CPT Food Scientist Jobs
Food Scientist roles in product development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance qualify for CPT when your DSO confirms the work directly integrates with your food science, nutrition, or related degree program. CPT authorization must be in place before your first day, and your I-20 must reflect the updated practical training dates.
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INTRODUCTION
Welcome to Gordon Food Service! We are excited that you are thinking about opportunities with us, and we have an amazing story to share. See below for a quick glance of who we are and the impact you could have on the food service industry. There's a seat at our table for you...
Looking to build connections, careers, and a future at one of North America's largest food service distributors? Do this and more as a Gordon Food Service intern at our Home Office!
Our 12-week paid internship program offers firsthand experience and meaningful projects that have an impact on our business. Throughout the program, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside industry professionals receiving mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities that will expose you to various aspects of our industry.
Build Connections By:
Working alongside our Food Safety and Quality department team that serves our customers, employees, and partners across North America and Canada. Collaborating with other Gordon Food Service interns and employees in the following areas:
- Communications
- Finance
- Accounting
- Human Resources
- IT
- Marketing & Merchandising
- Supply Chain
- Sales
Build a Career:
In the Food Safety and Quality department by:
- Product Review: The intern will assist in evaluating imported and commodity products to ensure they meet established food safety and quality standards. This may include reviewing product specifications, ingredient lists, and processing methods.
- Specification Review and Approval: A key responsibility will be to review and facilitate the approval process for product specifications. This involves ensuring all necessary details are accurately documented and comply with regulatory and internal requirements.
- Supplier Qualification Document Review: The intern will be involved in examining documentation submitted by potential and existing suppliers to verify their adherence to food safety and quality protocols. This will contribute to maintaining a robust and compliant supplier network.
- Food Safety Related Project: In addition to these ongoing responsibilities, the intern will be assigned a specific food safety related project. The scope and nature of this project will be determined, providing an opportunity for the intern to apply their knowledge and contribute to a meaningful initiative within the department. This project will allow for the development of practical skills and a deeper understanding of food safety challenges in the imports and commodities sector.
Build the Future by:
Being an intern at Gordon Food Service, North America's largest family-owned broadline food service distributor and working alongside our department:
- Attending unique networking opportunities in and outside the office.
- Engaging in our mentorship program.
- Shadowing jobs across the organization to explore your career path potential.
- Participating in Gordon Food Services’ community and stewardship efforts.
- Developing personal and professional skills through workshops about communication, LinkedIn, presenting, and more.
- Embedding directly with a team that treats AI as a core collaborator. You will gain hands-on experience using and developing intelligent systems to deliver real-world business impact.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Meet the following qualifications to be considered for our 2027 internship program:
- Currently enrolled in a university pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Food Safety, biology, environmental health and related fields.
- Must be authorized to work in the US.
- Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Taking advantage of our competitive benefits package including:
- Paid Weekly
- Flex Hours
- Gordon Food Service Store Discount
- Employee Assistance Program
Ready to start building? Apply today!
BE PART OF AN AMAZING CULTURE WHERE WHAT MATTERS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!
Gordon Food Service values our customers and understands that their success is largely dependent upon their workforce. To demonstrate our commitment to our partnership, we will require any candidate who works for a Gordon Food Service customer to provide a letter of support from their management if they are selected for the interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity is a matter of policy at Gordon Food Service, Inc. and we are committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process due to a disability, please submit your request to talent@gfs.com and use the words “Accommodation Request” in your subject line.
All Gordon Food Service locations are tobacco-free.
Gordon Food Service is a drug-free workplace and conducts pre-employment drug tests.
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Get Access To All JobsFood Scientist CPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a food scientist role at a food manufacturer qualify for CPT?
Yes, if the work is an integral part of your degree program and your DSO approves it. Roles in product development, quality control, regulatory affairs, and sensory science at food manufacturers commonly qualify when tied to food science, nutrition, or related coursework. Your school, not the employer, makes the final CPT determination based on your specific curriculum.
Can I do CPT at a government food safety agency or research lab?
Yes. Federal agencies like the FDA, USDA, and EPA hire food science students for internships and research roles that qualify for CPT. The same rules apply: your DSO must authorize the placement before you start, and the work must connect to your degree program. Government positions often require additional background screening, so start the process earlier than you would for a private employer.
How do I find food scientist employers who won't hesitate on CPT paperwork?
Migrate Mate lets you filter food scientist roles by employers with verified sponsorship history, which signals familiarity with international student work authorization. Companies that have previously hired on OPT or H-1B visa understand CPT documentation requirements and are less likely to rescind offers over authorization delays.
Does full-time CPT during the school year affect my OPT eligibility?
Yes. If you accumulate 12 or more months of full-time CPT, you lose your OPT eligibility entirely. Part-time CPT, regardless of duration, doesn't affect OPT. If your food scientist role is full-time, track your cumulative CPT days carefully across all authorizations. Your DSO can confirm your running total before you accept a new placement.
What happens if my food scientist CPT employer wants to extend my internship past my I-20 end date?
You'll need a program extension approved by your DSO before your current I-20 expires. Your academic advisor must confirm the extended CPT still fits within your degree requirements. CPT authorization is tied to your I-20 validity dates, so working even one day past those dates without an updated I-20 puts your F-1 status at risk.