STEM OPT Research And Development Engineer Jobs
Research and Development Engineer roles sit squarely within STEM OPT eligibility, giving you up to 24 months of extended work authorization beyond your initial OPT period. Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify, and your STEM degree must align with the role's CIP code. That's 36 months total to build your R&D career in the U.S.
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Get Access To All JobsPOSITION OVERVIEW
The Lead Product Engineer manages full project leadership in the development of wire and cable products while satisfying internal and external customer requirements. This position handles identification and implementation of raw materials offering lower costs and/or improved performance, and mentors less experienced engineers.
Primary Responsibilities
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Leads the development of wire and cable processes and products that meet internal and external customer requirements and expectations. Develops and/or utilize statistical and theoretical modeling techniques for designing new products.
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Supports the identification and implementation of cost reductions via raw materials and/or changes to existing products while meeting internal and external customer requirements and expectations.
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Schedules trials and testing, performs limited, basic research, collects and records in user friendly databases product, process, raw material and test data.
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Actively pursues continuous improvement in product, process and material training skills.
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Performs engineering studies and publishes reports containing objectives, data, results, analyses, conclusions, recommendations and source of error.
Education Requirements
Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field.
Minimum Experience Required
Four (4) years of related experience.
License(s) and/or Certification(s) Required
n/a
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
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Excellent mechanical and mathematical aptitude.
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Effective oral and written communications skills.
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Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
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Effective time management and organizational skills.
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Self starter and independent thinker.
Computer Equipment and Software Requirements
Microsoft Office Suite Requirements: Preferences.
Prefer advanced Engineering, Technical or Management Science degree.
Preferred degrees include: Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering/Technology degrees or Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Statistical /Computational degrees.
Additional Details:
Superior Essex Communications is a leading manufacturer and supplier of communications cables and accessories, serving the telecommunications, enterprise, and industrial markets. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, the company is dedicated to providing high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of its customers while minimizing environmental impact. For more information, visit superioressexcommunications.com.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Lead Product Engineer manages full project leadership in the development of wire and cable products while satisfying internal and external customer requirements. This position handles identification and implementation of raw materials offering lower costs and/or improved performance, and mentors less experienced engineers.
Primary Responsibilities
-
Leads the development of wire and cable processes and products that meet internal and external customer requirements and expectations. Develops and/or utilize statistical and theoretical modeling techniques for designing new products.
-
Supports the identification and implementation of cost reductions via raw materials and/or changes to existing products while meeting internal and external customer requirements and expectations.
-
Schedules trials and testing, performs limited, basic research, collects and records in user friendly databases product, process, raw material and test data.
-
Actively pursues continuous improvement in product, process and material training skills.
-
Performs engineering studies and publishes reports containing objectives, data, results, analyses, conclusions, recommendations and source of error.
Education Requirements
Bachelors degree in engineering or a related field.
Minimum Experience Required
Four (4) years of related experience.
License(s) and/or Certification(s) Required
n/a
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required
-
Excellent mechanical and mathematical aptitude.
-
Effective oral and written communications skills.
-
Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills.
-
Effective time management and organizational skills.
-
Self starter and independent thinker.
Computer Equipment and Software Requirements
Microsoft Office Suite Requirements: Preferences.
Prefer advanced Engineering, Technical or Management Science degree.
Preferred degrees include: Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering/Technology degrees or Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics and Statistical /Computational degrees.
Additional Details:
Superior Essex Communications is a leading manufacturer and supplier of communications cables and accessories, serving the telecommunications, enterprise, and industrial markets. With a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, the company is dedicated to providing high-quality products that meet the evolving needs of its customers while minimizing environmental impact. For more information, visit superioressexcommunications.com.
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Research And Development Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Cross-reference your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code against the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. Engineering disciplines like mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering qualify, but your transcript's field designation must match exactly.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment during screening
Ask recruiters directly whether the company is enrolled in E-Verify before your first interview. R&D labs at universities and nonprofits sometimes lack enrollment, which disqualifies them as STEM OPT employers regardless of how well the role fits.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan details
Your I-983 must list specific learning objectives tied to your R&D project scope. Push your hiring manager to define measurable engineering outcomes in the plan, not just your job title. Vague plans invite DSO rejection and delay your extension filing.
Use OFLC Wage Search to anchor salary discussions
Look up the prevailing wage for your SOC code and work location using OFLC Wage Search before negotiating your offer. R&D Engineer roles span multiple wage levels, and knowing the DOL benchmark prevents you from accepting below the employer's LCA certification threshold.
Search Migrate Mate for R&D employers with OPT history
Filter your job search on Migrate Mate to surface companies with verified STEM OPT hiring history in R&D engineering. Targeting employers who have sponsored OPT students before cuts the time you spend educating HR on E-Verify and training plan requirements.
Research And Development Engineer jobs are hiring across the US. Find yours.
Find Research And Development Engineer JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Does a Research and Development Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree falls under a DHS-designated STEM field and the role uses that technical training directly. Engineering disciplines including mechanical, electrical, biomedical, chemical, and computer engineering qualify. Your DSO will verify that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program List before recommending the extension on your I-20.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my STEM OPT employer?
Your employer must be actively enrolled in E-Verify at the worksite where you'll perform your R&D work. Enrollment at a parent company's headquarters doesn't automatically cover a subsidiary or separate facility. Verify the specific site's E-Verify status before accepting an offer. If the employer isn't enrolled, they must enroll before USCIS will approve your STEM OPT extension.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for an R&D engineering position?
Your I-983 must describe the practical training objectives tied to your specific R&D projects, the supervision structure, and how the work connects to your STEM degree. Generic job descriptions aren't sufficient. USCIS expects measurable learning outcomes, such as developing proficiency in specific testing methodologies or design software. Your DSO and employer both sign the form, and your employer must submit a formal evaluation every six months.
How does cap-gap protection work if I'm waiting on an H-1B decision?
If your employer files an H-1B petition on your behalf before your OPT or STEM OPT expires, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30 of that fiscal year. You can continue working as an R&D Engineer during this period. If your H-1B is selected and approved, your status transitions on October 1. USCIS confirmation of the timely-filed petition serves as your authorization to continue working.
Where can I find Research and Development Engineer jobs that accept STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate filters R&D engineering roles by employers enrolled in E-Verify and with a track record of hiring STEM OPT students. You can search by location, engineering discipline, and company type to focus your applications on employers already familiar with the training plan and extension process, which shortens your path from offer to approved work authorization.
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