OPT Food Technologist Jobs
Food Technologist roles qualify as OPT-eligible specialty occupations under F-1 status, typically requiring a degree in food science, food engineering, or a closely related field. Most positions offer STEM OPT extension eligibility, giving you up to three years of authorized work experience in product development, quality assurance, or regulatory compliance.
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Get Access To All JobsSalary: $60,000 - $65,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Full Benefits, 401K, and PTO
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
Job Summary
Compass Group at the University of Kentucky - Lexington is adding a self-motivated individual for the role of a Retail Food Service Manager III as part of our UK - Hospitality team. In this role, you will advise the day-to-day operations and financial success of one or more retail foodservice locations on the university campus. This includes adhering to contract guidelines, the Health Department’s regulations, company standards, and expectations of food quality, freshness, and presentation.
With our rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance authoritatively and make an immediate impact on our hospitality operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Plans and supervises retail operations, maintains cash controls, payroll records, and oversees the hiring and training of our associates
- Ensures customer satisfaction and good public relations through the safe and efficient uses of resources
- Directs staff to provide scheduled retail services in accordance with corporate policies and presentation standards
- Trains associates in customer service, proper portioning, cashier skills, and safety/sanitation
- Completes all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the corporate policies and procedures on a timely basis meeting all prescribed deadlines
- Communicates effectively with all team members, clients and students
- Implements and maintains cash handling standards as outlined in the Corporate Policies and Procedures Manual to eliminate theft of services or Company funds
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. Degree or A.A. Degree plus three years of directly related experience preferred
- Minimum of one to three years of retail operational foodservice management experience preferred, depending upon formal degree or training
- Good knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, marketing and presentation
- P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
- Experience with cash retail operations
- Retail food marketing experience is highly desirable
- Supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills
- Good communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to communicate on various levels to include management, customer and associate levels
- Knowledge of financial, budgetary, accounting and computational practices
- Proficient computer skills to including various computer programs, Microsoft Office programs, e-mail and the Internet
Apply to Compass Group today!
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:
Req ID: 1588816
Compass Corporate
CINDY SCHOENFELD
Salary: $60,000 - $65,000
Other Forms of Compensation: Full Benefits, 401K, and PTO
A family of companies and experiences
As the leading foodservice and support services company, Compass Group USA is known for our great people, great service and our great results. If you’ve been hungry and away from home, chances are you’ve tasted Compass Group’s delicious food and experienced our outstanding service. We have over 284,000 US associates who work in award-winning restaurants, corporate cafes, hospitals, schools, arenas, museums, and more in all 50 states. Our reach is constantly expanding to shape the industry and create new opportunities for innovation. Join the Compass family today!
great people. great services. great results.
Each and every individual plays a key role in the growth and legacy of our company. We know the next big idea can come from anyone. We encourage developing and attracting expertise that differentiates us as a company as we continue to raise the bar.
Job Summary
Compass Group at the University of Kentucky - Lexington is adding a self-motivated individual for the role of a Retail Food Service Manager III as part of our UK - Hospitality team. In this role, you will advise the day-to-day operations and financial success of one or more retail foodservice locations on the university campus. This includes adhering to contract guidelines, the Health Department’s regulations, company standards, and expectations of food quality, freshness, and presentation.
With our rapid growth trajectory, there's immense potential for you to advance authoritatively and make an immediate impact on our hospitality operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Plans and supervises retail operations, maintains cash controls, payroll records, and oversees the hiring and training of our associates
- Ensures customer satisfaction and good public relations through the safe and efficient uses of resources
- Directs staff to provide scheduled retail services in accordance with corporate policies and presentation standards
- Trains associates in customer service, proper portioning, cashier skills, and safety/sanitation
- Completes all daily, weekly or monthly reports as outlined in the corporate policies and procedures on a timely basis meeting all prescribed deadlines
- Communicates effectively with all team members, clients and students
- Implements and maintains cash handling standards as outlined in the Corporate Policies and Procedures Manual to eliminate theft of services or Company funds
Preferred Qualifications
- B.S. Degree or A.A. Degree plus three years of directly related experience preferred
- Minimum of one to three years of retail operational foodservice management experience preferred, depending upon formal degree or training
- Good knowledge of food and catering trends with a focus on quality, production, sanitation, food cost controls, marketing and presentation
- P&L accountability and contract-managed service experience is desirable
- Experience with cash retail operations
- Retail food marketing experience is highly desirable
- Supervisory, leadership, management and coaching skills
- Good communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to communicate on various levels to include management, customer and associate levels
- Knowledge of financial, budgetary, accounting and computational practices
- Proficient computer skills to including various computer programs, Microsoft Office programs, e-mail and the Internet
Apply to Compass Group today!
Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.
Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.
Compass Corporate maintains a drug-free workplace.
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Associates at Corporate are offered many fantastic benefits.
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Life Insurance/ AD
- Disability Insurance
- Retirement Plan
- Paid Time Off
- Paid Parental Leave
- Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
- Personal Leave
- Associate Shopping Program
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Discount Marketplace
- Identity Theft Protection
- Pet Insurance
- Commuter Benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.
Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details:
Req ID: 1588816
Compass Corporate
CINDY SCHOENFELD
See all 255+ OPT Food Technologist Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Food Technologist Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship in Food Technologist
Lead with your degree field, not just your job title
Employers need to confirm your degree matches the role for OPT authorization. Explicitly connect your food science or food engineering degree to the job description in your resume summary and cover letter to make that link obvious.
Target companies with established OPT hiring patterns
Large food manufacturers and ingredient suppliers hire OPT students more consistently than small regional producers. Companies like Kraft Heinz, Cargill, and Ingredion have dedicated university recruiting pipelines and familiarity with OPT work authorization requirements.
Emphasize STEM OPT extension eligibility upfront
Food Technology typically qualifies for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving employers three years of authorized work. Mentioning this in applications reduces perceived hiring risk and addresses the most common employer hesitation before it becomes a barrier.
Align your experience with regulatory and quality roles
Food safety, HACCP compliance, and FDA regulatory roles are high-demand areas where OPT candidates with relevant coursework stand out. Framing your skills around compliance and safety makes you directly useful in functions every food company must staff.
Get your timing right with DSO reporting
Any change in employer, job location, or role must be reported to your DSO within 10 days. Starting a new Food Technologist position before your OPT authorization reflects the correct employer and CIP code creates compliance risk that can jeopardize your status.
Use your university's food science industry network
Food science programs at land-grant universities often have direct relationships with regional processors and national brands. Faculty advisors and alumni in R&D or quality roles can surface OPT-friendly employers who rarely post publicly but hire regularly through referrals.
Food Technologist OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Food Technologist role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, in most cases. Food Technology and Food Science programs are classified under CIP codes that qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to three years of total work authorization. Confirm your specific degree program's CIP code with your DSO, since closely related majors like nutrition may not qualify depending on how your institution classified them.
What degree fields satisfy the specialty occupation requirement for Food Technologist OPT jobs?
Food science, food engineering, food technology, agricultural and biological engineering, and chemistry are the most directly qualifying degrees. Some employers also accept biochemistry or microbiology if your coursework covered food systems or processing. The degree field needs to align specifically with the job duties, so a general biology degree with no food science coursework may not satisfy the requirement if the employer is asked to justify it.
How do I find Food Technologist jobs where employers are open to OPT students?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for F-1 OPT and visa-sponsored job searches, so you can browse Food Technologist openings filtered by sponsorship and OPT-friendliness without wading through listings from employers who won't consider work-authorized candidates. Large food manufacturers, ingredient companies, and contract testing labs tend to be the most OPT-receptive segments of the industry.
Can I work for a food testing laboratory or contract research organization on OPT?
Yes, contract labs and CROs that conduct food safety testing, sensory analysis, or regulatory compliance work count as valid OPT employment as long as the role matches your degree field and you're working at least 20 hours per week. Make sure your employer is listed correctly on your OPT EAD and that any site changes are reported to your DSO promptly, since contract roles sometimes shift physical work locations.
What happens if my Food Technologist OPT job is restructured and my role changes significantly?
If your job title, core duties, or employer of record changes substantially, you need to report the update to your DSO within 10 days and verify the new role still qualifies under your OPT authorization. A minor title change within the same department usually doesn't create issues. A shift from a technical R&D function to a sales or general management role could, since it may no longer satisfy the specialty occupation and degree-match requirements tied to your OPT.