STEM OPT Jobs in Ohio
Ohio's manufacturing, healthcare, and tech sectors actively sponsor F-1 STEM OPT workers, with employer density concentrated in Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Companies in advanced manufacturing, software development, and life sciences regularly file E-Verify enrollments required for STEM OPT extensions, making Ohio a practical target for STEM graduates.
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Get Access To All JobsJOB SUMMARY:
Leads and manages complex projects in the development, evaluation, improvement and implementation of manufacturing systems and methods to produce products within the medical, dental, and animal health markets. Utilizes expert knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods and quality control standards. Initiates and leads complex projects and collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions and ensure the successful execution of projects.
ESSENTIAL/PRIMARY DUTIES:
- Leads strategic workforce optimization, space planning, workflow design and equipment layout for peak operational efficiency.
- Using advanced manufacturing knowledge, educates engineers on process capability, development of cost model, and the evaluation of process alternatives. Facilitates the development of new processes.
- Leads within the team and works with management on solving high risk issues.
- Leads process(es) and project(s) to specifications of equipment, material, and parts to enhance and solve problems.
- Leads sourcing changes from in-house to supplier and vice versa to meet demand and capability changes.
- Leads comprehensive product evaluations from a manufacturing perspective, ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards and regulatory requirements. Provides expert guidance to cross-functional teams on process optimization, quality improvement initiatives and corrective actions.
- Embodies best practices, leads discussions, meetings and brainstorming sessions related to their assigned tasks. Makes decisions within assigned and escalates appropriately.
- Can analyze, target, and guide other engineers on cost, quality, and delivery improvement, and how to implement sustainable solutions.
- Develops best practices for documenting and maintaining work instructions.
- Leads development and design of component processes and tooling to ensure efficient production methods.
- Leads and develops industry standards and regulations for quality, safety, and performance.
- Learns established and new technical tools and methods. Proactively engages in bringing insight and implementation for new industry trends and new technologies.
- Utilizes a structured approach to problem-solving to improve and innovate production processes. Leads research and implementation of enhanced processes and capabilities.
- Analyzes and assesses complex part or assembly risk areas and teaches other engineers problem solving techniques to reduce the risk condition.
- Leads the development and process execution of technical documentation such as verification and validation protocols, CAPA’s, quality alerts and process FMEA’s.
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- Researches the latest developments and trends in discipline.
- Contributes ideas for process changes and improvements.
- Influences change within their discipline and peer group.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and 4+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of both. Black Belt certification is preferred.
COMPETENCY and/or SKILL:
- Strong analytical and communication skills (written & verbal)
- Experience with tooling, fixture, and process design concepts
- Fundamental application of engineering tools and methods
- Ability to apply problem-solving skills to find root causes and propose solutions and lead investigations
- Experience with Microsoft Office, design, and other business software packages
- Comprehension of advanced product design methods
- Strong mathematical and technical abilities
- Ability to multitask and problem solve
- Ability to lead by influence throughout the organization
- Proficient in the subject matter or the functional areas
- Ability to lead and manage projects and/or project teams
- Knowledge of FDA and ISO regulations
- Ability to generate detailed and high-quality technical documentation
- Proficient in the design of complex systems and identifying new technological opportunities
- Ability to analyze and assess complex technical risks associated with projects
- Expert in the subject matter or the functional areas of the assignments and influence the project team for the best practices related to that area
- Ability to lead by influence cross functionally throughout the organization and lead change management processes
- Ability to lead the design of complex, interconnected systems and shape the organization's technical direction
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides leadership, coaching and/or mentoring to co-op’s, technicians, level I, and level II engineers. May act as a lead or first-level supervisor.
JOB SUMMARY:
Leads and manages complex projects in the development, evaluation, improvement and implementation of manufacturing systems and methods to produce products within the medical, dental, and animal health markets. Utilizes expert knowledge of product design, materials and parts, fabrication processes, tooling and production equipment capabilities, assembly methods and quality control standards. Initiates and leads complex projects and collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver innovative solutions and ensure the successful execution of projects.
ESSENTIAL/PRIMARY DUTIES:
- Leads strategic workforce optimization, space planning, workflow design and equipment layout for peak operational efficiency.
- Using advanced manufacturing knowledge, educates engineers on process capability, development of cost model, and the evaluation of process alternatives. Facilitates the development of new processes.
- Leads within the team and works with management on solving high risk issues.
- Leads process(es) and project(s) to specifications of equipment, material, and parts to enhance and solve problems.
- Leads sourcing changes from in-house to supplier and vice versa to meet demand and capability changes.
- Leads comprehensive product evaluations from a manufacturing perspective, ensuring adherence to specifications, quality standards and regulatory requirements. Provides expert guidance to cross-functional teams on process optimization, quality improvement initiatives and corrective actions.
- Embodies best practices, leads discussions, meetings and brainstorming sessions related to their assigned tasks. Makes decisions within assigned and escalates appropriately.
- Can analyze, target, and guide other engineers on cost, quality, and delivery improvement, and how to implement sustainable solutions.
- Develops best practices for documenting and maintaining work instructions.
- Leads development and design of component processes and tooling to ensure efficient production methods.
- Leads and develops industry standards and regulations for quality, safety, and performance.
- Learns established and new technical tools and methods. Proactively engages in bringing insight and implementation for new industry trends and new technologies.
- Utilizes a structured approach to problem-solving to improve and innovate production processes. Leads research and implementation of enhanced processes and capabilities.
- Analyzes and assesses complex part or assembly risk areas and teaches other engineers problem solving techniques to reduce the risk condition.
- Leads the development and process execution of technical documentation such as verification and validation protocols, CAPA’s, quality alerts and process FMEA’s.
SECONDARY DUTIES:
- Researches the latest developments and trends in discipline.
- Contributes ideas for process changes and improvements.
- Influences change within their discipline and peer group.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field and 4+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination of both. Black Belt certification is preferred.
COMPETENCY and/or SKILL:
- Strong analytical and communication skills (written & verbal)
- Experience with tooling, fixture, and process design concepts
- Fundamental application of engineering tools and methods
- Ability to apply problem-solving skills to find root causes and propose solutions and lead investigations
- Experience with Microsoft Office, design, and other business software packages
- Comprehension of advanced product design methods
- Strong mathematical and technical abilities
- Ability to multitask and problem solve
- Ability to lead by influence throughout the organization
- Proficient in the subject matter or the functional areas
- Ability to lead and manage projects and/or project teams
- Knowledge of FDA and ISO regulations
- Ability to generate detailed and high-quality technical documentation
- Proficient in the design of complex systems and identifying new technological opportunities
- Ability to analyze and assess complex technical risks associated with projects
- Expert in the subject matter or the functional areas of the assignments and influence the project team for the best practices related to that area
- Ability to lead by influence cross functionally throughout the organization and lead change management processes
- Ability to lead the design of complex, interconnected systems and shape the organization's technical direction
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provides leadership, coaching and/or mentoring to co-op’s, technicians, level I, and level II engineers. May act as a lead or first-level supervisor.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in Ohio
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Ohio
Verify your CIP code matches the role
USCIS determines STEM OPT eligibility based on your degree's Classification of Instructional Programs code. Before applying to Ohio employers, confirm your CIP code appears on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List and that the job duties align with your field of study.
Target Ohio employers already enrolled in E-Verify
Your STEM OPT extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify before your DSO submits the I-765. Filter your Ohio employer search to companies with active E-Verify participation, which manufacturing and federal contractors in Cincinnati and Dayton commonly maintain.
Search OFLC disclosure data for Ohio STEM filings
Use Migrate Mate to find Ohio employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history. Cross-reference with OFLC disclosure data to see which Columbus and Cleveland companies file consistently for STEM-eligible occupations in your field.
Use O*NET to confirm your role qualifies
Not every technical job title maps to a STEM-eligible occupation. Look up your prospective Ohio role in O*NET and verify the Standard Occupational Classification code falls within a qualifying STEM category before you negotiate your start date.
File your I-983 training plan before your OPT end date
Your employer must sign the I-983 training plan and you must submit it to your DSO at least 90 days before your initial OPT expires. Ohio employers unfamiliar with STEM OPT often need lead time to complete internal HR approval, so start the conversation during offer negotiation.
Prioritize Ohio employers with existing immigration counsel
Companies in Ohio's life sciences corridor around Columbus and Cleveland that already retain immigration attorneys move through STEM OPT paperwork faster. Ask during interviews whether the company has handled STEM OPT extensions before, which signals readiness to meet your filing deadlines.
See all 681+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Ohio
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Ohio.
Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Ohio: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Ohio sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Advanced manufacturing, software development, healthcare technology, and financial technology are Ohio's highest-volume F-1 STEM OPT sponsoring sectors. Columbus draws significant tech and fintech employer activity, Cleveland anchors healthcare and biomedical engineering, and Cincinnati and Dayton are strong for aerospace, defense contracting, and chemical engineering roles that regularly file for STEM OPT workers.
Which cities in Ohio have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Columbus has the densest concentration of F-1 STEM OPT opportunities, driven by its tech sector and major corporate headquarters. Cleveland's healthcare and research institutions make it a strong second, while Cincinnati and Dayton offer consistent demand in manufacturing, aerospace, and engineering. Toledo and Akron have smaller but active employer pools in polymer science and logistics technology.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Ohio?
Roles that qualify must directly relate to your STEM degree field and involve practical application of technical skills. Common qualifying positions in Ohio include software engineers, data analysts, mechanical and electrical engineers, biomedical researchers, and financial analysts with quantitative backgrounds. The role must map to a STEM-designated Standard Occupational Classification code, which you can verify using O*NET.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Ohio that actually sponsor?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by employers with verified STEM OPT sponsorship history in Ohio, so you're not guessing which companies will support your extension. You can also search OFLC public disclosure data to identify Ohio employers that have filed for STEM-eligible occupations in your field, then prioritize outreach to those with E-Verify enrollment already active.
Are there any Ohio-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Ohio has no state-level visa sponsorship requirements, but federal contractor density in Dayton and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base adjacent employers sometimes requires security clearance eligibility, which can affect F-1 holders. Ohio's large manufacturing base also means many employers are accustomed to E-Verify through federal contracting obligations, making STEM OPT enrollment procedurally familiar for HR teams at those companies.