Food & Beverage STEM OPT Jobs in Illinois
Illinois is a major hub for food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship, with global companies like Kraft Heinz, Mondelēz International, and Abbott anchoring hiring in the Chicago metro. Data science, food technology, and supply chain engineering roles are common entry points for STEM OPT candidates across Chicago, Deerfield, and the broader northeast corridor.
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SUMMARY
This position will perform troubleshooting and repair and provide technical support for all phases of the operation. The position is a technical career position in Tyson Foods, Inc. This position requires proficiency in multiple skill clusters including a thorough understanding of electrical controls, fluid power, mechanical systems, and manufacturing processes. The ability to function effectively in a team environment and interact productively with all levels of management and operations is required. Since this position works both inside and outside in the seasonal weather, this position can work in a hot, humid environment or cold, damp environment and slippery surfaces.
This is a primarily ‘C’ Shift position
Hours/Days Off will be discussed in the interview.
REQUIREMENTS
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Education and Experience: Training beyond high school including either an Associate Degree in Electronic Technology or closely related technical field preferred, or a combination of education and experience which may include skilled trade programs, military training or other training as applicable.
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Computer Skills: Competent in Windows based software, such as Outlook, Excel and Word; strong skills in document organization and using document templates and creating simple queries. Must be proficient or become proficient in SAP Plant Maintenance.
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Communication Skills: Must be able to communicate both verbally and written; high level critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
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Certification: Certifications in any technical field or techniques is a plus.
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Special Skills: Strong interpersonal skills; demonstrated skills in the area of AC/DC circuits, industrial electrical systems; experience in electrical safety and lock out tag out processes and procedures; knowledge in the theory and application of electronic devices such as industrial semi-conductors, solid state drives, and industrial control systems; experience in the operation of PLC systems and control and data collection instrumentation and transducers; working knowledge and skills in tools and components used in maintenance and repair of mechanical systems such as bearings, gears, clutches belts, and seals; ability to troubleshoot and maintain hydraulic and pneumatic components and systems.
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Preferred Skills: Possession of one or more of the skills is a plus - Basic Microcomputer skills necessary to understand the operation and interfacing characteristics of microprocessors; experience in PLC operation to include basic system configuration and hardware, relay equivalent instructions, timers/counters, data manipulation, data communications and advanced programming commands, as well as, interfacing, troubleshooting and application and program development; demonstrated skills or training in electronic motor drive technologies including servo-motors, encoders, tachometers, electronic and mechanical brakes and clutches, closed loop systems, DC servo, AC variable frequency, AC servo and stepper systems.
Travel: Minimum 1-5 trips per year outside of assigned location.
Preference given to internal qualified candidates currently employed at this facility followed by candidates from other Tyson facilities then external candidates.
Resume will be required for consideration for this position.
Relocation Assistance Eligible: No
Work Shift: A Shift (United States of America)
Pay Range/Rate: $42.25
Incentives:
- Annual Incentive Plan: No
- Long-Term Incentive Plan: No
Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.
Any listed amounts represent the base pay range. Additional compensation may be available for this position based on various factors such as shift differentials, standby/on-call, overtime, premiums, extra shift incentives, or bonuses. Pay is just one part of Tyson’s total compensation package.
Tyson will develop an offer based on a candidate's or team member’s relevant skills and capabilities, the market data for the role described in this requisition, internal equity, and other information relevant to the candidate and role.
Hourly Applicants ONLY - You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.
The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.
CCPA Notice. If you are a California resident, and would like to learn more about what categories of personal information we collect when you apply for this job, and how we may use that information, please read our CCPA Job Applicant Notice at Collection.
STEM OPT Food & Beverage Job Roles in Illinois
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Search Food & Beverage Jobs in IllinoisFood & Beverage STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
Which food & beverage companies in Illinois sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas?
Several large food and beverage companies headquartered or with major operations in Illinois have filed Labor Condition Applications for roles. Kraft Heinz, Mondelēz International, Abbott Nutrition, TreeHouse Foods, and U.S. Foods have all appeared in DOL disclosure data for data science, engineering, food science, and supply chain positions. Larger corporations with established HR infrastructure tend to have more consistent F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship processes than smaller regional producers.
Which cities in Illinois have the most food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Chicago and its northern suburbs account for the majority of food and beverage STEM OPT opportunities in Illinois. The corridor stretching from downtown Chicago through Northfield, Deerfield, and Northbrook is home to several global food company headquarters. Hoffman Estates and Lisle also have a presence, while Champaign-Urbana occasionally offers opportunities linked to University of Illinois research commercialization and food technology startups.
What types of food & beverage roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Illinois?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT must fall under a designated STEM degree classification. In food and beverage, qualifying positions commonly include food scientist, process engineer, data analyst, supply chain analyst, quality assurance engineer, R&D scientist, and packaging engineer. Roles with degree requirements in food science, chemical engineering, data science, or agricultural engineering are most frequently matched to STEM OPT eligibility. Sales and marketing positions generally do not qualify unless tied to a STEM-designated degree.
How do I find food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Illinois?
Migrate Mate lets you filter food and beverage jobs in Illinois specifically for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship, drawing on DOL Labor Condition Application data to show which employers have an active history of sponsoring STEM OPT workers. This is more reliable than guessing based on company size alone. You can narrow results by role type, city, and employer, which is particularly useful when targeting the Chicago metro's concentration of food company headquarters.
Are there any Illinois-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in food & beverage?
Illinois does not impose state-level restrictions on F-1 STEM OPT employment beyond federal requirements. However, food manufacturing facilities in Illinois may require E-Verify enrollment, which is consistent with federal STEM OPT employer obligations. Illinois also has a strong university pipeline through the University of Illinois and Northwestern University, meaning recruiters in the food and beverage sector are generally familiar with OPT timelines and documentation requirements. Confirming your employer is enrolled in E-Verify before accepting an offer is essential for STEM OPT authorization.