Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs in South Carolina
South Carolina's chemicals and materials sector, anchored by employers like Michelin, BASF, and Eastman Chemical in the Upstate and Lowcountry regions, actively hires STEM graduates in engineering, process chemistry, and materials science. F-1 students on STEM OPT can find qualifying 24-month extension roles with manufacturers and R&D operations concentrated around Greenville, Spartanburg, Charleston, and Columbia.
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Get Access To All JobsRequisition ID 173031
Posted 06/15/2026
Quality
United States
South Carolina
Hodges
Colgate-Palmolive
Travel - up to 10% of time
On-site
No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #173031 - Hodges, South Carolina, United States
Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!
Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Role Summary
Join our Quality team in Greenwood, SC, and play a critical role in ensuring product safety and excellence! As the Microbiologist, you will be responsible for product and raw materials testing, troubleshooting, and the full implementation of the facility's Micro Control Plan. You'll drive continuous improvement initiatives and leverage your expertise to maintain our high quality and compliance standards in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. This is your opportunity to own laboratory quality control systems and influence key operational decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform comprehensive microbiological testing of raw materials, water, work-in-process, and finished product for approval and release.
- Own the maintenance of the Laboratory Quality Control Systems and ensure cGMP compliance, including performing failure investigations and properly documenting Out of Specification (OOS) results.
- Lead the development and implementation of the plant-wide Microbiological Control Program.
- Support nonconformance resolution, identify corrective and preventative actions (CAPA), and provide related Microbiology Cleaning & Sanitization training to plant employees and assist with product, equipment, and C&S validations.
- Maintain and utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement, identify trends, and draw conclusions.
Required Qualifications:
- B.S. in Microbiology or a related Science.
- 2+ years of experience as a Microbiologist in a manufacturing laboratory work environment.
- Experience with basic lab equipment (e.g., pH meters, balances, Celsis Luminometer) and common microbiology lab instrumentation (e.g., autoclaves, biohazard cabinets).
- Demonstrated experience with general documentation practices and cGMP compliance, including notebooks and data entry forms with specific attention to detail.
- Familiarity with quality systems such as failure investigations, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), calibration, and change control.
- Ability and flexibility to work a rotating schedule to support a 24/7 plant facility operation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge and practical experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and techniques such as Gram staining, microscopy, isolation plating, media preparation, and microorganism identification methods.
- Experience in an FDA-regulated environment or an industrial environment implementing cGMPs.
- Demonstrate Results Orientation and the ability to prioritize duties to get effective results.
- Experience with SAP & LIMS
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary Range $52,800.00 - $80,000.00 USD
Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.
Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.
Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.
For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.
LI-On-site
Requisition ID 173031
Posted 06/15/2026
Quality
United States
South Carolina
Hodges
Colgate-Palmolive
Travel - up to 10% of time
On-site
No Relocation Assistance Offered
Job Number #173031 - Hodges, South Carolina, United States
Who We Are
Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!
Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.
Role Summary
Join our Quality team in Greenwood, SC, and play a critical role in ensuring product safety and excellence! As the Microbiologist, you will be responsible for product and raw materials testing, troubleshooting, and the full implementation of the facility's Micro Control Plan. You'll drive continuous improvement initiatives and leverage your expertise to maintain our high quality and compliance standards in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. This is your opportunity to own laboratory quality control systems and influence key operational decisions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Perform comprehensive microbiological testing of raw materials, water, work-in-process, and finished product for approval and release.
- Own the maintenance of the Laboratory Quality Control Systems and ensure cGMP compliance, including performing failure investigations and properly documenting Out of Specification (OOS) results.
- Lead the development and implementation of the plant-wide Microbiological Control Program.
- Support nonconformance resolution, identify corrective and preventative actions (CAPA), and provide related Microbiology Cleaning & Sanitization training to plant employees and assist with product, equipment, and C&S validations.
- Maintain and utilize Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement, identify trends, and draw conclusions.
Required Qualifications:
- B.S. in Microbiology or a related Science.
- 2+ years of experience as a Microbiologist in a manufacturing laboratory work environment.
- Experience with basic lab equipment (e.g., pH meters, balances, Celsis Luminometer) and common microbiology lab instrumentation (e.g., autoclaves, biohazard cabinets).
- Demonstrated experience with general documentation practices and cGMP compliance, including notebooks and data entry forms with specific attention to detail.
- Familiarity with quality systems such as failure investigations, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA), calibration, and change control.
- Ability and flexibility to work a rotating schedule to support a 24/7 plant facility operation.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge and practical experience with Good Laboratory Practices (GLP) and techniques such as Gram staining, microscopy, isolation plating, media preparation, and microorganism identification methods.
- Experience in an FDA-regulated environment or an industrial environment implementing cGMPs.
- Demonstrate Results Orientation and the ability to prioritize duties to get effective results.
- Experience with SAP & LIMS
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary Range $52,800.00 - $80,000.00 USD
Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit-sharing, and long-term incentives for Executive-level roles.
Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.
Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.
For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here.
LI-On-site
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in South Carolina
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in South CarolinaChemicals & Materials STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in South Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals and materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in South Carolina?
South Carolina hosts several large chemicals and materials employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history. Michelin's North American headquarters in Greenville, BASF's agricultural solutions operations, Eastman Chemical's regional facilities, and specialty polymer manufacturers in the Upstate corridor regularly hire STEM graduates. Multinational manufacturers in tire manufacturing, specialty coatings, and advanced composites are among the most active sponsors for OPT-eligible engineering and chemistry graduates.
Which cities in South Carolina have the most chemicals and materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Greenville and Spartanburg in the Upstate region lead in chemicals and materials sponsorship opportunities, driven by Michelin's headquarters and a dense cluster of European-owned manufacturing firms. Charleston supports opportunities in specialty materials and port-adjacent chemical distribution. Columbia, as the state capital and home to the University of South Carolina, also sees demand from industrial and government-adjacent materials research operations.
What types of chemicals and materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that align with STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs codes qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. In chemicals and materials, qualifying positions commonly include chemical process engineer, materials scientist, polymer engineer, quality assurance chemist, R&D engineer, and environmental engineer. The position must require application of a STEM degree, and the employer must be enrolled in E-Verify. O*NET occupation profiles can help verify whether a specific role meets STEM criteria.
How do I find chemicals and materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in South Carolina?
Migrate Mate filters chemicals and materials jobs in South Carolina by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, showing employers with confirmed sponsorship activity so you're not applying to roles that won't support your authorization. Search by role type, location, and STEM designation to surface positions at Upstate manufacturers, Lowcountry industrial facilities, and materials R&D operations that have sponsored STEM OPT workers. The OFLC Wage Search can also help you verify prevailing wages for specific roles before you apply.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in South Carolina's chemicals sector?
South Carolina's chemicals and materials industry is heavily manufacturing-oriented, which means many roles involve production floor or site-based work rather than pure research settings. STEM OPT employers must be enrolled in E-Verify and must sign a training plan (Form I-983) with the student. Some smaller specialty chemical firms may not yet have E-Verify enrollment, so confirming this status before accepting an offer is important. South Carolina also has no state income tax on wages, which can be a practical financial consideration when evaluating offers.