Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs in North Carolina
North Carolina's chemicals and materials sector spans pharmaceutical manufacturing in the Research Triangle, specialty chemicals producers in the Piedmont, and advanced materials firms tied to the state's aerospace and textile supply chains. Companies like BASF, Eastman, and Honeywell have established operations here, making NC one of the Southeast's stronger markets for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in this field.
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INTRODUCTION
Airgas is Hiring for a Plant Engineer in Mebane, NC!
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the unique perspectives of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders, and cultures across the world. We believe that a variety of backgrounds makes our team stronger and more innovative. At Airgas, we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
This position supports a cryogenic Air Separation Unit (ASU) by designing and implementing projects generated by a technical problem or unique plant requirement to improve safety, reliability, or efficiency. Designs may consist of instruments, controls, engines, machines, and mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, or heat transfer systems.
- Supports and complies with all safety, health, and environmental procedures directed by local and corporate personnel and safety departments.
- Supports and complies with all process safety management and risk management plan practices.
- Supports operation permit reporting and monitoring requirements, in compliance with federal, state and local rules and regulations.
- Designs, specifies, guides projects with mindful budget management, and implements solutions generated by a technical problem or unique plant requirement to improve safety, reliability, or efficiency.
- Designs plant processes consisting of instruments, controls, engines, machines, and mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, or heat transfer systems, utilizing and applying knowledge of engineering principles.
- Proposes collaborative solutions in process to optimize value and sustainable efficiency in production methods and material cost.
- Evaluates field installations and recommends design modifications to eliminate malfunctions and foster continuous improvement.
- Sets up and conducts tests of complete units under operational conditions and analyzes test results in relation to design specifications, modifies or adjusts equipment to meet specifications.
- Partners with operations to enhance facility workflows and support overall operational performance.
- Collaborates with teams to align and guide the planning, organization, support, integration, and completion of engineering projects within the area of assigned responsibility.
- Embraces continuous learning and brings industry insights to support ongoing team and operational growth.
- Provides technical support for plant production and maintenance as required.
- Makes a report of plant engineering activities to the Plant Manager.
- May perform special tasks as requested by Plant Manager and Corporate officials.
- Provides on-call assistance to plant personnel.
- Supports all personnel policies directed by local and corporate personnel. Supports plant DCS system.
- Develops economic cost justification for capital improvements, reliability, or efficiency. Designs may consist of instruments, controls, engines, machines, and mechanical, thermal, hydraulic, or heat transfer systems.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- B.S. in Engineering (Chemical or Mechanical) preferred.
- 2-5 years of operational or project engineering experience required.
- Ability to provide on-call technical assistance to plant personnel.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Previous chemical or industrial experience is a plus.
- Experience in cryogenics.
BENEFITS
We care about and support our Airgas Families. This is evident not only through our competitive compensation but also through a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision plans, short-term and long-term disability, life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), pre-tax commuter transportation benefit, parental leave, vacation, sick time, floating holidays, jury duty and funeral/bereavement leave, and paid holidays for all eligible full-time employees.
Additionally, we offer our eligible employees a 401k plan with company matching funds, tuition reimbursement, discounted college tuition for eligible employees’ dependents, and an Airgas Scholarship Program for dependent children.
Associates who are members of collective bargaining units should review their bargaining agreement to determine whether they are eligible for some or all of the benefits described here and to see any special terms or conditions for eligibility.
Your DIFFERENCES enhance our PERFORMANCE
At Airgas, we are committed to building a workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.
We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability or any other protected characteristic. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.
About Airgas
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a leading U.S. supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products; one of the largest U.S. suppliers of safety products; and a leading U.S. supplier of ammonia products and process chemicals. Through the passion and diversity of its 18,000 associates, Airgas fosters a culture of safety, customer success, sustainability and innovation. Airgas associates are empowered to share ideas, take initiative and make decisions.
Airgas is a subsidiary of Air Liquide, a world leader in gases, technologies and services for industry and healthcare. Present in 60 countries with approximately 66,500 employees, Air Liquide serves more than 4 million customers and patients.
Join us for a stimulating experience: At Airgas, you matter and so does the work you do. As a member of our team, you play an important role in the success of your team, making sure our products are created sustainably and delivered safely and efficiently. In turn, you’ll find a welcoming workplace where you’re valued for who you are and where you can fill your potential while growing a fulfilling career — whatever path you choose.
Equal Employment Opportunity Information
We are an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Airgas, an Air Liquide Company is a Government contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Airgas does not discriminate against qualified applicants with disabilities, and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to the known disabilities of such individuals so as to ensure equal access to benefits and privileges of employment. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact us by email at us-accommodationrequest@airgas.com.
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in North Carolina
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in North CarolinaChemicals & Materials STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals and materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in North Carolina?
North Carolina hosts a range of chemicals and materials employers with STEM OPT sponsorship history, including BASF's agricultural solutions division in Research Triangle Park, Eastman Chemical operations in the Piedmont region, Honeywell's performance materials units, and specialty chemicals firms supporting the state's pharmaceutical and textile manufacturing base. Mid-size contract manufacturers and coatings producers in the Charlotte and Greensboro corridors also regularly hire STEM OPT candidates for technical roles.
Which cities in North Carolina have the most chemicals and materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Research Triangle Park, anchored by Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill, concentrates the highest density of chemicals and materials STEM OPT roles, particularly in pharmaceutical chemicals and advanced materials R&D. Charlotte supports process engineering and specialty coatings positions tied to its manufacturing corridor. Greensboro and Winston-Salem carry sponsorship activity in textiles-adjacent chemicals, while Wilmington has growing demand linked to fine chemicals and pharmaceutical ingredient production.
How do I find chemicals and materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in North Carolina?
Migrate Mate filters chemicals and materials job listings specifically for F-1 STEM OPT eligibility in North Carolina, surfacing roles at employers with verified sponsorship history. You can search by STEM degree classification, employer name, or location to identify companies that have filed Labor Condition Applications for chemical engineering and materials science positions. Filtering by OPT-compatible employers saves time compared to screening general job postings manually.
What types of chemicals and materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that map to STEM-designated STEM degree classifications qualify, including chemical engineer, materials scientist, process development engineer, polymer chemist, and analytical chemist positions. Quality assurance engineers in pharmaceutical manufacturing, R&D chemists developing specialty coatings or adhesives, and process safety engineers working with industrial chemicals all commonly appear under STEM OPT-eligible classifications. The position must be directly related to the student's STEM degree field as listed on their I-20.
Are there North Carolina-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in chemicals and materials?
North Carolina employers in chemicals and materials who participate in the STEM OPT extension program must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal requirement enforced by ICE and USCIS. Research Triangle Park employers are generally familiar with OPT authorization timelines given the area's high concentration of international STEM graduates from NC State, UNC, and Duke. Some North Carolina chemical manufacturing sites operate under export control regulations that may impose additional hiring restrictions on certain nationalities regardless of work authorization status.