Chemicals & Materials OPT Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is one of the strongest states for chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship, anchored by major employers like BASF, Dow, Abbott, and Cabot Microelectronics in the Chicago metro, Joliet, and Schaumburg corridors. The state's dense concentration of chemical manufacturing, specialty materials, and life sciences firms creates consistent demand for OPT-eligible engineers, chemists, and materials scientists.
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We are currently seeking a Facilities Project Engineer to join our Maintenance team. This role is responsible for the planning, coordination, and supervision of infrastructure improvements, building renewals, and major maintenance projects. The Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure site renovations are executed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineering professional who enjoys managing projects from concept through implementation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with the Project Manager to define project scope, develop budgets, coordinate permitting activities, and establish project execution plans.
- Manage assigned projects from planning through completion, including soliciting, reviewing, and comparing contractor and vendor bids and quotes.
- Coordinate project documentation, including Requests for Information (RFIs), project schedules, milestones, permits, specifications, and other required records.
- Track project budgets, schedules, milestones, risks, and expenditures to ensure projects remain on time and within approved scope and cost.
- Monitor project execution through regular field inspections and coordination with contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
- Lead project punch-list walks and support the formal acceptance and closeout of completed work.
- Review and coordinate CAD drawings, equipment layouts, site plans, and design modifications related to assigned projects.
- Support the installation, repair, replacement, and improvement of site infrastructure and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, and external contractors to coordinate project activities and minimize disruption to plant operations.
- Review contractor and vendor scopes of work to ensure alignment with project requirements, applicable codes, safety expectations, and site standards.
- Identify and implement improvements that enhance safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency.
- Stay current on relevant industry trends, engineering technologies, codes, and best practices and recommend improvements where appropriate.
- Ensure projects comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory, environmental, building, and safety requirements.
- Adhere to all MAPEI policies, safety rules, and work procedures.
- Perform assigned tasks in conformance with procedures and instructions established in the Business Management System (BMS) and in compliance with applicable Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulatory requirements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- In this role, you will earn a competitive salary ranging from $85,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on your experience and qualifications.
- Eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus based on individual performance and company results.
- Medical insurance for employees or the option of a highly competitive medical plan with minimal monthly contributions.
- 17 days of paid vacation and personal time annually (prorated in year one).
- 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% company match.
- Dental and vision plans, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid life insurance, and free telemedicine services.
- Additional employee-focused programs including tuition reimbursement, discounted home and auto insurance, supplemental life insurance, and more.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of engineering, project engineering, manufacturing engineering, facilities/plant engineering, or related industrial experience.
- Experience supporting capital, infrastructure, facilities, or equipment installation projects within a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD drafting software required.
- Valid U.S. driver's license required.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran (M/F/D/V)
INTRODUCTION
We are currently seeking a Facilities Project Engineer to join our Maintenance team. This role is responsible for the planning, coordination, and supervision of infrastructure improvements, building renewals, and major maintenance projects. The Engineer will work closely with cross-functional teams, contractors, and vendors to ensure site renovations are executed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineering professional who enjoys managing projects from concept through implementation in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Partner with the Project Manager to define project scope, develop budgets, coordinate permitting activities, and establish project execution plans.
- Manage assigned projects from planning through completion, including soliciting, reviewing, and comparing contractor and vendor bids and quotes.
- Coordinate project documentation, including Requests for Information (RFIs), project schedules, milestones, permits, specifications, and other required records.
- Track project budgets, schedules, milestones, risks, and expenditures to ensure projects remain on time and within approved scope and cost.
- Monitor project execution through regular field inspections and coordination with contractors, vendors, and internal stakeholders.
- Lead project punch-list walks and support the formal acceptance and closeout of completed work.
- Review and coordinate CAD drawings, equipment layouts, site plans, and design modifications related to assigned projects.
- Support the installation, repair, replacement, and improvement of site infrastructure and MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) systems.
- Collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, EHS, and external contractors to coordinate project activities and minimize disruption to plant operations.
- Review contractor and vendor scopes of work to ensure alignment with project requirements, applicable codes, safety expectations, and site standards.
- Identify and implement improvements that enhance safety, quality, reliability, productivity, and operational efficiency.
- Stay current on relevant industry trends, engineering technologies, codes, and best practices and recommend improvements where appropriate.
- Ensure projects comply with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory, environmental, building, and safety requirements.
- Adhere to all MAPEI policies, safety rules, and work procedures.
- Perform assigned tasks in conformance with procedures and instructions established in the Business Management System (BMS) and in compliance with applicable Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) regulatory requirements.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU
- In this role, you will earn a competitive salary ranging from $85,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on your experience and qualifications.
- Eligibility for an annual discretionary bonus based on individual performance and company results.
- Medical insurance for employees or the option of a highly competitive medical plan with minimal monthly contributions.
- 17 days of paid vacation and personal time annually (prorated in year one).
- 401(k) retirement plan with up to 6% company match.
- Dental and vision plans, flexible spending accounts, employer-paid life insurance, and free telemedicine services.
- Additional employee-focused programs including tuition reimbursement, discounted home and auto insurance, supplemental life insurance, and more.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required; equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Minimum of two (2) years of engineering, project engineering, manufacturing engineering, facilities/plant engineering, or related industrial experience.
- Experience supporting capital, infrastructure, facilities, or equipment installation projects within a manufacturing or industrial environment preferred.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Project.
- Working knowledge of AutoCAD drafting software required.
- Valid U.S. driver's license required.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran (M/F/D/V)
OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in IllinoisChemicals & Materials OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals and materials companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Illinois?
Several large Illinois-based employers have a documented history of hiring F-1 OPT workers in chemicals and materials roles, including BASF Corporation (Florham Park operations extend hiring into Illinois), Dow, Abbott Laboratories, Cabot Microelectronics, and Stepan Company. Smaller specialty chemical firms and contract manufacturers in the Chicago metro and Illinois Research Triangle area also participate in OPT hiring, particularly for engineering and R&D positions.
Which cities in Illinois have the most chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Chicago metro area accounts for the largest share of chemicals and materials OPT roles in Illinois, with significant hiring activity in Schaumburg, Joliet, Elgin, and the North Shore suburbs. Naperville and the broader I-88 research corridor also host several specialty chemicals and advanced materials firms. Downstate, Decatur and East St. Louis have chemical manufacturing operations tied to agricultural and industrial processing industries.
What types of chemicals and materials roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that directly apply a student's degree field are the clearest fit for OPT authorization. In chemicals and materials, this includes process engineering, materials characterization, polymer research, quality control chemistry, formulation science, and analytical lab positions. Roles in environmental compliance, chemical process design, and coatings R&D also commonly qualify when the position requires a relevant technical degree in chemistry, chemical engineering, or materials science.
How do I find chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters jobs by visa type, industry, and state, making it straightforward to browse chemicals and materials F-1 OPT roles in Illinois without sifting through listings that don't sponsor. Search by the F-1 OPT filter alongside the chemicals and materials category to surface employers actively hiring in Illinois. Combining this with direct outreach to Illinois-based chemical firms can strengthen your search.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in chemicals and materials?
Illinois has a significant proportion of chemicals and materials employers tied to regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and semiconductor materials, which can affect hiring timelines due to background checks and security clearance requirements at some facilities. STEM OPT extension eligibility is particularly relevant here since most technical roles in this industry qualify, giving graduates up to 36 months of work authorization and additional time to pursue H-1B visa sponsorship.