Rich Products OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Rich Products is a global food manufacturing company that hires OPT students across food science, engineering, supply chain, and business functions. It supports the OPT-to-H-1B visa transition and is enrolled in E-Verify, making it a practical option for F-1 students seeking post-graduation work experience in the food and beverage industry.
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Get Access To All JobsRich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Purpose Statement
Rich Products, a $5.5 Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Product Development Scientist I to join our growing R&D Team. In this role, you will be responsible for new product development, product maintenance and product improvement for our desserts category.
In this role, you will collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure successful development and commercialization of new products, product improvement or cost reductions. You will conduct routine, non-routine and complex research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical complexity of product formulations in order to develop new products and evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes.
You will successfully partner with others cross-functionally.
This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of 30%.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
New Product Development/Product Improvements/Cost reductions (40%)
- Prepares prototype products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment, as required.
- Administers and coordinates routine assignments, small projects or segments of larger projects, assisting in defining project objectives, organizing and prioritizing tasks and conducting necessary experiments and analyses.
- Interfaces frequently with various internal departments (e.g. Marketing, Procurement, Engineering, QA and Operations) and customers in accomplishing project milestones.
- Selects and evaluates raw materials for experiments.
- Sets-up, operates and maintains pilot lab and research lab equipment.
- Designs and conducts basic shelf life and storage studies, including product and package performance evaluations under various conditions.
- Demonstrates new and existing products to staff and/or customers.
- Performs basic measurements and statistical analysis.
Technical Support (45%)
- Presents results of basic experiments and recommendations to various groups, both internally and externally.
- Orders materials for producing and evaluating basic prototypes.
- Develops solutions to routine technical problems by applying basic technical knowledge and experience.
Record-keeping (10%)
- Maintains accurate, up to date records, laboratory notebooks and computer database.
- Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol.
- Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.
- Maintains a sanitary, safe and orderly work environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field.
- Knowledge of advanced mathematics (i.e. statistics) and their practical application.
- Broad understanding of food science (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired through both lecture and laboratory work.
- Ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques.
- Solid verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment.
Work Environment & Safety Notice
- Research and Development laboratories are not food-allergen-free environments. Individuals with severe food allergies should consider this before applying.
- Employees may occasionally be exposed to Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) detergents through smell or incidental contact during routine operations.
- Exposure to food ingredients, chemicals, and cleaning agents is expected; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided to minimize risks.
- Work may occur in varying temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely.
- Stand for 6 or more hours during the workday, with opportunities for sitting.
- Regular bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching to access equipment, materials, and storage areas.
- Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights, including occasional climbing of ladders or steps.
- Push, pull, and maneuver carts, bins, and equipment, including heavy items with the assistance of mechanical aids when necessary.
- Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision instruments.
- Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively as required for operating various laboratory or production equipment.
- Sensory ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, and products through taste, smell, touch, and visual inspection.
- Ability to follow all safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices.
COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$65,456.00 - $88,558.00
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Associate Experience Network at hrhelp@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Purpose Statement
Rich Products, a $5.5 Billion food manufacturing company, is looking for a Product Development Scientist I to join our growing R&D Team. In this role, you will be responsible for new product development, product maintenance and product improvement for our desserts category.
In this role, you will collaborate with cross functional teams to ensure successful development and commercialization of new products, product improvement or cost reductions. You will conduct routine, non-routine and complex research and development activities concerned with the chemical, biological and/or physical complexity of product formulations in order to develop new products and evaluate and improve the quality of existing products and related processes.
You will successfully partner with others cross-functionally.
This role is based in Buffalo, NY, with expected travel of 30%.
Key Accountabilities and Outcomes
New Product Development/Product Improvements/Cost reductions (40%)
- Prepares prototype products using research lab, pilot lab, manufacturing facilities and equipment, as required.
- Administers and coordinates routine assignments, small projects or segments of larger projects, assisting in defining project objectives, organizing and prioritizing tasks and conducting necessary experiments and analyses.
- Interfaces frequently with various internal departments (e.g. Marketing, Procurement, Engineering, QA and Operations) and customers in accomplishing project milestones.
- Selects and evaluates raw materials for experiments.
- Sets-up, operates and maintains pilot lab and research lab equipment.
- Designs and conducts basic shelf life and storage studies, including product and package performance evaluations under various conditions.
- Demonstrates new and existing products to staff and/or customers.
- Performs basic measurements and statistical analysis.
Technical Support (45%)
- Presents results of basic experiments and recommendations to various groups, both internally and externally.
- Orders materials for producing and evaluating basic prototypes.
- Develops solutions to routine technical problems by applying basic technical knowledge and experience.
Record-keeping (10%)
- Maintains accurate, up to date records, laboratory notebooks and computer database.
- Prepare and document all plant validation trials according to department protocol.
- Ensures the work environment is sanitary, safe, and orderly.
- Maintains a sanitary, safe and orderly work environment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field.
- Knowledge of advanced mathematics (i.e. statistics) and their practical application.
- Broad understanding of food science (e.g. biochemistry, microbiology, nutrition, etc.) acquired through both lecture and laboratory work.
- Ability to apply technical standards, principles, theories, concepts and techniques.
- Solid verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced environment.
Work Environment & Safety Notice
- Research and Development laboratories are not food-allergen-free environments. Individuals with severe food allergies should consider this before applying.
- Employees may occasionally be exposed to Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) detergents through smell or incidental contact during routine operations.
- Exposure to food ingredients, chemicals, and cleaning agents is expected; appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety training will be provided to minimize risks.
- Work may occur in varying temperature environments, including refrigerated and heated areas.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs safely.
- Stand for 6 or more hours during the workday, with opportunities for sitting.
- Regular bending, stooping, crouching, and reaching to access equipment, materials, and storage areas.
- Ability to work in confined spaces and at various heights, including occasional climbing of ladders or steps.
- Push, pull, and maneuver carts, bins, and equipment, including heavy items with the assistance of mechanical aids when necessary.
- Manual dexterity and fine motor skills for handling small components and operating precision instruments.
- Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and effectively as required for operating various laboratory or production equipment.
- Sensory ability to compare and distinguish differences in ingredients, materials, and products through taste, smell, touch, and visual inspection.
- Ability to follow all safety protocols, including proper lifting techniques and ergonomic practices.
COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$65,456.00 - $88,558.00
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity, standing up for fairness and maintaining a culture of belonging, to provide an exceptional experience for all. We will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, military or veteran status, or any other Federal or State legally protected classes. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Associate Experience Network at hrhelp@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Job Roles at Rich Products
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Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding Rich Products OPT Eligible Jobs USA
Target food science and engineering roles
Rich Products fills technical roles in product development, quality assurance, and process engineering where F-1 credentials align directly. Prioritize applications to those departments over corporate functions, since OPT students with food science or engineering degrees face less competition from domestic candidates in those specialties.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
STEM OPT's 24-month extension requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Rich Products is enrolled, but confirm this formally before signing an offer letter. If your role changes divisions or entities after a merger, re-verify enrollment status, since E-Verify registration is tied to the specific employing entity.
Align your OPT end date with Rich Products's hiring cycle
Rich Products runs structured internship and new-graduate cohorts on predictable seasonal timelines. Apply three to four months before your OPT start date so your authorization window overlaps with their onboarding calendar. Starting a USCIS OPT application late compresses your usable work window before a full-time offer is made.
Benchmark your salary against OFLC Wage Search data
Before negotiating your offer, look up prevailing wage levels for your role and location using the OFLC Wage Search. Rich Products's food manufacturing and R&D roles are classified under specific SOC codes. Knowing the Level I and Level II wage bands helps you assess whether an offer is positioned for a future H-1B filing.
Search Rich Products's OPT filing history on Migrate Mate
Use Migrate Mate to review Rich Products's verified visa filing history by role type and location. This shows which job titles and office sites have the strongest track record of OPT-to-H-1B transitions, so you can target your application toward teams with documented sponsorship patterns rather than guessing.
Prepare your I-983 training plan before your start date
STEM OPT requires a completed Form I-983 training plan signed by your employer before your extension begins. Work with Rich Products's HR team to document your learning objectives and supervisor details in advance. A delayed or incomplete I-983 can stall your STEM extension even if USCIS approves the application itself.
Rich Products OPT Eligibility: Frequently Asked Questions
Does Rich Products sponsor OPT visas?
Rich Products hires F-1 students who already hold an OPT EAD issued by USCIS. The company doesn't petition for OPT itself, since OPT is authorization granted directly to the student. Rich Products is enrolled in E-Verify, which means it can also support the 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible graduates in qualifying roles.
Which departments at Rich Products typically hire OPT students?
Food science, product development, quality assurance, process engineering, and supply chain are the departments that most consistently bring on OPT students at Rich Products. These functions rely on technical degrees that align with F-1 STEM designations. Corporate functions like finance and marketing also hire OPT students but at lower volumes.
How do I start the process of getting hired at Rich Products on OPT?
Apply through Rich Products's career portal and indicate your OPT authorization status in your application. During the offer process, confirm that the employing entity is E-Verify enrolled and request the SOC code for your role. For STEM OPT, your DSO must recommend the extension before USCIS processes it, so start that coordination early with your university.
How do I know if Rich Products will sponsor my H-1B after OPT?
Rich Products has a history of supporting the OPT-to-H-1B transition for employees in technical and engineering roles. Use Migrate Mate to review the company's H-1B filing history by job title and location. Strong indicators include prior filings in your specific department and whether the company has sponsored H-1B for recent hires in comparable roles.
What timeline should I expect when transitioning from OPT to H-1B at Rich Products?
H-1B petitions are filed in April for an October 1 start date. If your OPT expires before October 1 and you're selected in the H-1B lottery, the cap-gap rule extends your OPT authorization automatically. Rich Products's HR and legal teams typically begin H-1B preparation with selected employees several months before the April filing window opens.
How does Rich Products hire OPT students?
OPT is work authorization granted directly to F-1 students after graduation — no employer petition is required. Rich Products can hire OPT students as soon as their EAD card is approved. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by 24 months when their employer is enrolled in E-Verify. Most companies that hire OPT students also support the transition to H-1B when the student's OPT period is ending. Check Rich Products's individual postings on Migrate Mate to confirm OPT acceptance per role.