Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
Manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia draw from a strong industrial base spanning Northern Virginia's defense contractors, the Shenandoah Valley's food and beverage producers, and Richmond's advanced manufacturing sector. Major employers including Northrop Grumman, Honeywell, and Rolls-Royce have filed LCAs for engineering and operations roles suited to STEM OPT candidates.
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Get Access To All JobsAt ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Customer Quality Lead
The work model for the role is: Onsite, Richmond, VA
Your role and responsibilities:
As a customer Electrical Quality Specialist (Engineer), you will play a pivotal role in enhancing customer satisfaction by resolving complaints, analyzing defects, and providing actionable solutions. You will focus on ensuring the quality of Power Distribution Units (PDU), Static Transfer Switches (STS), and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for data centers and critical power applications. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to ABB's commitment to delivering high-quality products and services in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Ensure adherence to electrical safety standards while working on equipment, prioritizing both personal and team safety; Work closely with field service teams and process quality engineers to implement both containment and corrective actions swiftly and effectively.
- Analyze defective products returned by customers and prepare detailed 8D/Analysis reports, communicating findings and solutions directly to customers; Visit customer sites as required to resolve complaints, provide technical support, and gather first-hand insights into product performance.
- Visit customer sites to proactively address potential issues, gather feedback, and strengthen customer relationships; Follow up with service teams to collect defective materials, perform root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement in products and processes.
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing product quality and operational efficiency; Uphold ABB’s core values of safety and integrity, taking ownership of your actions and demonstrating care for your colleagues and the business.
Qualifications for the role:
- Bachelor degree in Electrical or Electronics engineering or a related discipline PLUS minimum 2 years experience in a manufacturing or quality control environment.
- Hands-on experience with transformers, PDUs, STSs, and UPS products. Proficiency in testing, troubleshooting, evaluating, and servicing electrical distribution and control systems, a plus.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics of electrical equipment and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
- Skilled in using electrical and electronics test equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power analyzers.
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, PPS and other process improvement methodologies is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of industry standards such as UL1561, NEMA ST-20, IEEE C57.12.01, IEEE C57.12.91, DOE 2016, UL891, and CSA C22.2 is an added advantage.
- Hands-on experience with Power Apps, Power Automate, or Power BI is preferred.
- Candidates must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.
More about us
ABB Smart Power provides energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing plants, critical infrastructure and commercial buildings. The Division’s technical teams work closely with industry partners, delivering advanced solutions that support rapid growth, energy transition, and sustainability objectives. The Division’s portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices like switches and relays. Its Power Protection unit supports the world’s largest data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. The Division’s ABB Ability™ Energy Manager provides a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Why ABB?
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
While base salary is determined by things such as the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience, this position is expected to pay between $58,500 and $93,600 annually.
LI-onsite
ABBCareers
RunwithABB
Runwhatrunstheworld
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.
This position reports to:
Customer Quality Lead
The work model for the role is: Onsite, Richmond, VA
Your role and responsibilities:
As a customer Electrical Quality Specialist (Engineer), you will play a pivotal role in enhancing customer satisfaction by resolving complaints, analyzing defects, and providing actionable solutions. You will focus on ensuring the quality of Power Distribution Units (PDU), Static Transfer Switches (STS), and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for data centers and critical power applications. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to ABB's commitment to delivering high-quality products and services in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
You will be mainly accountable for:
- Ensure adherence to electrical safety standards while working on equipment, prioritizing both personal and team safety; Work closely with field service teams and process quality engineers to implement both containment and corrective actions swiftly and effectively.
- Analyze defective products returned by customers and prepare detailed 8D/Analysis reports, communicating findings and solutions directly to customers; Visit customer sites as required to resolve complaints, provide technical support, and gather first-hand insights into product performance.
- Visit customer sites to proactively address potential issues, gather feedback, and strengthen customer relationships; Follow up with service teams to collect defective materials, perform root cause analysis, and drive continuous improvement in products and processes.
- Lead and participate in continuous improvement projects aimed at enhancing product quality and operational efficiency; Uphold ABB’s core values of safety and integrity, taking ownership of your actions and demonstrating care for your colleagues and the business.
Qualifications for the role:
- Bachelor degree in Electrical or Electronics engineering or a related discipline PLUS minimum 2 years experience in a manufacturing or quality control environment.
- Hands-on experience with transformers, PDUs, STSs, and UPS products. Proficiency in testing, troubleshooting, evaluating, and servicing electrical distribution and control systems, a plus.
- Ability to read and interpret schematics of electrical equipment and printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs).
- Skilled in using electrical and electronics test equipment such as power supplies, multimeters, oscilloscopes, and power analyzers.
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, PPS and other process improvement methodologies is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of industry standards such as UL1561, NEMA ST-20, IEEE C57.12.01, IEEE C57.12.91, DOE 2016, UL891, and CSA C22.2 is an added advantage.
- Hands-on experience with Power Apps, Power Automate, or Power BI is preferred.
- Candidates must already have work authorization that would permit them to work for ABB in the US.
More about us
ABB Smart Power provides energy distribution solutions for data centers, industrial and manufacturing plants, critical infrastructure and commercial buildings. The Division’s technical teams work closely with industry partners, delivering advanced solutions that support rapid growth, energy transition, and sustainability objectives. The Division’s portfolio includes industrial circuit breakers, low-voltage systems, motor starting applications, and safety devices like switches and relays. Its Power Protection unit supports the world’s largest data center companies with advanced energy-efficient UPS solutions. The Division’s ABB Ability™ Energy Manager provides a scalable, easy-to-use platform that helps organizations save energy and reduce CO2 emissions.
Why ABB?
What's in it for you
We empower you to take initiative, challenge ideas, and lead with confidence. You’ll grow through meaningful work, continuous learning, and support that’s tailored to your goals. Every idea you share and every action you take contributes to something bigger.
ABB is an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer for protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities at ABB.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their sex (gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation), marital status, citizenship, age, race and ethnicity, inclusive of traits historically associated with race or ethnicity, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles, color, religious creed, national origin, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal and state law.
For more information regarding your (EEO) rights as an applicant, please visit the following websites: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf
As an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer for Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities, applicants may request to review the plan of a particular ABB facility between the hours of 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. EST Monday through Friday by contacting an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762.
Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable accommodations by calling an ABB HR Representative at 1-888-694-7762 or by sending an email to US-AskHR@abb.com. Resumes and applications will not be accepted in this manner.
ABB Benefit Summary for eligible US employees
[excludes ABB E-mobility, Athens union, Puerto Rico]
Go to MyBenefitsABB.com and click on “Candidate/Guest” to learn more
Health, Life & Disability
- Choice between two medical plan options: A PPO plan called the Copay Plan OR a High Deductible Health Plan (with a Health Savings Account) called the High Deductible Plan.
- Choice between two dental plan options: Core and Core Plus
- Vision benefit
- Company paid life insurance (2X base pay)
- Company paid AD&D (1X base pay)
- Voluntary life and AD&D – 100% employee paid up to maximums
- Short Term Disability – up to 26 weeks – Company paid
- Long Term Disability – 60% of pay – Company paid. Ability to “buy-up” to 66 2/3% of pay.
- Supplemental benefits – 100% employee paid (Accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness, pet insurance)
- Paid Parental Leave
- Employee Assistance Program
- Health Advocate support resources for mental/behavioral health, general health navigation and virtual health, and infertility/adoption
- Employee discount program
Retirement
- 401k Savings Plan with Company Contributions
- Employee Stock Acquisition Plan (ESAP)
Time off
ABB provides 11 paid holidays. Salaried exempt positions are provided vacation under a permissive time away policy.
While base salary is determined by things such as the successful applicant’s qualifications and experience, this position is expected to pay between $58,500 and $93,600 annually.
LI-onsite
ABBCareers
RunwithABB
Runwhatrunstheworld
Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.
Ready to make an impact?
Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.
STEM OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Virginia
See all 45+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Virginia
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in VirginiaManufacturing STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Virginia?
Defense and aerospace contractors are among the most active STEM OPT sponsors in Virginia, with companies such as Northrop Grumman, Rolls-Royce, and Honeywell filing Labor Condition Applications for engineering and technical roles. Pharmaceutical and food-processing manufacturers in the Shenandoah Valley also participate, though sponsorship activity varies by facility and role. Checking OFLC disclosure data by employer and occupation code gives the clearest picture of actual filing history.
Which cities in Virginia have the most manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia's technology-adjacent manufacturing corridor, particularly around Reston and Sterling, sees strong demand for engineers and quality-assurance specialists. Richmond supports a diverse manufacturing base in chemicals, plastics, and food processing. The Shenandoah Valley cities of Harrisonburg and Staunton concentrate food and beverage production. Roanoke anchors advanced manufacturing in the western part of the state, with aerospace component suppliers actively hiring technical graduates.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles requiring a bachelor's degree or higher in an engineering, computer science, or applied science field most commonly qualify. In Virginia's manufacturing sector that includes industrial engineers, mechanical engineers, quality engineers, manufacturing process engineers, materials scientists, and supply-chain analysts with quantitative backgrounds. Production supervisor roles without a technical degree requirement generally do not qualify. The O*NET occupation profile for a given job code can confirm whether the role falls within a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs category.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for employers with verified F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship history, so you can search Virginia manufacturing roles without sifting through positions at companies that have never filed an LCA. Narrow results by occupation code, city, or employer to target defense contractors in Northern Virginia or food-processing operations in the Shenandoah Valley. Reviewing an employer's OFLC filing history before applying helps confirm that sponsorship is an established practice, not a one-off.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Virginia's manufacturing sector?
Virginia's large defense manufacturing segment means many roles require security clearances, which can complicate or delay sponsorship for F-1 students who are not yet permanent residents or citizens. Facilities that handle classified work are sometimes restricted from sponsoring certain visa categories altogether. Outside the defense sector, Virginia has no state-level immigration filing requirement beyond federal USCIS and DOL obligations, but employers in regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals must also satisfy FDA facility and personnel standards when onboarding international hires.