Food & Beverage STEM OPT Jobs in Maryland
Food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Maryland draw on the state's concentration of food science and biotechnology employers around the Baltimore-Washington corridor. Companies in McCormick & Company's home base of Hunt Valley, along with processors and distributors in the Baltimore metro, have historically filed STEM-eligible roles in food technology, quality systems, and R&D.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
SUMMARY
Optimize performance and drive continuous improvement across oilseed crushing operations. As a Crush Oilseeds Process Engineer, you will provide technical expertise to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, production yields, product quality, and overall plant performance. You will partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Finance, and plant leadership to troubleshoot challenges, support process improvements, evaluate capital projects, and help sustain measurable results. This role is ideal for a hands-on, analytical problem-solver who builds strong cross-functional partnerships and is committed to operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $133,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).
In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.
SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Evaluate and optimize oilseed crushing processes to improve throughput, extraction efficiency, product recovery, and overall plant performance.
- Analyze operating parameters, production data, and performance indicators to identify constraints, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor and improve process performance across seed preparation, conditioning, flaking, cooking, pressing or extraction, meal desolventizing, drying and cooling, oil handling, and related operations, as applicable to the facility.
- Establish, monitor, and maintain process operating targets, performance indicators, standard operating parameters, standard operating procedures, and process control strategies.
- Identify opportunities to reduce processing losses, improve yields, optimize energy, water, steam, and chemical consumption, and improve operating margins through reduced waste and lower conversion costs.
- Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Food Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Finance, external vendors, and plant leadership to implement sustainable process improvements and support operational and business decisions.
- Provide technical support during process upsets, equipment performance issues, production challenges, process deviations, and recurring operational problems.
- Lead or participate in root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability, consistency, asset performance, and operational results.
- Support quality, food safety, feed safety, environmental compliance, process safety reviews, hazard assessments, management-of-change activities, safe operating practices, and evaluation of safety, environmental, and product-quality impacts.
- Identify and recommend capital projects, process modifications, equipment upgrades, automation, instrumentation, and control system improvements; develop technical scopes, process calculations, equipment specifications, cost-benefit analyses, and support project design, installation, commissioning, startup, and effectiveness reviews.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
- 2 to 4 years of experience in industrial process engineering, manufacturing, chemical processing, oilseed processing, or a related environment.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze process data, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement measurable process improvements.
- Experience with process optimization, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with production reporting, process control systems, or manufacturing data systems.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and provide hands-on technical support to plant operations.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience in an oilseed crushing facility processing soybeans, canola, sunflower, or other oilseeds.
- Knowledge of seed preparation, mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, meal processing, oil handling, and associated process technologies.
- Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, data analytics, and statistical process analysis.
- Experience with capital project development, commissioning, and startup.
- Knowledge of process safety management, management of change, and applicable environmental and food/feed safety requirements.
- Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and provide hands-on technical support to plant operations.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
INTRODUCTION
Perdue AgriBusiness is an international agricultural products and services company that handles agricultural commodities and a diverse portfolio of products and businesses. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.
SUMMARY
Optimize performance and drive continuous improvement across oilseed crushing operations. As a Crush Oilseeds Process Engineer, you will provide technical expertise to improve safety, reliability, efficiency, production yields, product quality, and overall plant performance. You will partner closely with Operations, Maintenance, Quality, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Finance, and plant leadership to troubleshoot challenges, support process improvements, evaluate capital projects, and help sustain measurable results. This role is ideal for a hands-on, analytical problem-solver who builds strong cross-functional partnerships and is committed to operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
The salary range for this position is $89,000 - $133,000 per year, based on experience and qualifications with annual bonus available (variable depending on performance).
In addition to the base salary, Perdue offers a competitive benefits package, including medical/Rx, 401(k) with employer match after 1 year, critical illness, accident insurance, dental, vision, life insurance, optional group life insurance, short-term and long-term disability protection, flexible spending accounts and paid time off.
SCHEDULE: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
PRINCIPAL ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Evaluate and optimize oilseed crushing processes to improve throughput, extraction efficiency, product recovery, and overall plant performance.
- Analyze operating parameters, production data, and performance indicators to identify constraints, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
- Monitor and improve process performance across seed preparation, conditioning, flaking, cooking, pressing or extraction, meal desolventizing, drying and cooling, oil handling, and related operations, as applicable to the facility.
- Establish, monitor, and maintain process operating targets, performance indicators, standard operating parameters, standard operating procedures, and process control strategies.
- Identify opportunities to reduce processing losses, improve yields, optimize energy, water, steam, and chemical consumption, and improve operating margins through reduced waste and lower conversion costs.
- Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Reliability, Quality, Food Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, Engineering, Finance, external vendors, and plant leadership to implement sustainable process improvements and support operational and business decisions.
- Provide technical support during process upsets, equipment performance issues, production challenges, process deviations, and recurring operational problems.
- Lead or participate in root cause analysis and develop corrective and preventive actions to improve reliability, consistency, asset performance, and operational results.
- Support quality, food safety, feed safety, environmental compliance, process safety reviews, hazard assessments, management-of-change activities, safe operating practices, and evaluation of safety, environmental, and product-quality impacts.
- Identify and recommend capital projects, process modifications, equipment upgrades, automation, instrumentation, and control system improvements; develop technical scopes, process calculations, equipment specifications, cost-benefit analyses, and support project design, installation, commissioning, startup, and effectiveness reviews.
MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
- 2 to 4 years of experience in industrial process engineering, manufacturing, chemical processing, oilseed processing, or a related environment.
- Demonstrated ability to analyze process data, troubleshoot operational issues, and implement measurable process improvements.
- Experience with process optimization, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience working with production reporting, process control systems, or manufacturing data systems.
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and provide hands-on technical support to plant operations.
PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Experience in an oilseed crushing facility processing soybeans, canola, sunflower, or other oilseeds.
- Knowledge of seed preparation, mechanical pressing, solvent extraction, meal processing, oil handling, and associated process technologies.
- Familiarity with process control systems, instrumentation, data analytics, and statistical process analysis.
- Experience with capital project development, commissioning, and startup.
- Knowledge of process safety management, management of change, and applicable environmental and food/feed safety requirements.
- Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
- Ability to work in a manufacturing environment and provide hands-on technical support to plant operations.
Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
STEM OPT Food & Beverage Job Roles in Maryland
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Search Food & Beverage Jobs in MarylandFood & Beverage STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Maryland: Frequently Asked Questions
Which food & beverage companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Maryland?
McCormick & Company, headquartered in Hunt Valley, is one of Maryland's most prominent food science employers and has filed for STEM-eligible roles in flavor research and food technology. Larger food distributors and beverage manufacturers operating in the Baltimore metro and Prince George's County have also sponsored F-1 STEM OPT candidates in quality assurance, process engineering, and data analytics functions. Reviewing DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data by employer and location helps identify active sponsors.
Which cities in Maryland have the most food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Baltimore and its northern suburbs, including Hunt Valley and Towson, account for a significant share of Maryland's food and beverage employer base, given the concentration of food science and manufacturing operations there. The Washington, D.C. suburbs in Montgomery County and Prince George's County also host corporate offices and research facilities with STEM-eligible food technology and data roles. College Park, home to the University of Maryland's food science programs, sits near several relevant employers.
What types of food & beverage roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles must fall under a STEM-designated CIP code to qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. In food and beverage, positions in food science and technology, process engineering, quality systems, supply chain analytics, and data science generally align with qualifying STEM classifications. Job titles such as food scientist, quality engineer, R&D scientist, and operations analyst are commonly associated with STEM OPT eligibility, though the student's specific degree field must match the role, per USCIS requirements.
How do I find food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Maryland?
Migrate Mate filters job listings specifically for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship, including food and beverage roles in Maryland, so you can search without having to manually verify each employer's filing history. The platform surfaces employers with confirmed sponsorship activity in the state. Filtering by industry and location lets you focus on food science, quality, engineering, and analytics positions in the Baltimore metro and D.C. suburbs where Maryland's food and beverage employers are concentrated.
Are there any Maryland-specific or food industry considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Maryland's food and beverage sector has a notable research orientation, partly due to proximity to federal agencies like the FDA's headquarters in Silver Spring and the USDA's Beltsville campus. Employers with regulatory or R&D ties to these agencies tend to hire in food science and quality roles that align well with STEM OPT eligibility. The state also requires that STEM OPT employers be E-Verify enrolled, a federal condition that applies nationwide but is worth confirming with any Maryland employer before accepting an offer.