STEM OPT Jobs in Idaho
Idaho's technology corridor in Boise, semiconductor manufacturing around Nampa, and expanding agribusiness and food-science sectors create consistent F-1 STEM OPT demand. Software engineering, data science, and electrical engineering roles dominate sponsorship activity, with mid-size employers often more accessible than large coastal firms.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
SUMMARY
This role maintains operations within the Microbiology laboratory contributing to Simplot's Food Safety program. This includes microbial analyses of food products, shelf-life research projects, laboratory expenses, analytical instrument maintenance, and inventory control of supplies.
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance of ISO 17025 accreditation. Participates in proficiency test programs by accredited organizations. Executes internal audits at plant microbiology labs following company established standards, prepares audit reports, makes recommendations for improvement of factory food quality systems, and troubleshoots production processes when required. Provides daily Microbiological testing support to Factory Operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with daily laboratory operations by conducting microbiological testing on food products and environmental samples in support of Simplot factories and general laboratory duties (preparing media, cleaning, supply inventory, and processing of biohazardous waste) following all good laboratory practices.
- Obtains process/water/product/swab samples from various plant production areas.
- Conduct Allergen testing to support Gluten, Soy, and milk-free claims for applicable Simplot factories.
- Conduct shelf-life studies for new or existing food products. Generates a final report of the study that details methods, procedures, results, and conclusions.
- ISO 17025 requirements: Maintains standard requirements for ISO 17025 accreditation by working within the requirements of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
- Participates in accredited laboratory proficiency test programs and collaborative studies. Maintains satisfactory z-scores in quarterly proficiency testing.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment. Assists with coordinating calibration services with third-party companies as needed.
- Completes data entry into the laboratory quality assurance systems (MLA and MMS).
- Assist with creation/updates in-house microbiology SOPs, when applicable.
- Responds to internal customer’s inquiries regarding micro test sampling schedule, test results, corrective actions, and product release issues.
- Required to work in a Biosafety Level II (agents that pose moderate hazards to personnel and the environment).
- Available to travel to Simplot plants or other locations for work assignments of short duration.
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs., climb steep stairs, work in hot/cold environments.
- Be able to work in a manufacturing environment 1-4 hrs. a day.
TYPICAL EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Degree required (Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Food Safety preferred).
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- Highly skilled in scientific procedures/lab safety and detail oriented.
- Knowledge of food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety, and/or food processing.
- LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) experience and/or knowledge.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of laboratory audit standards and QA/QC programs.
- Knowledge of technical writing, specifically scientific study reports and laboratory SOP’s.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
OTHER INFORMATION
- This position does not offer relocation assistance.
- Rotating weekend work is required (approximately one weekend every four weeks).
- Rotating holiday coverage required, up to two holidays per year.
Job Requisition ID: 26130
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Tech Center R&D - Caldwell
Country: United States
The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
INTRODUCTION
The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held global food and agriculture company headquartered in Boise, Idaho. We are a true farm-to-table company with an integrated portfolio including food processing and food brands, phosphate mining, fertilizer manufacturing, farming, ranching and cattle production, and other enterprises related to agriculture.
SUMMARY
This role maintains operations within the Microbiology laboratory contributing to Simplot's Food Safety program. This includes microbial analyses of food products, shelf-life research projects, laboratory expenses, analytical instrument maintenance, and inventory control of supplies.
Responsible for assisting in the maintenance of ISO 17025 accreditation. Participates in proficiency test programs by accredited organizations. Executes internal audits at plant microbiology labs following company established standards, prepares audit reports, makes recommendations for improvement of factory food quality systems, and troubleshoots production processes when required. Provides daily Microbiological testing support to Factory Operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with daily laboratory operations by conducting microbiological testing on food products and environmental samples in support of Simplot factories and general laboratory duties (preparing media, cleaning, supply inventory, and processing of biohazardous waste) following all good laboratory practices.
- Obtains process/water/product/swab samples from various plant production areas.
- Conduct Allergen testing to support Gluten, Soy, and milk-free claims for applicable Simplot factories.
- Conduct shelf-life studies for new or existing food products. Generates a final report of the study that details methods, procedures, results, and conclusions.
- ISO 17025 requirements: Maintains standard requirements for ISO 17025 accreditation by working within the requirements of the Laboratory Quality Management System.
- Participates in accredited laboratory proficiency test programs and collaborative studies. Maintains satisfactory z-scores in quarterly proficiency testing.
- Assist with maintenance and repair of laboratory equipment. Assists with coordinating calibration services with third-party companies as needed.
- Completes data entry into the laboratory quality assurance systems (MLA and MMS).
- Assist with creation/updates in-house microbiology SOPs, when applicable.
- Responds to internal customer’s inquiries regarding micro test sampling schedule, test results, corrective actions, and product release issues.
- Required to work in a Biosafety Level II (agents that pose moderate hazards to personnel and the environment).
- Available to travel to Simplot plants or other locations for work assignments of short duration.
- Be able to lift up to 30 lbs., climb steep stairs, work in hot/cold environments.
- Be able to work in a manufacturing environment 1-4 hrs. a day.
TYPICAL EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science Degree required (Microbiology, Chemistry, Food Science, Biology, Food Safety preferred).
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
- Highly skilled in scientific procedures/lab safety and detail oriented.
- Knowledge of food microbiology, food chemistry, food safety, and/or food processing.
- LIMS (Laboratory Information Systems) experience and/or knowledge.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
- Knowledge of laboratory audit standards and QA/QC programs.
- Knowledge of technical writing, specifically scientific study reports and laboratory SOP’s.
- Knowledge of ISO 17025 - General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.
OTHER INFORMATION
- This position does not offer relocation assistance.
- Rotating weekend work is required (approximately one weekend every four weeks).
- Rotating holiday coverage required, up to two holidays per year.
Job Requisition ID: 26130
Travel Required: Less than 10%
Location(s): GF Tech Center R&D - Caldwell
Country: United States
The J.R. Simplot Company is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other protected status.
Search F-1 STEM OPT Jobs by Industry in Idaho
Tips for Finding STEM OPT Jobs in Idaho
Verify your role qualifies before applying
Cross-check your job title against the STEM-designated degree list published by USCIS and the O*NET occupational database. Many Idaho employers post roles that sound technical but list a non-STEM CIP code, which disqualifies the extension.
Target E-Verify enrolled Idaho employers early
STEM OPT requires your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify before your 60-day application window opens. Confirm enrollment status directly with hiring managers in Boise or Nampa before accepting an offer to avoid last-minute delays.
Use Migrate Mate to find Idaho STEM OPT sponsors
Search Migrate Mate's database filtered for Idaho employers with F-1 STEM OPT filing history. This surfaces companies in sectors like semiconductor manufacturing and software development that have already navigated the process.
Align your I-983 training plan with real job duties
Idaho employers, especially smaller agribusiness and food-science firms, often submit vague I-983 training plans that trigger USCIS requests. Draft specific learning objectives tied to your actual daily responsibilities before your employer signs off.
Engage Idaho's university career offices for employer introductions
Boise State University and the University of Idaho maintain employer partnership lists specifically for international students. These contacts have already worked through E-Verify enrollment and STEM OPT paperwork, reducing your friction during hiring.
Submit your STEM OPT application 90 days before expiration
USCIS allows you to file up to 90 days before your current OPT expires. Filing early protects your work authorization if processing runs long, which matters especially during high-volume periods that affect all applicants nationally.
See all 231+ F-1 STEM OPT jobs in Idaho
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Get Access To All JobsF-1 STEM OPT Jobs in Idaho: Frequently Asked Questions
Which industries in Idaho sponsor the most F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Technology and software development in the Boise metro account for the largest share of F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship activity in Idaho. Semiconductor manufacturing around Nampa and Caldwell is a close second, followed by agribusiness technology, food science, and civil and environmental engineering firms supporting Idaho's agricultural economy.
Which cities in Idaho have the most F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Boise concentrates the majority of Idaho's F-1 STEM OPT roles, particularly in software engineering and data science. Nampa and Caldwell attract candidates with manufacturing and engineering backgrounds due to semiconductor and food-processing operations. Idaho Falls has growing demand in nuclear and energy engineering tied to the Idaho National Laboratory.
What types of roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Idaho?
Qualifying roles must align with a STEM-designated degree field as defined by USCIS. In Idaho, common qualifying positions include software developer, data analyst, electrical engineer, food scientist, civil engineer, and environmental scientist. The role must also have a corresponding O*NET occupational profile confirming STEM classification to satisfy the training plan requirement.
How do I find F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Idaho?
Migrate Mate filters job listings by employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT filing history in Idaho, saving you from applying to companies that haven't navigated the process. Supplement this by searching DOL's OFLC disclosure data for Idaho employers who have filed Labor Condition Applications under STEM-related STEM degree classifications, which indicates active sponsorship capacity.
Are there any Idaho-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Idaho has a high concentration of smaller and mid-size employers outside the Boise metro who may not yet be enrolled in E-Verify, a mandatory requirement for STEM OPT. Confirming E-Verify status before you begin interviewing saves significant time. Idaho's agribusiness and food-science sectors also use seasonal hiring cycles, so timing your application window to align with those cycles improves your chances.