STEM OPT QA Analyst Jobs
QA Analyst roles in software testing, automation, and quality engineering qualify for STEM OPT when backed by a STEM-designated degree. Your 24-month extension gives you up to 36 months of work authorization, provided your employer is enrolled in E-Verify and you maintain a current I-983 training plan.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Under minimal supervision, this role performs a wide range of Quality Assurance activities to ensure compliance across manufacturing, facilities, utilities, environmental programs, and quality systems. Responsibilities include review and approval of critical GMP documentation, leading investigations, supporting audits, and providing lot disposition for product release.
Responsibilities
- Review and approve product master records (MPs).
- Approve process validation protocols and reports for manufacturing processes.
- Approve Environmental Characterization reports.
- Approve planned incidents and support incident triage activities.
- Review and approve Work Orders and EMS/BMS alarms.
- Approve nonconformance investigations and CAPA records.
- Approve change controls.
- Provide lot disposition and authorize lots for shipment.
- Own and maintain site quality program procedures.
- Review and assess risk assessments.
- Lead investigations and ensure timely, compliant closure.
- Lead site audits and support internal/external inspections.
- Evaluate compliance issues using advanced data trending and analysis.
- Serve as designee for QA management on local change control review boards (CCRB).
- Support automation, facilities, and environmental programs.
- Represent QA on New Product Introduction (NPI) teams.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Process Development, Validation, Quality Control, Engineering, Facilities, Utilities, and Contractors.
- Coordinate with external resources when higher‑level expertise is required.
- Interact effectively with regulatory agencies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctorate OR
- Master’s + 2 years of directly related experience OR
- Bachelor’s + 4 years of directly related experience OR
- Associate’s + 8 years of directly related experience OR
- High School/GED + 10 years of directly related experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience performing on‑the‑floor Plant Quality Assurance (PQA) activities, including review, approval, and tracking of cGMP processes, procedures, testing methods, batch records, MES/EBR, SAP, EDMQ, DQMS, and TrackWise.
- Expertise in deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and validation activities.
- Experience with procedural compliance and initiate deviation records during on‑the‑floor triage.
- Experience supporting audits and inspections as part of the audit/inspection management team.
- Experience with computer systems validation or computer systems quality assurance (medical device or consulting background preferred).
- Experience with validation of GxP applications (VMP, IQ, RA/GxP assessment, OQ, PQ, test scripts, summary reports).
- Experience serving as Quality Contact for complex new‑product projects.
- Experience in commissioning and qualification.
- Project management and organizational skills.
BENEFITS
- Non‑Standard Shift
- 6‑month contract with possible extension
INTRODUCTION
Under minimal supervision, this role performs a wide range of Quality Assurance activities to ensure compliance across manufacturing, facilities, utilities, environmental programs, and quality systems. Responsibilities include review and approval of critical GMP documentation, leading investigations, supporting audits, and providing lot disposition for product release.
Responsibilities
- Review and approve product master records (MPs).
- Approve process validation protocols and reports for manufacturing processes.
- Approve Environmental Characterization reports.
- Approve planned incidents and support incident triage activities.
- Review and approve Work Orders and EMS/BMS alarms.
- Approve nonconformance investigations and CAPA records.
- Approve change controls.
- Provide lot disposition and authorize lots for shipment.
- Own and maintain site quality program procedures.
- Review and assess risk assessments.
- Lead investigations and ensure timely, compliant closure.
- Lead site audits and support internal/external inspections.
- Evaluate compliance issues using advanced data trending and analysis.
- Serve as designee for QA management on local change control review boards (CCRB).
- Support automation, facilities, and environmental programs.
- Represent QA on New Product Introduction (NPI) teams.
- Collaborate with Manufacturing, Process Development, Validation, Quality Control, Engineering, Facilities, Utilities, and Contractors.
- Coordinate with external resources when higher‑level expertise is required.
- Interact effectively with regulatory agencies.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Doctorate OR
- Master’s + 2 years of directly related experience OR
- Bachelor’s + 4 years of directly related experience OR
- Associate’s + 8 years of directly related experience OR
- High School/GED + 10 years of directly related experience
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience performing on‑the‑floor Plant Quality Assurance (PQA) activities, including review, approval, and tracking of cGMP processes, procedures, testing methods, batch records, MES/EBR, SAP, EDMQ, DQMS, and TrackWise.
- Expertise in deviations, CAPAs, change controls, and validation activities.
- Experience with procedural compliance and initiate deviation records during on‑the‑floor triage.
- Experience supporting audits and inspections as part of the audit/inspection management team.
- Experience with computer systems validation or computer systems quality assurance (medical device or consulting background preferred).
- Experience with validation of GxP applications (VMP, IQ, RA/GxP assessment, OQ, PQ, test scripts, summary reports).
- Experience serving as Quality Contact for complex new‑product projects.
- Experience in commissioning and qualification.
- Project management and organizational skills.
BENEFITS
- Non‑Standard Shift
- 6‑month contract with possible extension
See all 183+ STEM OPT QA Analyst Jobs
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a QA Analyst
Verify your CIP code matches QA roles
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before applying. Computer Science, Computer Engineering, and Information Systems codes all support QA Analyst eligibility, but some Business Information Systems codes don't.
Search E-Verify enrollment before applying
Pull the employer's E-Verify enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search before submitting any application. An employer not enrolled in E-Verify cannot legally employ you on a STEM OPT extension, regardless of how eager they are to hire you.
Build your I-983 training plan around QA competencies
Draft your I-983 before your offer letter is finalized so you can negotiate specific training objectives. QA-relevant goals include test automation frameworks, defect lifecycle management, and CI/CD pipeline integration, not vague language about general software development.
Target employers with active STEM OPT hiring patterns
Use Migrate Mate to filter QA Analyst postings by employers who already hire STEM OPT workers, so you're not educating a hiring manager about E-Verify requirements mid-process when the role is already competitive.
Negotiate a start date that covers DSO processing time
Your DSO needs up to ten business days to issue the STEM OPT extension I-20 after you submit your I-983 and supporting documents. Build that window into your offer negotiation so your start date doesn't conflict with pending paperwork.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor your salary conversation
Look up the prevailing wage for QA Analyst roles in your target metro using the OFLC Wage Search before your offer call. STEM OPT employers aren't required to meet prevailing wage, but knowing it lets you evaluate whether an offer reflects your market value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a QA Analyst role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree carries a STEM-designated CIP code and the QA Analyst role is directly related to that field of study. Degrees in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, and related Information Technology disciplines consistently support QA Analyst positions. Your DSO will confirm the match when processing your STEM OPT I-20, so bring your offer letter and a job description that outlines technical responsibilities like test automation, software validation, or systems analysis.
What happens if my QA Analyst employer isn't enrolled in E-Verify?
You cannot work for them on a STEM OPT extension. E-Verify enrollment is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT employers, and there's no waiver or workaround. If you discover the gap after accepting an offer, the employer needs to enroll and receive an E-Verify company ID before your STEM OPT extension start date. Use the E-Verify employer search to confirm enrollment status before any offer conversation reaches the background check stage.
How does the I-983 training plan work for a QA Analyst position?
The I-983 is a formal agreement between you and your employer that documents what technical skills you'll develop during your STEM OPT period. For a QA Analyst role, it should specify concrete objectives like proficiency in specific automation tools, testing methodologies, or quality frameworks. Your employer signs it, you submit it to your DSO, and USCIS can request it during compliance reviews. You'll update the I-983 annually and when you change employers, so keep it current and role-specific throughout your extension.
Can I switch QA Analyst employers during my STEM OPT extension?
Yes, but the new employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, and you need to report the change to your DSO within ten days. You'll need a new I-983 signed by the incoming employer before your start date there. There's no limit on the number of employer changes during your 36-month authorization window, but each transition requires the same E-Verify verification, I-983 update, and DSO reporting steps. Browse QA Analyst roles at companies that already hire STEM OPT workers on Migrate Mate to make transitions smoother.
What does cap-gap mean for a QA Analyst on STEM OPT pursuing H-1B?
If your STEM OPT extension is active when your H-1B visa petition is filed for the following fiscal year lottery, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that year if you're selected. For QA Analysts, this means you don't need to stop working between STEM OPT expiration and the H-1B start date on October 1. USCIS issues updated guidance on cap-gap each spring when H-1B selection results are released, so confirm your status with your DSO after lottery results are announced.