Chemicals & Materials F-1 STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is a leading hub for chemicals and materials innovation, with employers in the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego actively hiring F-1 STEM OPT candidates. Companies like Dow, Olin Corporation, and specialty materials firms in Silicon Valley sponsor STEM OPT workers in roles ranging from process engineering to polymer research and quality assurance.
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Get Access To All JobsABOUT AMMOBIA
Ammobia is on a mission to revolutionize the ammonia industry. We are a seed-stage startup developing Haber Bosch 2.0 – a next-generation ammonia synthesis process enabling cost-effective, clean ammonia production. Until now, ammonia production has been a highly polluting, steady-state, high inertia process. We are developing new regimes of physics and plant design that require dynamic processes, especially for ammonia production from intermittent renewable energy sources. Clean ammonia will support ammonia’s growing role in our decarbonized world, tackling some of the most difficult to abate sectors including chemicals, fertilizers, and heavy-duty transportation. We are supported by leading climate tech organizations including Starlight Ventures, Collaborative Fund, Third Derivative, Forbes 30u30, and more.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Ammobia is seeking a do-it-all engineering technician with a bias towards action and rapid design cycles. You have industrial experience in chemicals, energy systems, aerospace, or other dynamic fluid systems. You will build, wire, assemble, maintain, and operate a pilot-scale reactor system. You are comfortable getting your hands dirty, building from scratch, and identifying where to bring in outside vendors/engineers. You are comfortable working on pilot-scale machinery with little supervision.
There will be significant opportunity to grow your role with the company.
RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Assembly, disassembly, upkeep and maintenance of Ammobia’s pilot plant.
- Install power and signal wiring within control panels and between control panels and field instrumentation, and for other controls and electrical subsystems as needed.
- Assemble, leak check, disassemble Swagelok tube fittings, NPT threaded fittings, Grayloc clamp fittings, and other process connections as needed.
- Commission pilot plant equipment alongside engineers, including electrical and controls tasks such as loop checking, instrument calibrations, and equipment function checks.
- Operate the pilot plant on shift teams with an Ammobia engineer on 8- or 12-hour shifts as needed, adhering to safety protocols and executing experimental campaigns on individual- and multi-module modes of operation.
- Implement changes and improvements to the pilot plant to achieve target performance metrics.
- Create, install, and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls subsystems.
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical equipment, sensors, and mechanical parts as needed to restore pilot machines.
- Work hands-on building systems, as well as supervise and mentor junior technicians and interns.
- Maintain a robust document management system for pilot equipment that includes revision control (P&ID, SOP’s, electrical diagrams).
- Maintain the workspace and ensure tools and spare parts are well stocked.
WHO YOU ARE
- 4+ years hands-on experience in relevant industrial setting.
- Practical experience assembling/disassembling custom mechanical and electrical systems.
- Practical experience installing, wiring power and signal for, and maintaining hardware such as compressors, pumps, heaters, and instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, mass flow controllers, valves, filters, and pressure regulators.
- Deep experience working with high pressure fluid lines: Swagelok-style gas delivery systems, pressure vessels, heaters, and similar.
- Experience working with industrial instrumentation and control systems (e.g. PLC, LabVIEW, or similar).
- Experience working with power tools, basic fabrication, and electrical control panels.
- Self-motivated, hands-on attitude, with a willingness to contribute at all levels.
- Prior experience working with industrial and electrical design practices, codes, and standards for working with high pressure systems.
NICE TO HAVES
- Proficiency in electrical and controls design.
- Experience operating pilot plants, production lines, or large laboratory systems on a shifted schedule.
- Experience in start-up environments.
- Experience overseeing and maintaining lab space/ machine shop space/ factory.
- Experience with hydrogen, ammonia, or other flammables/corrosives.
- Familiarity with chemical processing systems.
WHO WE ARE
We are a small and passionate team of scientists and engineers. We value teamwork, accountability, open communication, and rapid iteration. We emphasize career growth, mutual feedback, and a fun and exciting working environment. Check out ammobia.co/careers for our full values statement and ammobia.co/team to learn more about us.
The position is full-time and in-person in San Francisco, CA. Compensation and job title will be commensurate with experience.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance
- 401k
- Gym benefit
- Paid time off, including closure between Christmas and New Years
ABOUT AMMOBIA
Ammobia is on a mission to revolutionize the ammonia industry. We are a seed-stage startup developing Haber Bosch 2.0 – a next-generation ammonia synthesis process enabling cost-effective, clean ammonia production. Until now, ammonia production has been a highly polluting, steady-state, high inertia process. We are developing new regimes of physics and plant design that require dynamic processes, especially for ammonia production from intermittent renewable energy sources. Clean ammonia will support ammonia’s growing role in our decarbonized world, tackling some of the most difficult to abate sectors including chemicals, fertilizers, and heavy-duty transportation. We are supported by leading climate tech organizations including Starlight Ventures, Collaborative Fund, Third Derivative, Forbes 30u30, and more.
JOB DESCRIPTION
Ammobia is seeking a do-it-all engineering technician with a bias towards action and rapid design cycles. You have industrial experience in chemicals, energy systems, aerospace, or other dynamic fluid systems. You will build, wire, assemble, maintain, and operate a pilot-scale reactor system. You are comfortable getting your hands dirty, building from scratch, and identifying where to bring in outside vendors/engineers. You are comfortable working on pilot-scale machinery with little supervision.
There will be significant opportunity to grow your role with the company.
RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE:
- Assembly, disassembly, upkeep and maintenance of Ammobia’s pilot plant.
- Install power and signal wiring within control panels and between control panels and field instrumentation, and for other controls and electrical subsystems as needed.
- Assemble, leak check, disassemble Swagelok tube fittings, NPT threaded fittings, Grayloc clamp fittings, and other process connections as needed.
- Commission pilot plant equipment alongside engineers, including electrical and controls tasks such as loop checking, instrument calibrations, and equipment function checks.
- Operate the pilot plant on shift teams with an Ammobia engineer on 8- or 12-hour shifts as needed, adhering to safety protocols and executing experimental campaigns on individual- and multi-module modes of operation.
- Implement changes and improvements to the pilot plant to achieve target performance metrics.
- Create, install, and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls subsystems.
- Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical equipment, sensors, and mechanical parts as needed to restore pilot machines.
- Work hands-on building systems, as well as supervise and mentor junior technicians and interns.
- Maintain a robust document management system for pilot equipment that includes revision control (P&ID, SOP’s, electrical diagrams).
- Maintain the workspace and ensure tools and spare parts are well stocked.
WHO YOU ARE
- 4+ years hands-on experience in relevant industrial setting.
- Practical experience assembling/disassembling custom mechanical and electrical systems.
- Practical experience installing, wiring power and signal for, and maintaining hardware such as compressors, pumps, heaters, and instrumentation such as pressure transducers, thermocouples, mass flow controllers, valves, filters, and pressure regulators.
- Deep experience working with high pressure fluid lines: Swagelok-style gas delivery systems, pressure vessels, heaters, and similar.
- Experience working with industrial instrumentation and control systems (e.g. PLC, LabVIEW, or similar).
- Experience working with power tools, basic fabrication, and electrical control panels.
- Self-motivated, hands-on attitude, with a willingness to contribute at all levels.
- Prior experience working with industrial and electrical design practices, codes, and standards for working with high pressure systems.
NICE TO HAVES
- Proficiency in electrical and controls design.
- Experience operating pilot plants, production lines, or large laboratory systems on a shifted schedule.
- Experience in start-up environments.
- Experience overseeing and maintaining lab space/ machine shop space/ factory.
- Experience with hydrogen, ammonia, or other flammables/corrosives.
- Familiarity with chemical processing systems.
WHO WE ARE
We are a small and passionate team of scientists and engineers. We value teamwork, accountability, open communication, and rapid iteration. We emphasize career growth, mutual feedback, and a fun and exciting working environment. Check out ammobia.co/careers for our full values statement and ammobia.co/team to learn more about us.
The position is full-time and in-person in San Francisco, CA. Compensation and job title will be commensurate with experience.
BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance
- 401k
- Gym benefit
- Paid time off, including closure between Christmas and New Years
Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in California
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in CaliforniaChemicals & Materials Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals & materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in California?
California hosts a range of chemicals and materials employers with STEM OPT sponsorship histories, including large chemical producers, specialty coatings firms, semiconductor materials companies, and life sciences materials suppliers. Bay Area companies focused on advanced materials and clean chemistry, along with Southern California petrochemical and specialty chemical operations, have filed STEM OPT-related Labor Condition Applications. Checking OFLC Labor Condition Application disclosure data by employer is the most reliable way to verify past sponsorship activity.
Which cities in California have the most chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The San Francisco Bay Area, including San Jose and Oakland, concentrates semiconductor materials, nanomaterials, and advanced coatings employers. Los Angeles and the surrounding Inland Empire host refining, specialty chemicals, and polymer manufacturing operations. San Diego has a strong cluster of materials science companies tied to biotech and defense. Sacramento and the Central Valley also have agricultural chemicals and water treatment employers that occasionally sponsor STEM OPT candidates.
What types of chemicals & materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT sponsorship are those tied to a STEM-designated degree program and that involve a practical application of that coursework. In chemicals and materials, this includes process engineer, materials scientist, polymer chemist, quality control engineer, formulation scientist, R&D chemist, and environmental health and safety engineer positions. The specific SOC code for the role must align with an approved STEM OPT occupation list maintained by USCIS and confirmed by your Designated School Official.
How do I find chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lets you filter job listings specifically by STEM OPT eligibility and industry, making it straightforward to identify California chemicals and materials employers with verified sponsorship activity. Rather than manually cross-referencing OFLC disclosure data, Migrate Mate surfaces employers that have filed Labor Condition Applications for relevant roles, so you can focus your applications on companies already familiar with the STEM OPT authorization process in this sector.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in California's chemicals & materials sector?
California's strict environmental regulations under the California Air Resources Board and the Department of Toxic Substances Control mean that many chemicals and materials employers prioritize candidates with environmental compliance or green chemistry expertise, which can align well with STEM graduate backgrounds. Employers in California are also required to participate in E-Verify as a condition of STEM OPT authorization, and the state's dense university network, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, and UC San Diego, means recruiters are generally experienced with STEM OPT paperwork.