll use, such as ELISA, HPLC, or microscopy, and explaining how each builds on your academic training. Both your employer supervisor and your DSO sign the form, and you must update it whenever your duties, supervisor, or employer changes.
How do cap-gap rules protect me if my H-1B is selected while I'm working as a Lab Assistant?
If your H-1B visa petition is filed before your STEM OPT EAD expires and your registration is selected, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working in your Lab Assistant role during this period without interruption. USCIS issues a cap-gap extension automatically when your employer files the I-129, so no separate filing is required on your part.
Where can I find Lab Assistant jobs that accept STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate lists Lab Assistant openings filtered for E-Verify-enrolled employers, which is the first compliance requirement for STEM OPT eligibility. Filtering by E-Verify status upfront removes roles where authorization issues would surface later in the hiring process. You can also cross-reference the O*NET profile for Lab Assistant to understand how your degree field maps to the occupation before applying.