STEM OPT R D Engineer Jobs
R&D Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree aligns with the position's CIP code and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify. With up to 36 months of total OPT authorization, you have a realistic runway to contribute to research cycles and transition to long-term sponsorship.
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Get Access To All JobsWe anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 3 Jul 2026
At Medtronic you can begin a life-long career of exploration and innovation, while helping champion healthcare access and equity for all. You’ll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate world.
A Day in the Life
Across our global Neuroscience organization, we advance care for some of medicine’s most complex neurological and spinal conditions. By combining innovative technology, data-driven insights, and deep clinical expertise, we partner with physicians and health systems to improve how patients are treated and supported throughout their care journey.
Our Cranial & Spinal Technologies (CST) Operating Unit develops and delivers an integrated ecosystem of spinal implants, navigation and robotic guidance systems, advanced imaging, and data-driven planning tools for complex spine and cranial procedures. Platforms such as AiBLE™ connect these technologies to enhance surgical precision, streamline workflows, and support improved patient outcomes across the globe.
As an Associate R&D Engineer, you will support the development of medical device products for spine surgery and biologics, with a focus on bone grafting technologies, graft delivery systems, spine treatments, and pre-clinical (animal) studies.
Role Overview
You will design, develop, analyze, troubleshoot, and support research and product development activities. Work will focus on defined subsystems, components, or tasks within larger programs, including bone graft materials, delivery instruments, and spine systems. You will apply foundational engineering principles and contribute to team-based solutions under close supervision.
At Medtronic, we bring bold ideas forward with speed and decisiveness to put patients first in everything we do. In-person exchanges are invaluable to our work. We’re working a minimum of 4 days a week onsite as part of our commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth and cross-functional collaboration as we work together to engineer the extraordinary.
Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned.
- Support design and development activities for bone graft technologies, graft delivery instruments, and spine-related systems
- Execute engineering tasks including design support, testing, data collection, and analysis
- Troubleshoot routine technical issues and propose practical solutions under guidance
- Assist in translating product requirements into design inputs and test methods, including handling and delivery performance of graft materials
- Conduct experiments and support verification and validation activities, including bench, cadaveric, and pre-clinical (animal) studies
- Support execution and documentation of animal studies, including coordination, sample handling, and data collection
- Document engineering work through reports, test protocols, and summaries
- Support maintenance of design history files and quality documentation
- Collaborate primarily within the immediate team and cross-functional partners on task-based activities
- Assist in evaluating existing technologies, including competitive graft materials and delivery approaches
- Ensure compliance with quality systems, procedures, and regulatory expectations
Required Knowledge and Experience:
Requires a Baccalaureate degree.
Nice to Have:
- Exposure to medical devices, biologics, or regulated industry environments
- Experience in laboratory testing, biomaterials, or engineering analysis
- Basic familiarity with spinal anatomy, bone grafting techniques, or pre-clinical models
Skills & Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Good interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Basic analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work well under pressure and maintain a positive, enthusiastic attitude
- Eagerness to learn and expand technical responsibilities, particularly in bone grafting and spine applications
- Ability to follow processes and work under direction
Additional Expectations
- Demonstrates alignment with Medtronic core behaviors: Customer Focus, Candor, Trust and Respect, Courage, Accountability, and Passion to Win
- Maintains compliance with quality systems and regulatory requirements
- Contributes to a collaborative and positive team environment
- Depending on the project phase, the employee will engage in bench-top laboratory activities and will use laboratory equipment, chemicals, and tissue specimens.
- May require limited travel, including support of off-site labs or pre-clinical (animal) studies
- Work will require periodic engagement with surgeon customers and Medtronic personnel who reside in different time zones, necessitating work outside standard times.
For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
Physical Job Requirements
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.
The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.
U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship
At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.
Join us in our mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life—where your unique background and perspective are valued.
Benefits & Compensation
Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD): $74,400.00 - $111,600.00
This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP). The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others). The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees: Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).
Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.
Further details are available at the link below:
About Medtronic
We lead global healthcare technology and boldly attack the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions.
Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people.
We are engineers at heart— putting ambitious ideas to work to generate real solutions for real people. From the R&D lab, to the factory floor, to the conference room, every one of us experiments, creates, builds, improves and solves. We have the talent, diverse perspectives, and guts to engineer the extraordinary.
It is the policy of Medtronic to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Medtronic will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
If you are applying to perform work for Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic”) in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can find here a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which Medtronic reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. Medtronic will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
We anticipate the application window for this opening will close on - 3 Jul 2026
At Medtronic you can begin a life-long career of exploration and innovation, while helping champion healthcare access and equity for all. You’ll lead with purpose, breaking down barriers to innovation in a more connected, compassionate world.
A Day in the Life
Across our global Neuroscience organization, we advance care for some of medicine’s most complex neurological and spinal conditions. By combining innovative technology, data-driven insights, and deep clinical expertise, we partner with physicians and health systems to improve how patients are treated and supported throughout their care journey.
Our Cranial & Spinal Technologies (CST) Operating Unit develops and delivers an integrated ecosystem of spinal implants, navigation and robotic guidance systems, advanced imaging, and data-driven planning tools for complex spine and cranial procedures. Platforms such as AiBLE™ connect these technologies to enhance surgical precision, streamline workflows, and support improved patient outcomes across the globe.
As an Associate R&D Engineer, you will support the development of medical device products for spine surgery and biologics, with a focus on bone grafting technologies, graft delivery systems, spine treatments, and pre-clinical (animal) studies.
Role Overview
You will design, develop, analyze, troubleshoot, and support research and product development activities. Work will focus on defined subsystems, components, or tasks within larger programs, including bone graft materials, delivery instruments, and spine systems. You will apply foundational engineering principles and contribute to team-based solutions under close supervision.
At Medtronic, we bring bold ideas forward with speed and decisiveness to put patients first in everything we do. In-person exchanges are invaluable to our work. We’re working a minimum of 4 days a week onsite as part of our commitment to fostering a culture of professional growth and cross-functional collaboration as we work together to engineer the extraordinary.
Responsibilities may include the following and other duties may be assigned.
- Support design and development activities for bone graft technologies, graft delivery instruments, and spine-related systems
- Execute engineering tasks including design support, testing, data collection, and analysis
- Troubleshoot routine technical issues and propose practical solutions under guidance
- Assist in translating product requirements into design inputs and test methods, including handling and delivery performance of graft materials
- Conduct experiments and support verification and validation activities, including bench, cadaveric, and pre-clinical (animal) studies
- Support execution and documentation of animal studies, including coordination, sample handling, and data collection
- Document engineering work through reports, test protocols, and summaries
- Support maintenance of design history files and quality documentation
- Collaborate primarily within the immediate team and cross-functional partners on task-based activities
- Assist in evaluating existing technologies, including competitive graft materials and delivery approaches
- Ensure compliance with quality systems, procedures, and regulatory expectations
Required Knowledge and Experience:
Requires a Baccalaureate degree.
Nice to Have:
- Exposure to medical devices, biologics, or regulated industry environments
- Experience in laboratory testing, biomaterials, or engineering analysis
- Basic familiarity with spinal anatomy, bone grafting techniques, or pre-clinical models
Skills & Abilities
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Good interpersonal and teamwork skills
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
- Basic analytical and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to work well under pressure and maintain a positive, enthusiastic attitude
- Eagerness to learn and expand technical responsibilities, particularly in bone grafting and spine applications
- Ability to follow processes and work under direction
Additional Expectations
- Demonstrates alignment with Medtronic core behaviors: Customer Focus, Candor, Trust and Respect, Courage, Accountability, and Passion to Win
- Maintains compliance with quality systems and regulatory requirements
- Contributes to a collaborative and positive team environment
- Depending on the project phase, the employee will engage in bench-top laboratory activities and will use laboratory equipment, chemicals, and tissue specimens.
- May require limited travel, including support of off-site labs or pre-clinical (animal) studies
- Work will require periodic engagement with surgeon customers and Medtronic personnel who reside in different time zones, necessitating work outside standard times.
For Baccalaureate degrees earned outside of the United States, a degree that satisfies the requirements of 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(h)(4)(iii)(A) is required.
Physical Job Requirements
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this position, but they are not an exhaustive list of all the required responsibilities and skills of this position.
The physical demands described within the Responsibilities section of this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. For Office Roles: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to be independently mobile. The employee is also required to interact with a computer, and communicate with peers and co-workers. Contact your manager or local HR to understand the Work Conditions and Physical requirements that may be specific to each role.
U.S. Work Authorization & Sponsorship
At Medtronic, we are committed to fostering an environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact. In alignment with our enterprise-wide workforce planning approach, U.S. work authorization sponsorship (H-1B, TN, J, etc.) is offered exclusively for Principal-level roles and above, where specialized expertise aligns with long-term business needs. Roles below the Principal level require candidates to possess unrestricted U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and for the duration of employment.
Join us in our mission to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life—where your unique background and perspective are valued.
Benefits & Compensation
Medtronic offers a competitive Salary and flexible Benefits Package
A commitment to our employees lives at the core of our values. We recognize their contributions. They share in the success they help to create. We offer a wide range of benefits, resources, and competitive compensation plans designed to support you at every career and life stage.
Salary ranges for U.S (excl. PR) locations (USD): $74,400.00 - $111,600.00
This position is eligible for a short-term incentive called the Medtronic Incentive Plan (MIP). The base salary range is applicable across the United States, excluding Puerto Rico and specific locations in California. The offered rate complies with federal and local regulations and may vary based on factors such as experience, certification/education, market conditions, and location. Compensation and benefits information pertains solely to candidates hired within the United States (local market compensation and benefits will apply for others). The following benefits and additional compensation are available to those regular employees who work 20+ hours per week: Health, Dental and vision insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Life insurance, Long-term disability leave, Dependent daycare spending account, Tuition assistance/reimbursement, and Simple Steps (global well-being program).
The following benefits and additional compensation are available to all regular employees: Incentive plans, 401(k) plan plus employer contribution and match, Short-term disability, Paid time off, Paid holidays, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Employee Assistance Program, Non-qualified Retirement Plan Supplement (subject to IRS earning minimums), and Capital Accumulation Plan (available to Vice Presidents and above, or subject to IRS earning minimums).
Regular employees are those who are not temporary, such as interns. Temporary employees are eligible for paid sick time, as required under applicable state law, and the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Please note some of the above benefits may not apply to workers in Puerto Rico.
Further details are available at the link below:
About Medtronic
We lead global healthcare technology and boldly attack the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions.
Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people.
We are engineers at heart— putting ambitious ideas to work to generate real solutions for real people. From the R&D lab, to the factory floor, to the conference room, every one of us experiments, creates, builds, improves and solves. We have the talent, diverse perspectives, and guts to engineer the extraordinary.
It is the policy of Medtronic to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, Medtronic will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.
If you are applying to perform work for Medtronic, Inc. (“Medtronic”) in any position which will involve performing at least two (2) hours of work on average each week within the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, you can find here a list of all material job duties of the specific job position which Medtronic reasonably believes that criminal history may have a direct, adverse and negative relationship potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment. Medtronic will consider for employment qualified job applicants with arrest or conviction records in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
See all 113+ STEM OPT R D Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT R D Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a R D Engineer
Verify your CIP code matches the role
Pull your degree's CIP code from your I-20 and confirm it maps to the R&D Engineer occupation on O*NET before applying. A mismatch between your field of study and the job's STEM classification will get your extension denied.
Check E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Search the E-Verify employer database to confirm enrollment before any offer advances. R&D teams at subsidiaries and joint ventures sometimes operate under a separate EIN from the parent company, so verify the specific hiring entity.
Document your training plan with project milestones
Your I-983 must link training objectives to your STEM degree, not just list job duties. For R&D roles, map each research milestone to a learning outcome so your DSO and employer can sign off without revision requests.
Target labs with active H-1B filing history
Use the OFLC Wage Search to identify employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications for R&D Engineer roles in your target metro. Consistent LCA filings signal that a company has the HR infrastructure to sponsor beyond OPT.
File your extension 90 days before OPT expires
USCIS requires the STEM OPT extension application to be submitted at least 90 days before your initial OPT end date. Missing that window means a gap in authorization, which R&D employers treat as a compliance liability.
Use Migrate Mate to find verified R&D sponsors
Search R&D Engineer roles on Migrate Mate to surface employers with confirmed E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history. Filtering by those signals cuts the time you'd otherwise spend vetting each company's sponsorship capacity individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my STEM degree qualify me for the 24-month STEM OPT extension in an R&D Engineer role?
Your degree qualifies if its CIP code falls on the STEM Designated Degree Program List published by the Department of Homeland Security and if the R&D Engineer role is directly related to that field of study. Engineering degrees in mechanical, electrical, chemical, computer, and materials disciplines typically satisfy both conditions. Your DSO confirms the CIP code match when recommending the extension on your I-20.
What E-Verify requirement applies to employers hiring me for an R&D Engineer position?
Any employer who wants to employ you during the 24-month STEM OPT extension must be enrolled in E-Verify for every hiring site where you will work. This is a federal requirement under the STEM OPT regulations, not an optional step. If the R&D lab operates under a different EIN than the parent company, that specific entity must hold its own E-Verify enrollment. Confirm enrollment before signing an offer.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an R&D Engineer on STEM OPT?
The I-983 must describe specific learning objectives tied to your STEM degree, the supervisory structure at the R&D site, how the employer will evaluate your progress, and how the training relates to your long-term career goals. For R&D Engineer roles, this means naming research projects, lab methodologies, or product development stages you will contribute to, not just restating your job description. Your employer and DSO must both sign the form before your extension begins.
Can I keep working as an R&D Engineer if my H-1B is selected in the lottery but not yet approved?
Yes, the cap-gap provision automatically extends your OPT work authorization if your employer files an H-1B visa petition on your behalf before your OPT expires and that petition is timely filed for the October 1 start date. Your STEM OPT authorization continues through September 30 of the fiscal year the H-1B takes effect, provided the petition remains pending or approved. USCIS issues updated I-20 documentation reflecting the cap-gap period.
Where can I find R&D Engineer jobs where the employer is already set up to hire STEM OPT students?
Migrate Mate filters R&D Engineer listings by employers with verified E-Verify enrollment and LCA filing history, so you can see which companies have already sponsored STEM workers in similar roles. That data comes from DOL disclosure records, which means you're not relying on employer self-reporting. Start your search there to avoid spending application cycles on employers who haven't built out the compliance infrastructure STEM OPT requires.