Chemicals & Materials OPT Jobs in Virginia
Chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia draw on the state's strength in defense-adjacent materials science, polymer research, and specialty chemicals manufacturing. Companies like Huntsman, Cytec (now Solvay), and federal contractors near Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor regularly hire OPT candidates in engineering and research roles.
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INTRODUCTION
Imagine yourself…
- Doing meaningful work that makes an everyday impact on the world around you.
- Growing your expertise and expanding your skillset with every project.
- Collaborating with a vibrant, inclusive, global team.
It’s possible with a role at ChemTreat.
ChemTreat, a Veralto company, is the nation’s largest and fastest-growing specialty chemical company dedicated solely to industrial water treatment. Our 2,000 associates across North and South America help customers—from power producers to food and beverage companies to the automotive industry—optimize operations while protecting people and the environment.
When you join the ChemTreat team and the broader Veralto network, you’ll have the chance to shape the future of both your career and the planet. You’ll have opportunities to build new skills and invest in your development, all while doing meaningful work that impacts the world’s vital water resources.
WE OFFER:
- Competitive compensation and benefits
- Hybrid work environment
- Professional onboarding and training options
- Career coaching and development opportunities
- Health benefits (effective day one)
- 401(k) with company match
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Global Trade Compliance Manager, the Global Trade Compliance Specialist supports day-to-day import/export operations and trade compliance activities across ChemTreat’s international supply chain network.
This is a highly operational role focused on international shipment execution, import/export documentation, customs coordination, and trade compliance support. You will work closely with Customer Service, Logistics, Supply Chain, Finance, Product Management, external customs brokers, and freight forwarders to ensure the compliant and efficient movement of goods across international borders.
In This Role, a Typical Day Will Look Like:
- Support day-to-day import and export operations for international shipments.
- Prepare, review, and maintain trade documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, and shipper instruction letters.
- Coordinate directly with customs brokers and freight forwarders on shipment processing, documentation requirements, and operational follow-up.
- Monitor shipment issues, customs holds, and documentation gaps — coordinating resolution with internal and external stakeholders.
- Support Restricted Party Screening activities and escalation processes.
- Assist with HTS classification, Schedule B, ECCN, and country of origin data maintenance.
- Support process improvement initiatives related to shipment execution, trade documentation, and operational efficiency.
- Maintain trade compliance records, shipment audit files, and databases in accordance with company policies and applicable regulations.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, International Business, Logistics, Trade Compliance, or related field.
- 2–5 years of experience in import/export operations, freight forwarding, customs brokerage support, or trade compliance.
- Familiarity with import/export documentation and customs processes (HTS, AES/EEI, Incoterms, Restricted Party Screening).
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Office Suite.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in the chemical industry or with hazardous materials shipments.
- Experience with Descartes Export Documentation Manager (EDM), Microsoft D365, or Descartes Visual Compliance.
- Familiarity with ACE Portal, OneSource Global Trade, or Kissflow.
- Prior experience supporting international shipment execution in a manufacturing or distribution environment.
LOCATION
This position is based in Glen Allen, Virginia, and operates in a hybrid work model.
COMPENSATION
The compensation range for this role is $85,000.00 - $90,000.00 USD per year. This job is also eligible for Bonus Pay.
We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
US ONLY:
The below range reflects the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future. An associate’s position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, shift, travel requirements, sales or revenue-based metrics, any collective bargaining agreements, and business or organizational needs.
Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.
EEO STATEMENT
Veralto is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Veralto Corporation and all Veralto Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law. We value diversity and the existence of similarities and differences, both visible and not, found in our workforce, workplace and throughout the markets we serve. Our associates, customers and shareholders contribute unique and different perspectives as a result of these diverse attributes.
The EEO posters are available here.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at applyassistance@veralto.com to request accommodation.
UNSOLICITED ASSISTANCE
We do not accept unsolicited assistance from any headhunters or recruitment firms for any of our job openings. All resumes or profiles submitted by search firms to any employee at any of the Veralto companies, in any form without a valid, signed search agreement in place for the specific position, approved by Talent Acquisition, will be deemed the sole property of Veralto and its companies. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Veralto and its companies because of the unsolicited referral.
OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in VirginiaChemicals & Materials OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals and materials companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Virginia?
Virginia-based employers with a track record of hiring OPT candidates in chemicals and materials include Huntsman Corporation, Solvay (formerly Cytec Industries), and specialty coatings and polymer firms concentrated in the Northern Virginia and Richmond corridors. Defense contractors like Leidos and Northrop Grumman also hire materials scientists and chemical engineers on OPT for government-adjacent R&D projects, particularly around Hampton Roads and the DC metro area.
Which cities in Virginia have the most chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly the Fairfax and Arlington areas, sees strong demand for materials scientists and chemical engineers tied to federal contracting. Richmond has a concentration of specialty chemicals and coatings manufacturers. The Hampton Roads region, including Newport News and Norfolk, supports materials R&D connected to shipbuilding and defense. Blacksburg, home to Virginia Tech, also generates OPT hiring through university-affiliated industry partnerships.
What types of chemicals and materials roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly qualify include process engineer, materials scientist, quality assurance chemist, R&D chemist, polymer engineer, environmental health and safety analyst, and chemical engineer in manufacturing or formulation. These positions generally require a bachelor's degree or higher in chemistry, chemical engineering, materials science, or a related field, which aligns with OPT eligibility requirements tying work authorization to your degree field of study.
How do I find chemicals and materials F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters chemicals and materials jobs in Virginia by visa type, including F-1 OPT, so you avoid wasting time applying to roles that won't support your status. You can search by industry, location, and OPT compatibility in one place. Beyond Migrate Mate, targeting employers with existing STEM OPT sponsorship history in the chemicals sector improves your odds of a straightforward authorization process.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in the chemicals and materials industry?
Virginia's large federal contracting presence means some chemicals and materials roles require security clearances, which non-U.S. citizens on OPT typically cannot obtain. This narrows the pool of accessible positions, particularly in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads. However, commercial chemicals, coatings, and materials manufacturing employers across Richmond and the Shenandoah Valley generally do not have clearance requirements, making those sectors more accessible for OPT candidates.