Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Minnesota
Manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota are concentrated in the Twin Cities metro and Greater Rochester, where companies like 3M, Medtronic, and Cargill maintain large engineering and operations teams. Roles in process engineering, quality systems, and manufacturing technology regularly appear on STEM-designated occupation lists, making Minnesota's advanced manufacturing sector a practical target for F-1 students completing STEM degrees.
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The Product Designer will successfully design and develop innovative, high-quality products for our exciting new bedding brand, SquishPillow. This role requires a balance of creative thinking, comfort-driven textile design, and strategic execution to support and align with brand objectives. The ideal candidate possesses a user-centric mindset, strong problem-solving abilities, and a passion for turning playful concepts into cozy, tangible products.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Instrumental in generating new bedding, plush pillow, and home-textile concepts that translate character IP into comfortable, functional play-and-rest experiences.
- Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts, prototypes, and user testing.
- Champion great design in our high-quality products and help assure they are within target cost and QA/QC requirements.
- Create innovative comfort and bedding systems centered around premium materials, tactile usability, and superior aesthetics.
- Builds consensus between members throughout the design process.
- Work collaboratively with your branding, product management, engineering, packaging, licensor, and other internal team partners to create product that is the best fit for the brand and meets licensor requirements.
- Attend Brand brainstorming to obtain enough information for product design.
- Successfully present and communicate concepts to the brand, development, management, and licensor teams.
- Ensure delivery of precise, clear, and complete product turnover specifications and ensure they fully understood by the international team/factory.
- Work with outside vendors.
- Collaborate on material selection, fabric sourcing, and fill specifications to ensure all SquishPillow products meet strict standards for softness, durability, and safety.
- Responsible for completing, reviewing, documenting specification changes, submitting for licensor approval, and providing comments for illustrative turns, sculpts, paint masters, and sample reviews.
- Work closely with brand/management teams to resolve development issues, while assuring designs meet the target cost, schedule, and brand standards.
- Participate in the entire life cycle of project development from a concept through initial ideation, refinement, prototype execution, and turn over packages to development teams.
- Champion high quality designs and products that are within target cost and QA/QC requirements.
- Collaborate with packaging design team to assure product and packaging are aligned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design, Industrial Design, Toy Design, or an industry-relevant field is a plus.
- 3+ years of relevant experience, ideally with a focus on soft goods, plush, bedding, or children's home furnishings.
- 1+ years of experience working with global manufacturing factories (Asia preferred).
- Strong understanding of soft-goods manufacturing, fabrications (such as ultra-soft micro-fibers, plush knits), and pattern-making.
- Exhibit interest and knowledge of the current trends/innovations as well as an understanding the competitive marketplace in the toy industry.
- Proactively observes and gain understanding of the competitive marketplace including current trends and innovation.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite.
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, photoshop, and InDesign) or other similar tools.
- Strong project management skills.
- Able to work cross functionally and reciprocally with multiple departments.
- Able to work independently or collaboratively.
- Knowledge of materials and multiple manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of working with licensed brands.
- Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
- Demonstrates a strong design sense, including a well-developed sense of aesthetics.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in the toy industry.
- Familiarity with sustainable materials and practices.
COMPENSATION
The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.
Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORKING AT JAZWARES
At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.
- Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.
- Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
- Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today, and let's shape the future of play together!
JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.
WHO WE ARE
Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows™, Pokémon™, Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Five Nights at Freddy’s™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and BLDR™. In addition to toys, offerings include costumes, games, and pillows. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries.
RECRUITMENT SAFETY
Please be wary of unsolicited communications from individuals or websites you are not familiar with, or any communications requesting sensitive personal data or information. All official Jazwares employment information will come from our company email ending in @jazwares.com. Jazwares will never request any monetary payments at any point during its hiring process. If you have any questions about any unsolicited communications, you can reach out to jazlegal@jazwares.com. We look forward to you experiencing a safe and enjoyable application process at Jazwares!
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
INTRODUCTION
The Product Designer will successfully design and develop innovative, high-quality products for our exciting new bedding brand, SquishPillow. This role requires a balance of creative thinking, comfort-driven textile design, and strategic execution to support and align with brand objectives. The ideal candidate possesses a user-centric mindset, strong problem-solving abilities, and a passion for turning playful concepts into cozy, tangible products.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Instrumental in generating new bedding, plush pillow, and home-textile concepts that translate character IP into comfortable, functional play-and-rest experiences.
- Deliver end to end product design including research, concepts, prototypes, and user testing.
- Champion great design in our high-quality products and help assure they are within target cost and QA/QC requirements.
- Create innovative comfort and bedding systems centered around premium materials, tactile usability, and superior aesthetics.
- Builds consensus between members throughout the design process.
- Work collaboratively with your branding, product management, engineering, packaging, licensor, and other internal team partners to create product that is the best fit for the brand and meets licensor requirements.
- Attend Brand brainstorming to obtain enough information for product design.
- Successfully present and communicate concepts to the brand, development, management, and licensor teams.
- Ensure delivery of precise, clear, and complete product turnover specifications and ensure they fully understood by the international team/factory.
- Work with outside vendors.
- Collaborate on material selection, fabric sourcing, and fill specifications to ensure all SquishPillow products meet strict standards for softness, durability, and safety.
- Responsible for completing, reviewing, documenting specification changes, submitting for licensor approval, and providing comments for illustrative turns, sculpts, paint masters, and sample reviews.
- Work closely with brand/management teams to resolve development issues, while assuring designs meet the target cost, schedule, and brand standards.
- Participate in the entire life cycle of project development from a concept through initial ideation, refinement, prototype execution, and turn over packages to development teams.
- Champion high quality designs and products that are within target cost and QA/QC requirements.
- Collaborate with packaging design team to assure product and packaging are aligned.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Textile Design, Industrial Design, Toy Design, or an industry-relevant field is a plus.
- 3+ years of relevant experience, ideally with a focus on soft goods, plush, bedding, or children's home furnishings.
- 1+ years of experience working with global manufacturing factories (Asia preferred).
- Strong understanding of soft-goods manufacturing, fabrications (such as ultra-soft micro-fibers, plush knits), and pattern-making.
- Exhibit interest and knowledge of the current trends/innovations as well as an understanding the competitive marketplace in the toy industry.
- Proactively observes and gain understanding of the competitive marketplace including current trends and innovation.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office & G-Suite.
- Strong proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (illustrator, photoshop, and InDesign) or other similar tools.
- Strong project management skills.
- Able to work cross functionally and reciprocally with multiple departments.
- Able to work independently or collaboratively.
- Knowledge of materials and multiple manufacturing processes.
- Knowledge of working with licensed brands.
- Exceptional visual, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Able to multitask, organize, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
- Demonstrates a strong design sense, including a well-developed sense of aesthetics.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee, but provide the primary duties and responsibilities of the role. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience in the toy industry.
- Familiarity with sustainable materials and practices.
COMPENSATION
The base salary may vary based on experience, role tenure, performance, industry, and location. Eligibility for the annual performance incentive may apply. Jazwares is a multi-state employer, so the salary range may not apply to other states.
Our benefits package includes basic medical insurance that is 100% company-paid for employees and their children, employee basic life and AD&D insurance, a 401(K) retirement program with Jazwares matching up to 4% of pretax or post-tax deferrals, short and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
Our work environment provides a flexible work schedule that includes a Monday through Thursday on-site, with an optional WFH on Fridays, up to 20 workdays fully remote each year, and Time Off for vacation and sick leave. Through Jazwares Cares, you will have the opportunity to volunteer for up to 16 hours a year on community service projects.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORKING AT JAZWARES
At Jazwares, we believe an innovative idea can come from anywhere and anyone. Through our three pillars, we foster innovation and encourage creativity in every area of our business.
- Passion: Our conviction and enthusiasm show in our products, relationships, and commitment to our community.
- Collaboration: We share one vision worldwide, constantly striving to improve and innovate together.
- Humility: We recognize the value in others and treat everyone with respect. Our strength lies in our people and talent.
Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to be part of the fastest-growing toy company in the industry. Connect with us today, and let's shape the future of play together!
JAZWARES is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, ancestry, disability, age, military status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law. Jazwares is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities.
WHO WE ARE
Jazwares, a Berkshire Hathaway company, is a leading global toy manufacturer with a robust portfolio of owned and licensed brands. Founded in 1997, Jazwares celebrates imaginative play with a progressive focus on identifying new and relevant trends to transform into high-quality products for consumers of all ages. Jazwares engages consumers through innovative play experiences with popular brands such as Squishmallows™, Pokémon™, Hello Kitty™, Star Wars™, Five Nights at Freddy’s™, Disney™, BumBumz™, and BLDR™. In addition to toys, offerings include costumes, games, and pillows. Headquartered in Plantation, Florida, Jazwares has offices worldwide and sells its products in over 100 countries.
RECRUITMENT SAFETY
Please be wary of unsolicited communications from individuals or websites you are not familiar with, or any communications requesting sensitive personal data or information. All official Jazwares employment information will come from our company email ending in @jazwares.com. Jazwares will never request any monetary payments at any point during its hiring process. If you have any questions about any unsolicited communications, you can reach out to jazlegal@jazwares.com. We look forward to you experiencing a safe and enjoyable application process at Jazwares!
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
STEM OPT Manufacturing Job Roles in Minnesota
See all 41+ Manufacturing STEM OPT Jobs in Minnesota
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Search Manufacturing Jobs in MinnesotaManufacturing STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Minnesota: Frequently Asked Questions
Which manufacturing companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in Minnesota?
Minnesota's largest manufacturing employers with documented F-1 STEM OPT and subsequent H-1B visa sponsorship histories include 3M in Maplewood, Medtronic in Fridley, Cargill in Wayzata, and Donaldson Company in Minneapolis. Medical device manufacturers in the Greater Rochester and Twin Cities corridors are particularly active, as their engineering and quality roles routinely align with STEM-designated CIP codes that make STEM OPT extensions eligible.
Which cities in Minnesota have the most manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
The Twin Cities metro, specifically Minneapolis, St. Paul, and surrounding suburbs like Maplewood, Fridley, and Eden Prairie, concentrates the largest share of Minnesota's manufacturing sponsorship activity. Rochester has a strong medical device and healthcare manufacturing presence. Smaller industrial hubs like Mankato and St. Cloud also offer manufacturing engineering roles, though sponsorship frequency is higher among the larger metro-area employers.
What types of manufacturing roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles most commonly eligible for F-1 STEM OPT in manufacturing include process engineer, manufacturing engineer, quality engineer, industrial engineer, materials scientist, automation engineer, and supply chain analyst. Eligibility depends on the role's Standard Occupational Classification code matching STEM-designated CIP codes on the DHS STEM OPT list. Reviewing the O*NET occupation profile for a specific role can help confirm its STEM classification before applying.
How do I find manufacturing F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in Minnesota?
Migrate Mate filters manufacturing jobs in Minnesota specifically by F-1 STEM OPT eligibility, using DOL Labor Condition Application filing data to surface employers with active sponsorship histories. Rather than sorting through general job boards and guessing which postings are visa-eligible, you can search Migrate Mate for manufacturing roles in Minnesota where employers have a verified record of supporting STEM OPT workers, reducing time spent on applications unlikely to lead to sponsorship.
Are there any Minnesota-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT in manufacturing?
Minnesota's high concentration of medical device manufacturers means many engineering roles fall under FDA-regulated quality systems, which can involve background check and compliance requirements beyond typical manufacturing hiring. Employers in this sector tend to be familiar with STEM OPT authorization requirements and E-Verify enrollment, since federal contractors and FDA-registered facilities already operate mandatory employment verification programs. Confirming an employer's E-Verify enrollment status is an important early step, as STEM OPT requires it.