STEM OPT Jobs in Oregon
Oregon's tech corridor from Portland to Beaverton, its semiconductor and clean-energy sectors, and a growing cluster of biotech and software employers make it one of the more active states for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship. Nike, Intel, and a dense network of mid-size startups regularly file for STEM OPT extensions across engineering, data science, and computer science roles.
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A Day in Your Life at MKS:
As an Applications Engineer in the Emerging Applications team at Electro-Scientific Industries, you will partner with Engineering, Business Development, and Sales colleagues to help develop the next generations of MKS’ industrial laser machining systems. In this role you will report to the Senior Manager of Emerging Applications. You will work to define the capabilities and limitations of new systems and product lines in collaboration with other highly motivated engineering and product marketing colleagues. You will also use these systems to provide applications solutions for key customers in high-volume manufacturing environments.
You Will Make an Impact By:
- Utilizing design-of-experiments (DOE) methodology to prepare and perform applications work
- Performing broad metrology and analysis techniques, including but not limited to optical and confocal microscopy, focused ion beam milling and scanning electron microscopes (FIB-SEM), and automated optical inspection tools
- Analyzing data with various statistical and image analysis software
- Developing applications guides and best-known-method documentation for communication between applications teams and MKS sites
- Maintaining and troubleshooting tools used throughout the course of your job
Skills You Bring:
- Requires a Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree or equivalent experience and 2 years of related experience in industrial applications, physics and/or engineering.
- Knowledge about laser-material interactions from the optics and/or materials science perspective; experience with optics & scanning subsystems and/or UV and CO2 lasers is a plus
- Comfortability with hands-on use of optics and optomechanics components
- A self-motivated, enthusiastic approach to cross-functional problem solving and communication
- Background with Python, Matlab, or similar is a plus
Physical Demands and Working Conditions:
- Perform activities such as sitting, standing, or typing for extended periods of time
- Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs
- Regularly requires good manual dexterity and coordination
- Occasionally moves/positions objects up to 50 lbs
- Ability to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time
- Frequently positions self to perform tasks and positions objects below, at, and above shoulder level
- Regularly requires manual dexterity and coordination of objects below, at and above shoulder level
- Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand
- Must be able to exchange accurate information
- Operates in a [professional office and/or laboratory/manufacturing] environment
- Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery
- Ability to observe documents and details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
- Dedication to safety to mitigate hazards including handling mechanical and electrical hardware, high voltage, gas, water, and heat
- Noise level in the work environment is usually average
This position requires the ability to travel internationally, sometimes on short notice. Requires appropriate work authorization to freely enter and exit primarily Asia Pacific countries. Travel expected up to 20%.
Globally, our policy is to recruit individuals from wide and diverse backgrounds. However, certain positions require access to controlled goods and technologies subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Applicants for these positions may need to be “U.S. persons.” “U.S. persons” are generally defined as U.S. citizens, noncitizen nationals, lawful permanent residents (or, green card holders), individuals granted asylum, and individuals admitted as refugees.
MKS Inc. and its affiliates and subsidiaries (“MKS”) is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer: diverse candidates are encouraged to apply. We win as a team and are committed to recruiting and hiring qualified applicants regardless of race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), religion, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability or handicap, marital status, membership in the uniformed services, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable law. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications and business needs. We conduct background checks and drug screens, in accordance with applicable law and company policies. MKS is generally only hiring candidates who reside in states where we are registered to do business.
MKS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at: accommodationsatMKS@mksinst.com.
If applying for a specific job, please include the requisition number (ex: RXXXX), the title and location of the role.
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Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Oregon
Verify your role qualifies under O*NET
Before applying, confirm your job title maps to a STEM-designated occupation using O*NET. Many Oregon employers post roles under broad titles like 'analyst' or 'coordinator' that may or may not qualify, depending on the underlying STEM degree classification.
Target E-Verify enrolled employers in Oregon
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify to sponsor a STEM OPT extension. Ask recruiters directly before your first interview, since Oregon's smaller startups outside Portland often haven't enrolled yet even when they intend to hire internationally.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before accepting an offer
The I-983 training plan must be signed by your employer before USCIS approves your STEM OPT extension. Raise this in the offer stage, not after signing, since Oregon employers unfamiliar with the process may need several weeks to prepare it.
Align your DSO application timing with Oregon university deadlines
Your DSO must recommend the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS before you file with USCIS, and many Oregon universities have internal cutoff windows. Confirm your school's processing timeline at least 90 days before your OPT end date.
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Oregon: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Oregon sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Semiconductor manufacturing, software development, electrical engineering, and data analytics account for the largest share of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship activity in Oregon. The Hillsboro and Beaverton corridor is home to major chip fabrication operations, while Portland supports a concentration of software and cleantech employers that regularly file for STEM OPT extensions across engineering and computer science roles.
Which cities in Oregon have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Portland and the surrounding Washington County cities of Hillsboro and Beaverton collectively account for the majority of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship activity in Oregon. Hillsboro in particular hosts a dense cluster of semiconductor employers. Eugene and Corvallis also produce STEM OPT roles tied to university research spinoffs and technology companies, though at lower volume than the Portland metro.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Oregon?
Roles must map to a STEM-designated STEM degree classification, which in Oregon most commonly includes software engineers, electrical engineers, data scientists, process engineers, systems analysts, and computer hardware engineers. Job titles alone don't determine eligibility; the actual duties and the STEM degree classification your employer assigns must align with the STEM Designated Degree Program List maintained by the Department of Homeland Security.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Oregon?
Migrate Mate filters Oregon job listings by employers with verified LCA filing history, so you can identify companies that have sponsored STEM OPT workers in your occupation rather than relying on self-reported hiring preferences. Cross-reference employer results with E-Verify enrollment status, since only E-Verify enrolled employers can sponsor your STEM OPT extension under USCIS rules.
Are there any Oregon-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Oregon has no state-level work authorization requirements beyond federal USCIS rules, but the state's startup density outside Portland means many smaller employers haven't enrolled in E-Verify. Candidates targeting Oregon's mid-size tech and biotech companies should confirm E-Verify enrollment early in the hiring process. Oregon's public universities, including Oregon State and the University of Oregon, have DSO offices with varying internal processing timelines that affect when you can submit your USCIS extension application.