Biotech & Pharma STEM OPT Jobs in Tennessee
Tennessee's biotech and pharma sector, anchored by companies like Pfizer, Vanderbilt-affiliated research institutions, and a growing Nashville health-tech corridor, actively hires F-1 STEM OPT candidates for research, manufacturing, and regulatory roles. Memphis and Nashville lead in sponsorship activity, giving OPT holders strong options across the state.
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At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe.
Job Summary
As a Manufacturing Engineer II, you will be responsible for developing, implementing, and optimizing manufacturing processes to ensure the efficient and cost-effective production of high-quality products. You will work closely with cross-functional teams to resolve production issues, improve yield, and introduce new products.
Job Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes, including assembly, testing, and inspection, to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of threaded fasteners, bolted joints, clamp load theory, torque-angle relationships, and prevailing torque concepts.
- Serve as the subject matter expert (SME) for torque-controlled fastening processes and assembly operations.
- Understand product design, manufacturing processes, and operational challenges to develop effective fixture and tooling solutions.
- Support the installation, programming, validation, and troubleshooting of manual, pneumatic, electric, and DC torque tools.
- Conduct process capability studies and root cause analyses, and implement corrective and preventive actions for production issues.
- Develop and maintain process documentation, including work instructions, process flow diagrams, and control plans.
- Evaluate and select manufacturing equipment, tools, and fixtures, and oversee their implementation and qualification.
- Collaborate with design engineers to ensure the manufacturability of new products and provide input on design for manufacturing (DFM).
- Participate in new product introduction (NPI) activities, including process validation and production ramp-up.
- Monitor production metrics, analyze data, and identify areas for continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations, quality standards, and environmental policies.
- Lead or participate in Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives.
Job Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
- 3-5 years of experience in a manufacturing engineering role, preferably in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, including assembly, testing, and inspection.
- Experience troubleshooting fastening failures, stripped threads, cross-threading, loose fasteners, and torque-related defects.
- Proficiency in process improvement methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma.
- Experience with CAD software, such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD.
- Familiarity with statistical process control (SPC) and data analysis tools.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional team environment.
- Experience with new product introduction (NPI) and process validation is a plus.
- Ability to travel occasionally as required.
Benefits with Jabil
Along with growth, stability, and the opportunity to be challenged, Jabil offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, Dental, Prescription Drug, and Vision Insurance with HRA and HSA options
- 401(k) Match
- Employee Stock Purchase Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Pet Insurance
- Adoption Assistance
- Annual Merit Increases
- Community Volunteer Opportunities
BE AWARE OF FRAUD: When applying for a job at Jabil you will be contacted via correspondence through our official job portal with a jabil.com e-mail address; direct phone call from a member of the Jabil team; or direct e-mail with a jabil.com e-mail address. Jabil does not request payments for interviews or at any other point during the hiring process. Jabil will not ask for your personal identifying information such as a social security number, birth certificate, financial institution, driver’s license number or passport information over the phone or via e-mail. If you believe you are a victim of identity theft, contact the Federal Bureau of Investigations internet crime hotline (www.ic3.gov), the Federal Trade Commission identity theft hotline (www.identitytheft.gov) and/or your local police department. Any scam job listings should be reported to whatever website it was posted in.
Jabil, including its subsidiaries, is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Accessibility Accommodation
If you are a qualified individual with a disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access Jabil.com/Careers site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by sending an e-mail to Always_Accessible@Jabil.com or calling 727-803-7988 with the nature of your request and contact information. Please do not direct any other general employment related questions to this e-mail or phone number. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to.
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STEM OPT Biotech & Pharma Job Roles in Tennessee
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Search Biotech & Pharma Jobs in TennesseeBiotech & Pharma STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
Which biotech & pharma companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Tennessee?
Tennessee employers with a record of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in biotech and pharma include Pfizer's Memphis operations, Genoptix, and research-adjacent employers tied to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Contract research organizations operating in Nashville and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the greater Memphis area also appear in DOL Labor Condition Application filings for STEM OPT roles.
Which cities in Tennessee have the most biotech & pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Nashville concentrates the highest volume of biotech and pharma STEM OPT sponsorship activity, driven by its health-tech cluster and proximity to Vanderbilt's research ecosystem. Memphis is the secondary hub, with pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution employers filing LCAs for STEM-designated roles. Knoxville, home to Oak Ridge National Laboratory's affiliated private sector partners, also generates STEM OPT opportunities in life sciences and research.
How do I find biotech & pharma F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Tennessee?
Migrate Mate filters biotech and pharma job listings specifically for F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, surfacing Tennessee employers with verified sponsorship history based on DOL filing data. This saves significant time compared to manually reviewing LCA disclosures. Search by city, Nashville, Memphis, or Knoxville, and filter by role type such as research associate, regulatory affairs specialist, or quality control analyst to narrow results to positions that match your OPT authorization window.
What types of biotech & pharma roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Tennessee?
Roles that qualify must correspond to a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code tied to your degree. In Tennessee's biotech and pharma sector, qualifying positions commonly include bioinformatics analyst, clinical research associate, process development scientist, regulatory affairs specialist, quality assurance engineer, and pharmaceutical manufacturing technologist with a relevant engineering or chemistry degree. The specific CIP code match between your degree and the job's SOC classification determines eligibility, not the job title alone.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Tennessee's biotech sector?
Tennessee does not impose state-level visa sponsorship requirements, but employers in regulated biotech and pharma environments must meet federal E-Verify enrollment requirements for all STEM OPT hires, this is a federal condition, not Tennessee-specific. Tennessee's comparatively lower cost of operating a lab or manufacturing facility has attracted pharmaceutical contract manufacturers to the state, which can translate to more entry-level STEM OPT openings than in higher-cost biotech hubs. Always confirm an employer's E-Verify status before accepting an offer.