Food & Beverage STEM OPT Jobs in Minnesota
Minnesota's food and beverage sector spans global manufacturers like General Mills, Cargill, and Land O'Lakes alongside a concentrated craft and specialty food cluster in the Twin Cities metro. F-1 students on STEM OPT pursuing roles in food science, process engineering, and supply chain analytics will find active sponsorship activity across Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Mankato.
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Get Access To All JobsCargill is committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 155,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With over 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come.
Job Purpose and Impact
The Fermentation Scientist will conduct basic research on fermentation, enzyme applications, and other bioscience areas with a focus on the development of new bioprocesses and optimization of existing processes. In this role, you will perform entry-level research on a multidisciplinary team to develop, plan, and execute fermentation experimental designs at lab and pilot scales and effectively communicate results to stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities
- Execute technical work plans for fermentation experiments individually or as part of a team.
- Conduct basic fermentation experiments with a high level of excellence to ensure precise and accurate data.
- Prepare samples for analysis and run test assays.
- Process and analyze data and create tables and graphs to enable senior-level staff to create sound conclusions.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports and presentations to communicate experimental outcomes and well-reasoned recommendations for future work.
- Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field OR equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or other post-secondary degree in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial microbiology, or biochemistry.
- Knowledge of metabolite, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and protein sample preparation.
- Knowledge and application of microbial physiology.
- Knowledge of fermentation principles relevant to bioprocess development.
- Education or experience with lab or pilot scale fermentation equipment, microbial techniques, math and quantification skills, and strain maintenance.
Position Information
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
The expected salary for this position is $50,000 – $80,000. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.
At Cargill, we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.
Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.
To apply using chat/text, please click Apply Now button OR use this link to create a login to apply.
Cargill is committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living.
Our 155,000 team members innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With over 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing—today and for generations to come.
Job Purpose and Impact
The Fermentation Scientist will conduct basic research on fermentation, enzyme applications, and other bioscience areas with a focus on the development of new bioprocesses and optimization of existing processes. In this role, you will perform entry-level research on a multidisciplinary team to develop, plan, and execute fermentation experimental designs at lab and pilot scales and effectively communicate results to stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities
- Execute technical work plans for fermentation experiments individually or as part of a team.
- Conduct basic fermentation experiments with a high level of excellence to ensure precise and accurate data.
- Prepare samples for analysis and run test assays.
- Process and analyze data and create tables and graphs to enable senior-level staff to create sound conclusions.
- Assist in the preparation of technical reports and presentations to communicate experimental outcomes and well-reasoned recommendations for future work.
- Handle basic issues and problems under direct supervision, while escalating more complex issues to appropriate staff.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in a related field OR equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master's degree or other post-secondary degree in biochemical engineering, chemical engineering, industrial microbiology, or biochemistry.
- Knowledge of metabolite, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and protein sample preparation.
- Knowledge and application of microbial physiology.
- Knowledge of fermentation principles relevant to bioprocess development.
- Education or experience with lab or pilot scale fermentation equipment, microbial techniques, math and quantification skills, and strain maintenance.
Position Information
Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.
The expected salary for this position is $50,000 – $80,000. Compensation varies depending on a wide array of factors including but not limited to the specific location, certifications, education, and level of experience. The disclosed range estimate may be adjusted for any applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. This position is eligible for a discretionary incentive award. The incentive award amount is dependent upon company performance and your personal performance.
At Cargill, we put people first. As part of your overall rewards, we offer a comprehensive benefit program including medical and/or other benefits dependent on the position offered and hours worked.
Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.
Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.
To apply using chat/text, please click Apply Now button OR use this link to create a login to apply.
STEM OPT Food & Beverage Job Roles in Minnesota
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Search Food & Beverage Jobs in MinnesotaFood & Beverage STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which food and beverage companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Minnesota?
Several large Minnesota-based food and beverage companies have established STEM OPT sponsorship histories, including General Mills, Cargill, Land O'Lakes, Hormel Foods, and Ecolab, which supports food safety and sanitation operations. Mid-size specialty food manufacturers in the Twin Cities metro also sponsor F-1 STEM OPT students, particularly for roles in food science, quality engineering, and data analytics. Sponsorship activity varies by role and year, so reviewing employer-specific OPT and E-Verify records is recommended.
Which cities in Minnesota have the most food and beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Minneapolis and St. Paul together form the primary hub for food and beverage STEM OPT opportunities in Minnesota, hosting corporate headquarters and R&D facilities for major manufacturers. Golden Valley, where General Mills is headquartered, and Wayzata, home to Cargill's offices, are also notable. Mankato and Rochester have emerging food processing and agricultural technology operations that occasionally support STEM OPT candidates in engineering and quality roles.
How do I find food and beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota?
Migrate Mate lets you filter food and beverage roles in Minnesota specifically by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, surfacing employers with verified sponsorship histories rather than requiring you to research each company individually. Beyond the platform, checking DOL Labor Condition Application disclosure data can confirm which Minnesota employers have filed work authorization petitions for food science and engineering roles in the past, helping you prioritize applications strategically.
What types of food and beverage roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in Minnesota?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT authorization generally need to be in a STEM-designated field as defined by the Department of Homeland Security's STEM OPT list. In Minnesota's food and beverage sector, positions commonly qualifying include food scientist, process engineer, quality assurance engineer, supply chain data analyst, chemical engineer in food processing, and research and development scientist. The position must also be directly related to your degree field, and your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.
Are there state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in food and beverage roles in Minnesota?
Minnesota's large agricultural and food processing economy means many STEM OPT roles are tied to seasonal production cycles, which can affect hiring timelines for certain processing and quality roles. Minnesota employers participating in STEM OPT must be E-Verify enrolled and provide a formal training plan through your Designated School Official. Students at the University of Minnesota or Minnesota State system campuses should work closely with their international student offices, as SEVIS reporting requirements and extension timelines vary based on individual circumstances.