Food & Beverage STEM OPT Jobs in New Jersey
New Jersey's food and beverage sector spans multinational corporations in Newark and Jersey City to specialty manufacturers in the Meadowlands corridor, with companies like Campbell Soup, Wakefern Food Corporation, and Goya Foods among the state's notable employers. F-1 students on STEM OPT pursuing roles in food science, supply chain analytics, and quality engineering will find active sponsorship activity here.
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Get Access To All JobsABOUT INGREDION:
Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.
LOCATION:
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
WORKPLACE TYPE:
Workplace type: Hybrid - 4 days/week on-site & 1 day/week remote
Ingredion is seeking a Senior Technologist, Technical Service to provide technical support and expertise to customers and our internal Customer Solutions & Product Innovation (CSPI) team members on a broad range of food and beverage applications where Protein & Fiber Ingredient Solutions can primarily be used. The Senior Technical Service Technologist will support the Go to Market (GTM) strategy for a range of Texture and Healthful Solutions ingredients across the United States and Canada. This role will contribute to new product development and the creation of customer valued solutions.
The Senior Technical Service Technologist will be responsible for developing/preparing food formulations and prototypes for various customer and business initiatives on a pilot plant and lab bench top scale utilizing Good Manufacturing Practices. They will also perform research related duties as needed or assigned, support internal and external customer requests; execute on analytical testing as well as document and prepare technical reports with guidance from the manager.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
- Respond to customer needs; proactively seek external knowledge to improve own understanding and work output. Generate and make valuable data available to others. Identify formulation challenges, solve problems, and develop new, innovative ideas.
- Utilize project management skills to manage and prioritize work, executing work packages & project plans according to shifting goals to align with business needs. Understand project priorities and workload to balance multiple demands and deliver projects on time.
- Bring new technologies and solutions to customers by connecting and collaborating with internal and external customers.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/FORMULATION & INGREDIENT FUNCTIONALITY/EXPERTISE:
- Learn, utilize, and strengthen understanding of the function of our products and how they interact with other ingredients in a range of applications.
- Understand packaged food markets and trends in different application segments.
- Support and lead innovative Plant Based Protein application development focused primarily for NA customers.
- Be qualified with FSMA and key pilot plant equipment.
- Support and conduct prototype development and its production from bench to pilot scale in compliance with FSMA.
- Support product supply and quality improvement for plant-based protein products.
- Be familiarized with all other platforms’ products and those application technologies, and be able to conduct technical service of those for customers.
- Be able to run the primary analytical instruments such as Micro-amylograph-Universal, microscope, powder characterizer, and so on.
TEAM AND ACCOUNT/TERRITORY MANAGEMENT:
- Partner with a few sales account managers to provide technical service for their customers.
- Support Customer & Business Development projects and initiatives.
- Understand internal and external customers’ technical needs and support Go-To-Market teams.
- Collaborate closely with our Sales, Business Development, Marketing, and Global Applications teams as well as with individuals on our CSPI Team.
- Collaborate directly with customers via phone, face-to-face meetings, presentations, and at trade shows to develop new and creative food concepts, solutions, and product introductions.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING:
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related scientific field (e.g. Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering) with 4+ years of product development or Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience preferably in human foods.
- Knowledge of common food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions such as starches, hydrocolloids, fats, proteins etc., is a plus.
- Ability to formulate products across a range of food categories.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills required for formulation development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Previous laboratory pilot plant & bench top experience in a research food laboratory/product development environment is a plus.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive technical reports and deliver technical presentations.
- Ability to travel up to 30%.
WHO YOU ARE:
- Flexible and adaptable, comfortable leading multiple projects concurrently.
- Able to work independently with limited supervision.
- Team player with strong interpersonal skills, technical aptitude, and problem-solving abilities. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Curious and creative with a customer-focused mindset, ability to proactively inspire change.
- Able to deal well with ambiguity and embrace a dynamic work environment.
- Demonstrate excellent planning and organizational skills. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and can multi-task.
- Innovative, self-motivated and high level of enthusiasm for the job.
WHY JOIN INGREDION?
Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:
- Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success.
- Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
- Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally.
- Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel.
RELOCATION AVAILABLE:
Yes, Within Country
PAY RANGE:
$84,400.00-$112,533.33 Annual
This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION:
As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.
BENEFITS:
Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.
Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.
ABOUT INGREDION:
Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.
LOCATION:
Location: Bridgewater, NJ
WORKPLACE TYPE:
Workplace type: Hybrid - 4 days/week on-site & 1 day/week remote
Ingredion is seeking a Senior Technologist, Technical Service to provide technical support and expertise to customers and our internal Customer Solutions & Product Innovation (CSPI) team members on a broad range of food and beverage applications where Protein & Fiber Ingredient Solutions can primarily be used. The Senior Technical Service Technologist will support the Go to Market (GTM) strategy for a range of Texture and Healthful Solutions ingredients across the United States and Canada. This role will contribute to new product development and the creation of customer valued solutions.
The Senior Technical Service Technologist will be responsible for developing/preparing food formulations and prototypes for various customer and business initiatives on a pilot plant and lab bench top scale utilizing Good Manufacturing Practices. They will also perform research related duties as needed or assigned, support internal and external customer requests; execute on analytical testing as well as document and prepare technical reports with guidance from the manager.
CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS & PROJECT MANAGEMENT:
- Respond to customer needs; proactively seek external knowledge to improve own understanding and work output. Generate and make valuable data available to others. Identify formulation challenges, solve problems, and develop new, innovative ideas.
- Utilize project management skills to manage and prioritize work, executing work packages & project plans according to shifting goals to align with business needs. Understand project priorities and workload to balance multiple demands and deliver projects on time.
- Bring new technologies and solutions to customers by connecting and collaborating with internal and external customers.
PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT/FORMULATION & INGREDIENT FUNCTIONALITY/EXPERTISE:
- Learn, utilize, and strengthen understanding of the function of our products and how they interact with other ingredients in a range of applications.
- Understand packaged food markets and trends in different application segments.
- Support and lead innovative Plant Based Protein application development focused primarily for NA customers.
- Be qualified with FSMA and key pilot plant equipment.
- Support and conduct prototype development and its production from bench to pilot scale in compliance with FSMA.
- Support product supply and quality improvement for plant-based protein products.
- Be familiarized with all other platforms’ products and those application technologies, and be able to conduct technical service of those for customers.
- Be able to run the primary analytical instruments such as Micro-amylograph-Universal, microscope, powder characterizer, and so on.
TEAM AND ACCOUNT/TERRITORY MANAGEMENT:
- Partner with a few sales account managers to provide technical service for their customers.
- Support Customer & Business Development projects and initiatives.
- Understand internal and external customers’ technical needs and support Go-To-Market teams.
- Collaborate closely with our Sales, Business Development, Marketing, and Global Applications teams as well as with individuals on our CSPI Team.
- Collaborate directly with customers via phone, face-to-face meetings, presentations, and at trade shows to develop new and creative food concepts, solutions, and product introductions.
WHAT YOU WILL BRING:
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry or related scientific field (e.g. Food Technology, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering) with 4+ years of product development or Master’s degree with 2+ years of experience preferably in human foods.
- Knowledge of common food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions such as starches, hydrocolloids, fats, proteins etc., is a plus.
- Ability to formulate products across a range of food categories.
- Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills required for formulation development, optimization, and troubleshooting.
- Previous laboratory pilot plant & bench top experience in a research food laboratory/product development environment is a plus.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated ability to write comprehensive technical reports and deliver technical presentations.
- Ability to travel up to 30%.
WHO YOU ARE:
- Flexible and adaptable, comfortable leading multiple projects concurrently.
- Able to work independently with limited supervision.
- Team player with strong interpersonal skills, technical aptitude, and problem-solving abilities. Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Curious and creative with a customer-focused mindset, ability to proactively inspire change.
- Able to deal well with ambiguity and embrace a dynamic work environment.
- Demonstrate excellent planning and organizational skills. Highly organized, detail-oriented, and can multi-task.
- Innovative, self-motivated and high level of enthusiasm for the job.
WHY JOIN INGREDION?
Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exceptional rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:
- Total Rewards Package – Competitive salary and performance-based pay recognizing your contributions to our success.
- Comprehensive Benefits & Wellness Support – Health, long-term savings, and resources for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
- Career Growth – Learning, training, and development opportunities, including tuition reimbursement.
- Employee Recognition Program – A culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally.
- Employee Discount Program – Provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel.
RELOCATION AVAILABLE:
Yes, Within Country
PAY RANGE:
$84,400.00-$112,533.33 Annual
This pay range is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).
INCENTIVE COMPENSATION:
As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Ingredion Annual Incentive Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus.
BENEFITS:
Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match.
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.
Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.
STEM OPT Food & Beverage Job Roles in New Jersey
See all Food & Beverage STEM OPT Jobs in New Jersey
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Search Food & Beverage Jobs in New JerseyFood & Beverage STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New Jersey: Frequently Asked Questions
Which food & beverage companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in New Jersey?
New Jersey hosts several large food and beverage employers with documented STEM OPT sponsorship activity, including Goya Foods, Wakefern Food Corporation, and multinational consumer packaged goods companies with regional offices in the state. Specialty ingredient manufacturers and beverage distributors headquartered in the Meadowlands and central Jersey corridors also hire F-1 STEM OPT candidates, particularly for roles in food science, data analytics, and engineering.
Which cities in New Jersey have the most food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
Newark and Jersey City see the highest concentration of food and beverage sponsorship activity due to proximity to major distribution networks and corporate headquarters. Edison and Woodbridge in Middlesex County attract roles tied to food manufacturing and supply chain operations. Camden, home to a historically significant food processing presence, and Parsippany, a hub for consumer goods regional offices, also generate F-1 STEM OPT opportunities in this industry.
What types of food & beverage roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify must fall under a STEM-designated Classification of Instructional Programs code linked to your degree. In food and beverage, that commonly includes food scientist, process engineer, quality assurance engineer, supply chain analyst, and data scientist positions. Roles centered on sales, marketing, or general management typically do not qualify. Confirming that your specific degree CIP code aligns with the role is essential before accepting any offer.
How do I find food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in New Jersey?
Migrate Mate lets you filter specifically for food and beverage employers in New Jersey who have a history of sponsoring F-1 STEM OPT workers, so you can focus your applications on companies that have demonstrated willingness to engage the sponsorship process. This is more targeted than a general job search because it surfaces employers based on actual filing activity rather than self-reported sponsorship claims, which can be unreliable in this industry.
Are there any state-specific or industry-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires employers to enroll in E-Verify as a condition of STEM OPT authorization, and food and beverage companies in the state must comply with both federal and New Jersey Department of Labor regulations. The state's dense concentration of food manufacturing facilities means many roles involve shift-based or production environments, which can affect how employers structure STEM OPT training plans. Confirming that your employer has an active E-Verify enrollment before accepting an offer is a necessary step.