Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is a significant hub for chemicals and materials hiring, anchored by companies like BASF, Dow, and Abbott Laboratories operating across the Chicago metro, Joliet, and Waukegan corridors. F-1 students on STEM OPT can pursue roles in process engineering, materials science, and polymer research at employers with documented OPT sponsorship history in the state.
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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)
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in IllinoisChemicals & Materials STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals & materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Illinois?
Illinois hosts several major chemicals and materials employers with F-1 STEM OPT hiring histories, including BASF, Stepan Company, Cabot Microelectronics, and Quaker Houghton. Specialty chemical producers and materials testing firms in the greater Chicago metro and along the I-90 corridor have also filed LCAs for OPT roles in process engineering, analytical chemistry, and materials characterization. Employer sponsorship practices vary, so reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application records is a useful starting point.
Which cities in Illinois have the most chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Chicago metropolitan area, including suburbs like Naperville, Gurnee, and Waukegan, concentrates the majority of chemicals and materials STEM OPT opportunities in Illinois. Joliet and the broader Will County corridor also host manufacturing and specialty chemicals facilities with engineering and R&D functions. Peoria and Decatur occasionally have openings tied to agricultural chemicals and industrial materials production linked to large-scale processing operations in central Illinois.
What types of chemicals & materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly qualify include process engineer, materials scientist, analytical chemist, polymer engineer, quality assurance engineer, and R&D chemist. These positions typically map to STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs codes in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, and related fields. The role must be directly related to the student's degree program for STEM OPT eligibility. Job titles in laboratory operations, formulation development, and coatings technology frequently appear in Illinois LCA filings for OPT candidates.
How do I find chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 students seeking STEM OPT sponsorship and filters chemicals and materials jobs in Illinois by employers with verified sponsorship activity. You can search by role type, location, and visa category to identify companies that have filed LCAs for OPT positions in this industry. Reviewing employer LCA filing history through the OFLC Wage Search tool also helps confirm which Illinois chemicals and materials employers have sponsored international candidates in similar roles.
Are there any Illinois-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in chemicals & materials?
Illinois chemicals and materials employers often require background checks and facility access clearances, which can affect onboarding timelines for OPT candidates. Some production and laboratory roles at defense-adjacent materials companies may involve export control regulations under EAR or ITAR, which can restrict international student hiring for certain positions. Students should confirm their degree's CIP code maps to the intended role and work with their Designated School Official to ensure STEM OPT authorization aligns with the employer's E-Verify enrollment status before accepting an offer.