Retail STEM OPT Jobs in California
Retail F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California are concentrated among large omnichannel retailers and e-commerce operations headquartered in the state, including companies like Amazon, Gap Inc., and Levi Strauss, with hiring clusters in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. STEM-designated roles in retail data analytics, supply chain technology, and e-commerce engineering are the most common sponsorship pathways.
Find Retail JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 74+ Retail STEM OPT Jobs in California
See all 74+ Retail STEM OPT Jobs in California
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Retail STEM OPT Jobs in California.
Get Access To All JobsLocation - Vista, CA - On Site
Salary - 84K - 89K
Position Summary
The Associate R&D Process Engineer, Business Sustaining, supports material, formula & process sustainment activities across softgel, gummy, and packaging operations, ensuring robust, compliant, and efficient manufacturing processes. This role assists in implementing material and process changes, executing engineering trials, maintaining process documentation, and supporting cross‑functional investigations. Working under the guidance of the Senior R&D Process Engineer, the Associate contributes to scale‑up readiness, process optimization, and documentation accuracy across Product Development, Operations, and QA. The position is designed to grow into a full Process Engineer role, gaining increasing ownership of engineering trials, process improvements, and technical problem‑solving.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Function Statement(s):
Material Qualification & Implementation
- Support execution of material change projects across softgel, gummy, and packaging processes, ensuring compliance with cGMP and internal quality systems.
- Assist in drafting and maintaining change control documentation (change requests, qualification protocols, impact assessments, technical reports).
- Collaborate with Tech Ops, Manufacturing, QA, and PD Engineering to assess impacts and support material qualification activities.
Engineering Trials, Scale-Up & Process Development
- Own small‑scale engineering trials for softgels, gummies, and packaging‑adjacent processes, including data collection and parameter tracking under guidance.
- Support packaging trials and assist in softgel and gummy process development (encapsulation, cooking, drying, finishing, sampling).
- Support DOE studies, center‑lining, process capability assessments, and troubleshooting of process deviations.
Process Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Own updates to MMRs, SOPs, batch records, and work instructions; maintain documentation accuracy through change control processes.
- Support development of process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and trial documentation.
- Own small process improvement initiatives and support RCA/CAPA investigations through data gathering, documentation, and analysis.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operational Support
- Work closely with Operations Engineering, Maintenance, PD Formulators, Process & Packaging Engineers, QA, and Supply Chain to support business‑sustaining activities.
- Provide technical support during production runs, helping troubleshoot material, process, and documentation issues.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, food science, or related field.
- Experience in manufacturing, process development, or engineering (internships acceptable). Experience with dietary supplements, food, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing preferred.
- Familiarity with SAP, PLM, or other manufacturing systems is a plus.
- Hands‑on experience with production equipment, pilot trials, or lab‑scale process work preferred.
- Must be able to read, interpret and create documents such as standard operating procedures, batch records, specifications, test reports and regulatory guidelines.
- Ability to learn and operate specialized instrumentation for product characterization and specification development.
- Ability to deal with complex problems with many variables.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Solution-focused.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment and adapt to change.
- Ability to follow instructions to produce high-quality work with limited supervision.
Computer Skills:
- Must be proficient with MS Office or Google Suite and have advanced Excel skills.
Certifications & Licenses:
N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demands
Lift/Carry
Stand
F (Frequently)
Walk
F (Frequently)
Sit
F (Frequently)
Handling / Fingering
F (Frequently)
Reach Outward
O (Occasionally)
Reach Above Shoulder
N (Not Applicable)
Climb
N (Not Applicable)
Crawl
N (Not Applicable)
Squat or Kneel
O (Occasionally)
Bend
O (Occasionally)
10 lbs or less
F (Frequently)
11-20 lbs
O (Occasionally)
21-50 lbs
O (Occasionally)
51-100 lbs
N (Not Applicable)
Over 100 lbs
N (Not Applicable)
Push/Pull
12 lbs or less
O (Occasionally)
13-25 lbs
O (Occasionally)
26-40 lbs
O (Occasionally)
41-100 lbs
N (Not Applicable)
N (Not Applicable)
Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
O (Occasionally)
Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently)
Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly)
Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Other Physical Requirements
Vision (Near, Distance)
Sense of Sound (ability to hear on the phone)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Works in a climate-controlled environment
Location - Vista, CA - On Site
Salary - 84K - 89K
Position Summary
The Associate R&D Process Engineer, Business Sustaining, supports material, formula & process sustainment activities across softgel, gummy, and packaging operations, ensuring robust, compliant, and efficient manufacturing processes. This role assists in implementing material and process changes, executing engineering trials, maintaining process documentation, and supporting cross‑functional investigations. Working under the guidance of the Senior R&D Process Engineer, the Associate contributes to scale‑up readiness, process optimization, and documentation accuracy across Product Development, Operations, and QA. The position is designed to grow into a full Process Engineer role, gaining increasing ownership of engineering trials, process improvements, and technical problem‑solving.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Reasonable Accommodations Statement
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Essential Function Statement(s):
Material Qualification & Implementation
- Support execution of material change projects across softgel, gummy, and packaging processes, ensuring compliance with cGMP and internal quality systems.
- Assist in drafting and maintaining change control documentation (change requests, qualification protocols, impact assessments, technical reports).
- Collaborate with Tech Ops, Manufacturing, QA, and PD Engineering to assess impacts and support material qualification activities.
Engineering Trials, Scale-Up & Process Development
- Own small‑scale engineering trials for softgels, gummies, and packaging‑adjacent processes, including data collection and parameter tracking under guidance.
- Support packaging trials and assist in softgel and gummy process development (encapsulation, cooking, drying, finishing, sampling).
- Support DOE studies, center‑lining, process capability assessments, and troubleshooting of process deviations.
Process Documentation & Continuous Improvement
- Own updates to MMRs, SOPs, batch records, and work instructions; maintain documentation accuracy through change control processes.
- Support development of process flow diagrams, equipment specifications, and trial documentation.
- Own small process improvement initiatives and support RCA/CAPA investigations through data gathering, documentation, and analysis.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Operational Support
- Work closely with Operations Engineering, Maintenance, PD Formulators, Process & Packaging Engineers, QA, and Supply Chain to support business‑sustaining activities.
- Provide technical support during production runs, helping troubleshoot material, process, and documentation issues.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
- BS in chemical engineering, industrial engineering, pharmaceutical engineering, food science, or related field.
- Experience in manufacturing, process development, or engineering (internships acceptable). Experience with dietary supplements, food, pharmaceutical, or regulated manufacturing preferred.
- Familiarity with SAP, PLM, or other manufacturing systems is a plus.
- Hands‑on experience with production equipment, pilot trials, or lab‑scale process work preferred.
- Must be able to read, interpret and create documents such as standard operating procedures, batch records, specifications, test reports and regulatory guidelines.
- Ability to learn and operate specialized instrumentation for product characterization and specification development.
- Ability to deal with complex problems with many variables.
SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Meticulous attention to detail.
- Solution-focused.
- Ability to work in a dynamic environment and adapt to change.
- Ability to follow instructions to produce high-quality work with limited supervision.
Computer Skills:
- Must be proficient with MS Office or Google Suite and have advanced Excel skills.
Certifications & Licenses:
N/A
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Physical Demands
Lift/Carry
Stand
F (Frequently)
Walk
F (Frequently)
Sit
F (Frequently)
Handling / Fingering
F (Frequently)
Reach Outward
O (Occasionally)
Reach Above Shoulder
N (Not Applicable)
Climb
N (Not Applicable)
Crawl
N (Not Applicable)
Squat or Kneel
O (Occasionally)
Bend
O (Occasionally)
10 lbs or less
F (Frequently)
11-20 lbs
O (Occasionally)
21-50 lbs
O (Occasionally)
51-100 lbs
N (Not Applicable)
Over 100 lbs
N (Not Applicable)
Push/Pull
12 lbs or less
O (Occasionally)
13-25 lbs
O (Occasionally)
26-40 lbs
O (Occasionally)
41-100 lbs
N (Not Applicable)
N (Not Applicable)
Activity is not applicable to this occupation.
O (Occasionally)
Occupation requires this activity up to 33% of the time (0 - 2.5+ hrs/day)
F (Frequently)
Occupation requires this activity from 33% - 66% of the time (2.5 - 5.5+ hrs/day)
C (Constantly)
Occupation requires this activity more than 66% of the time (5.5+ hrs/day)
Other Physical Requirements
Vision (Near, Distance)
Sense of Sound (ability to hear on the phone)
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Works in a climate-controlled environment
STEM OPT Retail Job Roles in California
See all 74+ Retail STEM OPT Jobs in California
Sign up for free to filter by visa type, set job alerts, and find employers with verified sponsorship history.
Search Retail Jobs in CaliforniaRetail STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which retail companies in California sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Large retail and e-commerce employers with California headquarters or major operations have the most established F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship track records. Companies like Gap Inc., Levi Strauss, Amazon, and Sephora have filed Labor Condition Applications for retail roles. Sponsorship is typically concentrated in technology, data, and supply chain functions rather than store-level positions. Checking DOL OFLC disclosure data by employer name can confirm a company's filing history.
Which California cities have the most retail F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
San Francisco and the broader Bay Area lead for retail corporate and technology roles, home to headquarters of Gap Inc., Levi Strauss, and several direct-to-consumer brands. Los Angeles is a strong secondary market, particularly for fashion retail, e-commerce, and supply chain operations. San Jose sees demand from retail-adjacent technology firms. San Diego and Sacramento have smaller but active retail corporate presences worth monitoring for STEM OPT-eligible openings.
What types of retail roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in retail applies to roles under STEM-designated degree programs, so the position must align with a qualifying degree field. Data scientist, supply chain analyst, e-commerce engineer, business intelligence analyst, merchandising analyst, and retail technology roles are commonly STEM-eligible. The employer must also be enrolled in E-Verify, which is a federal requirement for all STEM OPT extensions. Store associate and visual merchandising roles generally do not qualify.
How do I find retail F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate filters California retail jobs by visa type, showing employers with verified STEM OPT sponsorship history in the state. Searching by industry and location on Migrate Mate surfaces roles in data analytics, supply chain, and e-commerce technology that align with STEM-designated degree programs. You can also cross-reference DOL OFLC LCA disclosure data to confirm which specific California retail employers have filed for STEM OPT workers in recent years before applying.
Are there California-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT retail sponsorship?
California's strong labor protections and its large international student population from universities like UC Berkeley, UCLA, and USC create a competitive but employer-aware market for STEM OPT talent. California employers are generally familiar with E-Verify requirements, which are mandatory for STEM OPT. The state's retail sector is heavily weighted toward corporate and technology functions in the Bay Area and Los Angeles, meaning STEM OPT roles are more available at headquarters than at individual store locations.