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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Get Access To All JobsWHY DO WE NEED YOU?
About the Role
Put your engineering expertise to work improving the processes that power gypsum manufacturing. As a Process Engineer I, you will use data, technical knowledge, and collaboration to optimize formulations, equipment, and process controls. You will lead trials and improvement projects that support safer, more consistent, and more efficient operations.
Key Areas of Focus
- Implement World Class Manufacturing projects and process controls that support customer quality standards.
- Optimize product formulations, manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and process-control methods.
- Use statistical tools and root-cause analysis to reduce variation and resolve process issues.
- Plan and execute trials, process innovations, and continuous-improvement projects.
- Partner with operations and CertainTeed/Saint-Gobain support teams to achieve plant objectives.
Core Responsibilities
- Analyze process variation, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Interpret technical data and establish equipment-performance baselines.
- Lead equipment, process, and raw-material trials.
- Identify safety, quality, cost, and energy-improvement opportunities.
- Provide troubleshooting and technical support to production and maintenance teams.
- Support equipment installation, delivery, and commissioning activities.
- Train employees and provide technical direction to contractors and project teams.
- Prepare capital-project input, track project savings, and coordinate with suppliers and consultants.
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, a similar discipline, or equivalent experience required.
- Minimum 1 year of professional process experience in a manufacturing environment required.
- Minimum 1 year of project management and project-engineering fundamentals required.
- Experience with product formulation, water and foam chemistries, mass and energy balances, flow diagrams, P&IDs, fluid properties, and thermodynamics required.
- Advanced statistical-tool knowledge, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and Microsoft Office proficiency required.
- Gypsum manufacturing, FI/Kaizen, Minitab, JMP, AutoCAD, and Certified Quality Engineer credentials are preferred.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Constant vision, reading/writing, and talking/hearing; frequent standing/walking, bending/stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, handling/grasping, and repetitive motions.
- Occasional climbing/balancing and sitting.
- Constant computer and presentation-material use; frequent telephone and large-machinery exposure; occasional power-tool use.
- Work may include heat, cold, wet/humid conditions, dust, fumes, chemicals, equipment in motion, noise, confined areas, vibration, and required safety equipment/clothing.
- Up to 10% air or car travel; valid driver’s license required for rental-car travel.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904, as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing throughout the United States and Canada.
LEGAL STATEMENT
Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.
Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at SGNA_HR_Compliance@saint-gobain.com.
BENEFITS IN JOINING US
The national base pay range for this position is $72,500 to $111,500 per year. The actual base salary offered will vary based on factors such as geographic location, internal equity, and the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus. The target bonus for this role is 9% of base salary, based on company and individual performance measures.
The total target cash compensation range (base salary plus annual bonus) for this position is $79,025 to $121,535 per year.
Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs:
Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Healthcare Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- LiveWell Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
Retirement and Protection – Helping to make the future life you want a reality
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want
- Group Legal
- Identity Theft Protection
- Auto and Home Insurance
- Pet Insurance and Discounts
- Back-up Child & Elder Care
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
Job Reference: USA15868
WHY DO WE NEED YOU?
About the Role
Put your engineering expertise to work improving the processes that power gypsum manufacturing. As a Process Engineer I, you will use data, technical knowledge, and collaboration to optimize formulations, equipment, and process controls. You will lead trials and improvement projects that support safer, more consistent, and more efficient operations.
Key Areas of Focus
- Implement World Class Manufacturing projects and process controls that support customer quality standards.
- Optimize product formulations, manufacturing processes, equipment performance, and process-control methods.
- Use statistical tools and root-cause analysis to reduce variation and resolve process issues.
- Plan and execute trials, process innovations, and continuous-improvement projects.
- Partner with operations and CertainTeed/Saint-Gobain support teams to achieve plant objectives.
Core Responsibilities
- Analyze process variation, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions.
- Interpret technical data and establish equipment-performance baselines.
- Lead equipment, process, and raw-material trials.
- Identify safety, quality, cost, and energy-improvement opportunities.
- Provide troubleshooting and technical support to production and maintenance teams.
- Support equipment installation, delivery, and commissioning activities.
- Train employees and provide technical direction to contractors and project teams.
- Prepare capital-project input, track project savings, and coordinate with suppliers and consultants.
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, a similar discipline, or equivalent experience required.
- Minimum 1 year of professional process experience in a manufacturing environment required.
- Minimum 1 year of project management and project-engineering fundamentals required.
- Experience with product formulation, water and foam chemistries, mass and energy balances, flow diagrams, P&IDs, fluid properties, and thermodynamics required.
- Advanced statistical-tool knowledge, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and Microsoft Office proficiency required.
- Gypsum manufacturing, FI/Kaizen, Minitab, JMP, AutoCAD, and Certified Quality Engineer credentials are preferred.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Frequent lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Constant vision, reading/writing, and talking/hearing; frequent standing/walking, bending/stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, handling/grasping, and repetitive motions.
- Occasional climbing/balancing and sitting.
- Constant computer and presentation-material use; frequent telephone and large-machinery exposure; occasional power-tool use.
- Work may include heat, cold, wet/humid conditions, dust, fumes, chemicals, equipment in motion, noise, confined areas, vibration, and required safety equipment/clothing.
- Up to 10% air or car travel; valid driver’s license required for rental-car travel.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904, as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall and ceilings.
A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing throughout the United States and Canada.
LEGAL STATEMENT
Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.
Applicants for roles based in Washington state or remote roles that would be worked from Washington state are encouraged to direct any concerns regarding the state’s Pay Transparency laws to the SGNA HR Compliance team at SGNA_HR_Compliance@saint-gobain.com.
BENEFITS IN JOINING US
The national base pay range for this position is $72,500 to $111,500 per year. The actual base salary offered will vary based on factors such as geographic location, internal equity, and the candidate's job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual performance-based bonus. The target bonus for this role is 9% of base salary, based on company and individual performance measures.
The total target cash compensation range (base salary plus annual bonus) for this position is $79,025 to $121,535 per year.
Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs:
Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Healthcare Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- LiveWell Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
Retirement and Protection – Helping to make the future life you want a reality
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
- Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want
- Group Legal
- Identity Theft Protection
- Auto and Home Insurance
- Pet Insurance and Discounts
- Back-up Child & Elder Care
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
Job Reference: USA15868
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in North Carolina
See all Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs 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.