Chemicals & Materials STEM OPT Jobs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin's chemicals and materials sector spans industrial manufacturers in Milwaukee and Green Bay, specialty chemical producers in Racine and Kenosha, and polymer and coatings companies along the Lake Michigan corridor. F-1 students on STEM OPT pursuing roles in process engineering, materials science, and quality assurance will find employers here with documented sponsorship histories in this sector.
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WHY DO WE NEED YOU?
If you want to reshape the world and discover your greatest potential, Saint-Gobain provides one-of-a-kind opportunities for innovative problem solvers.
We're one of only two companies in the world that is consistently recognized as both a top Global Employer and a Top 100 Global Innovator, but Saint-Gobain's remarkable story and culture of innovation begins with a team of nearly 200,000 creative, diverse and passionate team members collaborating across the globe. We are committed to our mission to improve lives because, every day, we witness the enormous impact of our efforts in the world around us.
The Automation Engineer is responsible for specifying, installing, documenting, and troubleshooting automation equipment for new and existing products and processes, translating conceptual designs into functional equipment and products within our Portage Manufacturing facility.
In this role, the Automation Engineer will improve plant and equipment operating efficiency by providing automation and engineering support to the plant operations. This is a highly technical role that has three (3) main components:
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Ideation/deployment – assess current production efficiencies and develop proposals for improvements through completion of World Class Manufacturing (WCM) Green Belt, Six Sigma projects, WCM cost saving projects and automation solutions
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Design/build – execute and validate capital cost saving programs to improve quality of product and labor efficiency
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Installation/startup – ensure the successful start-up of new equipment into production utilizing the Installation, Operation and Process Qualifications (IQ/OQ/PQ) and Management of Change (MOC) on all new processes and tools; you will also support existing manufacturing equipment in use on the production floor
The Automation Engineer will interface with process experts to identify and solve safety, quality, delivery and efficiency improvements. This role will recommend and procure capital equipment as well as assist our internal Development Center in implementing activities and troubleshooting processes. You’ll collaborate with other Engineering teams throughout the facility to integrate automation designs onto the production floor, knowledge sharing across Engineering teams. All employees are expected to exhibit safety awareness and model safe work practices in all aspects of the job.
Ideal candidates will need to have proven experience in project management (utilization of project management skills to define, plan, track, document and bringing projects to successful completion on time), experience using CAD or other related design software and have strong troubleshooting / problem solving skills.
Knowledge of 3D printing in a practical environment as well as experience with robotic controls and programming is preferred.
IS THIS JOB FOR YOU?
Qualifications
- A Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical or Manufacturing is required
- 2+ years of experience as an Automation Engineer is required
- Computer, data collection, and analysis skills necessary to fulfill job responsibilities
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings is required
Legal Statement
Saint-Gobain provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Saint-Gobain is an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and supports the hiring of veterans.
A LITTLE MORE ABOUT US
Saint-Gobain's innovations touch almost every major industry around the world. Within its Life Sciences division, teams are solving critical problems for customers who are getting life-saving medical devices to the frontlines of healthcare, discovering essential medications, and nourishing and connecting the world through consumer, industrial and electronics applications. As one of the world's leading producers of high-performance polymer products, we improve lives by making simple experiences better and being there in life's critical moments.
Our team members recognize that we all create the environment for people to succeed, with a culture built on respect, open and honest communication, and honoring our commitments to our customers and each other. And at the heart of our culture, we’ve learned working together makes good ideas, great ones.
With a legacy dating back more than 350 years, Saint-Gobain offers employees the stability and security of a leading Global 500 corporation while operating like multiple small and agile start-ups, where entrepreneurial spirit, pioneering teamwork, and bold, forward-thinking ideas pave new paths.
Every team member is encouraged to develop and leverage their unique expertise and strengths to make the greatest impact on the company and our end users. At Saint-Gobain, you’re empowered and equipped with countless opportunities and resources for professional development. You will find the support you need to create a vision and roadmap for your career, and make that vision a reality.
Invent yourself at Saint-Gobain Life Sciences, and together we’ll create a better life.
TO MAKE SURE NOTHING IS FORGOTTEN
Certain locations require pay information to be provided in job postings. Saint-Gobain aims to deliver a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support our employees’ well-being and help improve their daily lives for themselves and their families. We believe in the importance of pay transparency in what we offer potential candidates. Provided is the national pay range for this position, which is $72,500 to $115,500 per year. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, internal equity, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, among other factors.
In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for an annual bonus. The targeted bonus amount is 9% of base salary based on company and individual performance measures. The Total Target Cash range (base pay and annual bonus) for this position is $79,025 to $136,290. Bonus payments are part of variable compensation and, by nature, can vary based on company and individual performance and are not a guarantee.
Employees have the flexibility to choose the benefits that best fit their individual needs.
- Health and Wellbeing – Supporting your wellbeing, to thrive in life and work.
- Medical, Prescription Drug, Vision, and Dental Insurance
- Healthcare Saving Account and Flexible Spending Account options
- LiveWell Wellness Program
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
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Paid Time Off and Paid Parental Leave
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Retirement and Protection – Helping to make the future life you want a reality.
- 401(k) with Company Match, Retirement Accumulation Plan (RAP), Cash Balance Pension Plan
- Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability
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Voluntary employee and dependent life insurance, Long-Term Disability, Critical Illness, and Accident Insurance
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Additional Benefits – Helping shape the experience and impact you want
- Commuter Benefits
- Group Legal
- Identity Theft Protection
- Auto and Home Insurance
- Pet Insurance and Discounts
- Back-up Child & Elder Care
- PerkSpot Employee Discount Program
Job Reference: USA15687
STEM OPT Chemicals & Materials Job Roles in Wisconsin
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Search Chemicals & Materials Jobs in WisconsinChemicals & Materials STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Wisconsin: Frequently Asked Questions
Which chemicals & materials companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity in the chemicals and materials sector include Kohler Co., S.C. Johnson, Bemis Manufacturing, and specialty chemical producers operating in the Milwaukee, Racine, and Kenosha areas. Larger manufacturers in the Fox Valley region also file Labor Condition Applications for materials science and process engineering roles. Sponsorship practices vary by employer and by specific role, so verifying each company's filing history before applying is important.
Which cities in Wisconsin have the most chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Milwaukee is the primary hub, home to specialty chemical firms and advanced materials manufacturers with active F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship records. Racine and Kenosha, located along the Illinois border, host polymer, coatings, and consumer products companies with engineering hiring programs. The Fox Valley corridor, including Appleton and Oshkosh, supports paper-derived and industrial chemical employers. Madison also draws materials-focused roles tied to research-intensive manufacturing operations.
What types of chemicals & materials roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that commonly qualify include process engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, quality control, R&D chemistry, polymer science, and environmental compliance. These positions typically require a bachelor's degree or higher in a STEM field directly related to the job function, which is a core requirement for STEM OPT eligibility. Positions with primarily operational or administrative duties, where a STEM degree is incidental rather than required, are less likely to qualify. USCIS guidance on STEM-designated degree programs governs eligibility.
How do I find chemicals & materials F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Wisconsin?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters chemicals and materials jobs by visa sponsorship type, including F-1 STEM OPT, so you can focus on Wisconsin employers with verified sponsorship activity rather than cold-applying to companies with unknown histories. You can filter by role type, location within Wisconsin, and STEM OPT eligibility. Supplement your search by reviewing OFLC Wage Search data to understand prevailing wage filings by occupation and county across the state.
Are there state-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Wisconsin's chemicals & materials industry?
Wisconsin does not impose state-level visa sponsorship requirements beyond federal rules, but the state's manufacturing concentration means many sponsoring employers are mid-size industrial companies rather than large multinational corporations. Some smaller manufacturers may be less experienced with STEM OPT training plan requirements under the Form I-983. F-1 students should confirm that a prospective employer has an E-Verify enrollment, which is federally required for all STEM OPT extensions, before accepting an offer.