Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
Virginia's chemicals and materials sector spans defense-adjacent specialty chemicals, polymer manufacturing, and materials science research tied to federal contractors in Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads corridor. F-1 STEM OPT candidates in this field find sponsoring employers among companies such as Huntsman Corporation, Innodata, and W. R. Grace, alongside university-affiliated research commercialization programs.
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At Evonik, you’re part of a global chemical company working in many sectors that go beyond chemistry. From lipids for tomorrow’s medicines, biosurfactants for green detergents, additives for plastics recycling or membranes to help drive forward the energy transition, you’ll play an essential part in helping the world’s most essential industries succeed.
Our success hinges on a diversity of ideas powered by people, not egos. Whether you’re a scientist or engineer, new to the team or established, in business, production, or anything in between – we cheer each other on. Because we believe we can do anything. Explore everything. And Be Part of Something Special!
Find out more about the many benefits we offer:
https://www.evonik.com/en/careers/why.html
Meet the team and get to know the people behind Evonik:
https://www.evonik.com/en/news/meet-the-team.html
Responsibilities:
- Support product scale-up at manufacturing sites by participation in trial runs.
- Has basic knowledge of experimental goals and product chemistry.
- Work to spot inconsistencies in experiment procedures and/or equipment.
- Can prepare experimental synthesis procedure and calculations to meet objectives.
- Choose appropriate test and equipment from a known set of standard tests.
- Develop expertise in standard procedures and train others.
- Better understanding of synthesis procedures and basic understanding of analytical results.
- Configure, operate, clean, take apart complex reactor set-up.
- Troubleshoot lab systems.
- Analyze potential problems and effectively manage the problem-solving process until resolution.
- Set routine work tasks, adjust priorities and make progress toward work plan independently.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 6-8 years of experience including working in a chemical laboratory environment preferred. Relevant experience can be considered if less.
- Associate’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineer or similar field required. BS Degree preferred.
- Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate information in writing (ex. Emails, memos, progress reports).
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency with standard software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Foam lab synthesis preferred.
- SAP experience is preferred but not required.
The Evonik Group adopts an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) approach. Candidates are assessed based on their educational qualifications, experience, job competencies and potential and shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, nationality, disability or sexual orientation or other classifications protected by local, state, or provincial regulations.
Your Application
To ensure that your application is proceeded as quickly as possible and to protect the environment, please apply online via our careers portal. Further information about Evonik as Employer can be found at www.evonik.com/en/careers.html.
Please address your application to the Talent Acquisition Manager, stating your earliest possible starting date and your salary expectations.
Your Talent Acquisition Manager:
Justin Connelly
Company is
Evonik Corporation
What we offer
At Evonik, you’re part of a global chemical company working in many sectors that go beyond chemistry. From lipids for tomorrow’s medicines, biosurfactants for green detergents, additives for plastics recycling or membranes to help drive forward the energy transition, you’ll play an essential part in helping the world’s most essential industries succeed.
Our success hinges on a diversity of ideas powered by people, not egos. Whether you’re a scientist or engineer, new to the team or established, in business, production, or anything in between – we cheer each other on. Because we believe we can do anything. Explore everything. And Be Part of Something Special!
Find out more about the many benefits we offer:
https://www.evonik.com/en/careers/why.html
Meet the team and get to know the people behind Evonik:
https://www.evonik.com/en/news/meet-the-team.html
Responsibilities:
- Support product scale-up at manufacturing sites by participation in trial runs.
- Has basic knowledge of experimental goals and product chemistry.
- Work to spot inconsistencies in experiment procedures and/or equipment.
- Can prepare experimental synthesis procedure and calculations to meet objectives.
- Choose appropriate test and equipment from a known set of standard tests.
- Develop expertise in standard procedures and train others.
- Better understanding of synthesis procedures and basic understanding of analytical results.
- Configure, operate, clean, take apart complex reactor set-up.
- Troubleshoot lab systems.
- Analyze potential problems and effectively manage the problem-solving process until resolution.
- Set routine work tasks, adjust priorities and make progress toward work plan independently.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- 6-8 years of experience including working in a chemical laboratory environment preferred. Relevant experience can be considered if less.
- Associate’s degree in chemistry, Chemical Engineer or similar field required. BS Degree preferred.
- Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to effectively communicate information in writing (ex. Emails, memos, progress reports).
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Proficiency with standard software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Foam lab synthesis preferred.
- SAP experience is preferred but not required.
The Evonik Group adopts an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) approach. Candidates are assessed based on their educational qualifications, experience, job competencies and potential and shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, ethnicity, age, gender, religion, nationality, disability or sexual orientation or other classifications protected by local, state, or provincial regulations.
Your Application
To ensure that your application is proceeded as quickly as possible and to protect the environment, please apply online via our careers portal. Further information about Evonik as Employer can be found at www.evonik.com/en/careers.html.
Please address your application to the Talent Acquisition Manager, stating your earliest possible starting date and your salary expectations.
Your Talent Acquisition Manager:
Justin Connelly
Company is
Evonik Corporation
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in VirginiaChemicals & Materials STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals & materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Virginia?
Virginia hosts several chemicals and materials employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity, including specialty chemicals firms supporting defense and aerospace contracts in Fairfax and Arlington counties, polymer and coatings manufacturers in the Richmond metro, and advanced materials suppliers serving the semiconductor corridor around Loudoun County. Large diversified chemical companies with Virginia operations and federal contractor affiliates are among the most active sponsors in this industry segment.
Which cities in Virginia have the most chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia, particularly the Fairfax County and Arlington area, leads in sponsorship activity due to the concentration of defense contractors and federal research affiliates that use specialty chemicals and advanced materials. Richmond supports polymer, coatings, and process chemistry roles tied to its manufacturing base. Hampton Roads sees materials science demand from naval and shipbuilding industries, and Charlottesville hosts opportunities linked to University of Virginia research commercialization.
What types of chemicals & materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that fall under STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs codes typically qualify. In chemicals and materials, these include process chemist, materials scientist, polymer engineer, analytical chemist, chemical engineer, corrosion engineer, and research and development scientist positions. The role must appear on the employer's E-Verify enrollment and align with a qualifying STEM degree. O*NET occupation profiles can help confirm whether a specific job title meets the specialty requirement under USCIS guidelines.
How do I find chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate allows you to filter job listings specifically by visa type and industry, so you can search for verified chemicals and materials employers in Virginia who are set up to support F-1 STEM OPT extensions. Because STEM OPT requires E-Verify enrollment and a formal training plan, filtering for employers with active sponsorship history in this industry saves significant time compared to applying broadly and asking about sponsorship during interviews.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in chemicals & materials?
Virginia's large federal contracting ecosystem means many chemicals and materials employers hold security clearances or work on classified programs, which can complicate or limit sponsorship for international candidates depending on the role. Employers in defense-adjacent materials segments may have domestic-person requirements for certain positions. Candidates should confirm clearance eligibility and E-Verify enrollment directly with prospective employers before applying, as STEM OPT requires E-Verify participation regardless of contract type.