Retail OPT Jobs in New Jersey
F-1 OPT retail jobs in New Jersey draw international students into one of the country's most active commercial corridors, with major employers like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Sephora operating across shopping destinations in Newark, Jersey City, and the Meadowlands area. Roles in merchandising, buying, e-commerce operations, and store management are among the most common OPT-eligible positions in the state.
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Get Access To All JobsBe part of an amazing story
Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about the excitement of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ve been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.
Job Overview
The Float Fabricator constructs floats, props, and other scenic elements for Macy’s iconic events, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Spring Flower Shows, 4th of July Fireworks, Santa Land, and other seasonal elements.
What You Will Do
- Work as a carpenter, welder, sculptor, or painter to fabricate floats and other studio projects.
- Serve as a crewmember for installations, setups, and takedowns.
- Participate in parade setups and other events as needed.
- Assist with the installation and implementation of special projects, including holiday displays, marquee elements, and the Flower Show.
- Collaborate with the Production Manager and Shop Floor Supervisor on project engineering, planning, and production methods.
- Perform other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director of Production and/or Production Manager.
- Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
Skills You Will Need
Fabrication Skills: Proficiency in carpentry, welding, sculpting, or painting for various projects.
Communication Skills: Excellent communication for working with multiple artists and builders.
Technical Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read scale drawings, basic schematics, and use basic math for material orders.
Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks and collaborate with various team members.
Professional Finish Work: Competence in performing high-quality finish work on projects.
Welding and Rigging Knowledge: General knowledge of welding, metal fabrication, and rigging is a plus.
Self-Directed Work: Capability to work with minimal supervision and be self-directed.
Additional Skills: Knowledge or experience in electrics, plumbing, and hydraulics is a plus; basic computer skills.
Who You Are
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. Experience in construction and/or scenic production preferred. This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities. Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
What We Can Offer You
Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.
Some additional benefits we offer include:
- Merchandise discounts
- Performance-based incentives
- Annual merit review
- Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
- Tuition reimbursement
Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.
About us
This is a great time to join Macy’s! Whether you’re helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.
Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - Apply Today!
This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.
Be part of an amazing story
Macy’s is more than just a store. We’re a story. One that’s captured the hearts and minds of America for more than 160 years. A story about innovations and traditions…about inspiring stores and irresistible products…about the excitement of the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks, and the wonder of the Thanksgiving Day Parade. We’ve been part of memorable moments and milestones for countless customers and colleagues. Those stories are part of what makes this such a special place to work.
Job Overview
The Float Fabricator constructs floats, props, and other scenic elements for Macy’s iconic events, including the Thanksgiving Day Parade, Spring Flower Shows, 4th of July Fireworks, Santa Land, and other seasonal elements.
What You Will Do
- Work as a carpenter, welder, sculptor, or painter to fabricate floats and other studio projects.
- Serve as a crewmember for installations, setups, and takedowns.
- Participate in parade setups and other events as needed.
- Assist with the installation and implementation of special projects, including holiday displays, marquee elements, and the Flower Show.
- Collaborate with the Production Manager and Shop Floor Supervisor on project engineering, planning, and production methods.
- Perform other tasks and duties as assigned by the Director of Production and/or Production Manager.
- Foster an environment of acceptance and respect that strengthens relationships, and ensures authentic connections with colleagues, customers, and communities.
Skills You Will Need
Fabrication Skills: Proficiency in carpentry, welding, sculpting, or painting for various projects.
Communication Skills: Excellent communication for working with multiple artists and builders.
Technical Drawing Interpretation: Ability to read scale drawings, basic schematics, and use basic math for material orders.
Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks and collaborate with various team members.
Professional Finish Work: Competence in performing high-quality finish work on projects.
Welding and Rigging Knowledge: General knowledge of welding, metal fabrication, and rigging is a plus.
Self-Directed Work: Capability to work with minimal supervision and be self-directed.
Additional Skills: Knowledge or experience in electrics, plumbing, and hydraulics is a plus; basic computer skills.
Who You Are
Candidates with a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in a related field are encouraged to apply. Experience in construction and/or scenic production preferred. This role involves performing essential job functions such as communication, collaboration, and use of office and computer systems. Responsibilities include the ability to access and review written and electronic information, and to move within the work environment and interact with workplace materials as needed to carry out job responsibilities. Able to work a flexible schedule based on department and company needs.
What We Can Offer You
Join a team where work is as rewarding as it is fun! We offer a dynamic, inclusive environment with competitive pay and benefits. Enjoy comprehensive health and wellness coverage and a 401(k) match to invest in your future. Prioritize your well-being with paid time off and eight paid holidays. Grow your career with continuous learning and leadership development. Plus, build community by joining one of our Colleague Resource Groups and make a difference through our volunteer opportunities.
Some additional benefits we offer include:
- Merchandise discounts
- Performance-based incentives
- Annual merit review
- Employee Assistance Program with mental health counseling and legal/financial advice
- Tuition reimbursement
Access the full menu of benefits offerings here.
About us
This is a great time to join Macy’s! Whether you’re helping a customer find the perfect gift, streamlining operations in one of our distribution centers, enhancing our online shopping experience, buying in-style and on-trend merchandise to outfit our customers, or designing a balloon for the Thanksgiving Day Parade, we offer unique opportunities to be part of some of the most memorable moments in people’s lives.
Join us and help write the next chapter in our story - Apply Today!
This job description is not all-inclusive. Macy's, Inc. reserves the right to amend this job description at any time. Macy's, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment.
This position may be eligible for performance-based incentives/bonuses. Benefits include 401k, medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance options, PTO accruals, Holidays, and more. Eligibility requirements may apply based on location, job level, classification, and length of employment. Additional benefit details are available at macysJOBS.com.
OPT Retail Job Roles in New Jersey
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Search Retail Jobs in New JerseyRetail OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
Which retail companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in New Jersey?
Large national and regional retailers with a significant New Jersey presence are the most common F-1 OPT employers. Companies like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Sephora have hired OPT workers in corporate and store-level roles. Retailers with e-commerce or supply chain operations in the state, including those in the Meadowlands and Jersey City distribution corridors, also hire OPT students for analytical and operations roles. Sponsorship availability varies by role and hiring cycle.
Which cities in New Jersey have the most retail F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Newark, Jersey City, and the area around the Meadowlands Sports Complex concentrate the highest volume of retail employment in New Jersey, including corporate office and distribution roles that often qualify for OPT. The Route 1 and Route 9 corridors running through Edison and Woodbridge also host major retail clusters. Proximity to New York City makes northern New Jersey particularly active for regional retail headquarters and buying offices.
What types of retail roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
F-1 OPT covers any role that is directly related to your field of study, so qualifying retail positions vary by degree. Business, marketing, and supply chain graduates commonly work in merchandising, retail analytics, inventory planning, and e-commerce management. Computer science and data science graduates may qualify through roles in retail technology or demand forecasting. Store associate positions without a degree-related component are generally not OPT-eligible.
How do I find retail F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in New Jersey?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students on F-1 OPT and filters job listings by visa type, state, and industry, so you can search directly for retail roles in New Jersey without sorting through positions that don't sponsor. The platform surfaces employers who have historically hired OPT workers in retail, including both corporate functions like buying and merchandising and operational roles in e-commerce and logistics across the state.
Are there any New Jersey-specific considerations for F-1 OPT in retail?
New Jersey's retail sector straddles both physical retail and e-commerce, with several major brands running East Coast distribution and corporate operations from the state. Because New Jersey borders New York City, some employers list roles under a New York address even when the work is performed in New Jersey, so confirm the physical work location before applying. OPT authorization is tied to your degree field, so ensure the specific role connects clearly to your area of study before accepting an offer.