STEM OPT Process Development Engineer Jobs

Process Development Engineer roles qualify for the STEM OPT 24-month extension if your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in engineering or a related STEM field. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and you'll need an approved I-983 training plan before your extension begins.

Find STEM OPT Process Development Engineer Jobs

Overview

Open Jobs44+
Work Type98% On-site
Top LocationBoston, MA
Most JobsKBI Biopharma

Showing 5 of 44+ Process Development Engineer jobs

KBI Biopharma
Process Development Associate II
We won't show you this job again
KBI Biopharma
New 5h ago
Process Development Associate II
KBI Biopharma
Durham, North Carolina
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
On-Site
Bachelor's
1,001-5,000

Have you applied for this role?

Thermo Fisher Scientific
Scientist I Process Development
We won't show you this job again
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Added 1d ago
Scientist I Process Development
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Plainville, Massachusetts
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
$28 - $42/hr
On-Site
Bachelor's
10,000+

Have you applied for this role?

BioPharma Consulting JAD Group
Process Development Sr Scientist
We won't show you this job again
BioPharma Consulting JAD Group
Added 1d ago
Process Development Sr Scientist
BioPharma Consulting JAD Group
Juncos, PR
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Manufacturing Operations
Quality Control
Healthcare Administration
On-Site
Doctorate

Have you applied for this role?

Abzena
Associate II, Chemistry, Process Development
We won't show you this job again
Abzena
Added 1d ago
Associate II, Chemistry, Process Development
Abzena
Bristol, Pennsylvania
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Specialized Engineering
Chemical Engineering
On-Site
Bachelor's
201-500

Have you applied for this role?

ACL Digital
Process Development Associate
We won't show you this job again
ACL Digital
Added 1d ago
Process Development Associate
ACL Digital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Laboratory Research
Biotech & Life Sciences
Data Science & Analytics
Data Science
On-Site
Bachelor's

Have you applied for this role?

See all 44+ Process Development Engineer Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Process Development Engineer roles.

Get Access To All Jobs

See all 44+ STEM OPT Process Development Engineer Jobs

Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Process Development Engineer Jobs.

Get Access To All Jobs

Tips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Process Development Engineer

Verify your CIP code before applying

Check that your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code appears on the DHS STEM OPT eligible fields list. Chemical engineering, materials science, and bioengineering codes all qualify for Process Development Engineer roles, but adjacent degrees like applied chemistry may require confirmation from your DSO.

Build an I-983 training plan around process milestones

Write your training objectives around specific deliverables in scale-up, validation, or manufacturing process design, not generic engineering tasks. Employers reviewing your I-983 need to see measurable learning goals tied to your actual role, or USCIS may issue a request for evidence.

Target employers who already file LCAs for engineers

Search the OFLC Wage Search to identify companies that have certified Labor Condition Applications for Process Engineer or Process Development titles. Repeat LCA filers in pharma, semiconductors, and specialty chemicals are already familiar with STEM OPT compliance requirements.

Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting any offer

Ask your recruiter to confirm E-Verify company ID or check the employer's status directly through the E-Verify employer search. An employer that isn't enrolled cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension, regardless of how far you are in the offer process.

Use Migrate Mate to filter roles by E-Verify status

Search Process Development Engineer openings on Migrate Mate, which surfaces employers verified for STEM OPT hiring so you don't spend time applying to companies that can't support your extension. Filter by industry to focus on biotech, pharma, or semiconductor manufacturing.

Start cap-gap planning before your OPT expires

If your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT end date and you're selected in the lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Confirm your employer's H-1B filing calendar during the offer stage, not after your EAD runs out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a Process Development Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?

Yes, if your degree is in an eligible STEM field such as chemical engineering, materials science, biomedical engineering, or a related discipline with a qualifying CIP code. The role itself must also provide practical training directly related to your degree. Your DSO confirms eligibility and updates your I-20 before USCIS approves the extension.

What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Process Development Engineer?

Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your day-to-day engineering work, such as process scale-up, design of experiments, or validation protocol development. Vague goals like 'gain industry experience' are insufficient. Both you and your employer's authorized representative sign the form, and your DSO must receive it before your extension start date.

How do I verify that my employer is enrolled in E-Verify?

You can confirm enrollment through the E-Verify employer search tool, which lets you look up companies by name or employer identification number. Ask your recruiter for the company's E-Verify ID during the offer stage. Employers in federal contracting or operating in certain states may be required to enroll, but many smaller manufacturers are not and may need to register before hiring you.

What happens to my STEM OPT authorization if my employer changes the role after I start?

A material change in job duties, location, or employer requires an amended I-983 submitted to your DSO within five days. If you move to a different legal entity, such as a subsidiary or acquired company, that entity must also be enrolled in E-Verify. Failing to update your training plan puts your STEM OPT status at risk, so notify your DSO promptly when any significant change occurs.

Where can I find Process Development Engineer jobs that are open to STEM OPT students?

Migrate Mate lists Process Development Engineer openings from employers with verified E-Verify enrollment, so you can focus on roles where your STEM OPT extension is actually supported. You can also cross-reference the O*NET profile for this occupation to confirm that job descriptions align with your degree field before you apply.