Food & Beverage STEM OPT Jobs in New York
Food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in New York sit at the intersection of the state's world-leading food manufacturing sector and its demand for data-driven talent. Companies like PepsiCo, Mondelez International, and Chobani file LCAs for roles in food science, supply chain analytics, and process engineering, fields that map directly to STEM OPT-eligible degrees.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
PepsiCo is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Flavor Specification Scientist to join the R&D Technical Brand Stewardship Flavor Specifications team. This role provides an opportunity to develop expertise in flavor science, flavor chemistry, and ingredient specifications while supporting the development and commercialization of innovative beverage products.
The successful candidate will partner with flavor suppliers and cross-functional teams to create new ingredient specifications that support innovation across PepsiCo brands. This position offers hands-on exposure to flavor chemistry, analytical chemistry techniques, ingredient quality systems, and regulatory requirements while building a strong foundation in flavor science.
Responsibilities
Specification Development & Management:
- Generate fit-for-purpose specifications by applying flavor system expertise.
- Create technical specifications in accordance with global ingredient standards.
- Lead the end-to-end specification development process through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to drive spec completion and meet deadlines.
- Coordinate raw material testing to qualify new materials.
Flavor Chemistry & Analytical Evaluation:
- Research flavor systems and apply learnings to create fit-for-purpose flavor raw material specifications.
- Evaluate materials and recommend analytical methodologies for raw material acceptance criteria.
- Research flavor chemistry and marker compounds to support specification development.
- Leverage results from a variety of analytical techniques, including GC-MS, GC-FID, RI, and SG to generate material insights.
Regulatory, Quality & Risk Assessment:
- Consult SMEs, FCC & JECFA monographs, and other applicable resources to ensure regulatory compliance.
Spec Process Support:
- Maintain shared worklists and tracking tools to support prioritization and stakeholder alignment.
- Contribute to process improvements and best practices within the specification function.
- Perform sensory evaluations as needed to support business activities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $73,600 - $123,150.
- Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
- Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
- In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field.
- Knowledge of analytical techniques, including GC-FID, GC-MS, and supporting software such as Agilent MassHunter.
- Strong understanding of flavor chemistry and ingredient functionality.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage complex documentation.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
- Strong technical curiosity and drive to continuously expand flavor and chemistry knowledge.
- Ability to balance scientific rigor with business priorities.
- Effective collaboration across cross-functional teams and external partners.
- High level of organization, accountability, and execution.
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: /Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.
INTRODUCTION
PepsiCo is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Flavor Specification Scientist to join the R&D Technical Brand Stewardship Flavor Specifications team. This role provides an opportunity to develop expertise in flavor science, flavor chemistry, and ingredient specifications while supporting the development and commercialization of innovative beverage products.
The successful candidate will partner with flavor suppliers and cross-functional teams to create new ingredient specifications that support innovation across PepsiCo brands. This position offers hands-on exposure to flavor chemistry, analytical chemistry techniques, ingredient quality systems, and regulatory requirements while building a strong foundation in flavor science.
Responsibilities
Specification Development & Management:
- Generate fit-for-purpose specifications by applying flavor system expertise.
- Create technical specifications in accordance with global ingredient standards.
- Lead the end-to-end specification development process through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to drive spec completion and meet deadlines.
- Coordinate raw material testing to qualify new materials.
Flavor Chemistry & Analytical Evaluation:
- Research flavor systems and apply learnings to create fit-for-purpose flavor raw material specifications.
- Evaluate materials and recommend analytical methodologies for raw material acceptance criteria.
- Research flavor chemistry and marker compounds to support specification development.
- Leverage results from a variety of analytical techniques, including GC-MS, GC-FID, RI, and SG to generate material insights.
Regulatory, Quality & Risk Assessment:
- Consult SMEs, FCC & JECFA monographs, and other applicable resources to ensure regulatory compliance.
Spec Process Support:
- Maintain shared worklists and tracking tools to support prioritization and stakeholder alignment.
- Contribute to process improvements and best practices within the specification function.
- Perform sensory evaluations as needed to support business activities.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $73,600 - $123,150.
- Location, confirmed job-related skills, experience, and education will be considered in setting actual starting salary. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.
- Paid time off subject to eligibility, including paid parental leave, vacation, sick, and bereavement.
- In addition to salary, PepsiCo offers a comprehensive benefits package to support our employees and their families, subject to elections and eligibility: Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Health, and Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Insurance (Accident, Group Legal, Life), Defined Contribution Retirement Plan.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Flavor Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or related scientific field.
- Knowledge of analytical techniques, including GC-FID, GC-MS, and supporting software such as Agilent MassHunter.
- Strong understanding of flavor chemistry and ingredient functionality.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage complex documentation.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
- Strong technical curiosity and drive to continuously expand flavor and chemistry knowledge.
- Ability to balance scientific rigor with business priorities.
- Effective collaboration across cross-functional teams and external partners.
- High level of organization, accountability, and execution.
Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.
PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer: /Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity
If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.
Please view our Pay Transparency Statement.
STEM OPT Food & Beverage Job Roles in New York
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Search Food & Beverage Jobs in New YorkFood & Beverage STEM OPT Sponsorship Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
Which food & beverage companies sponsor F-1 STEM OPT visas in New York?
Several major food and beverage companies with New York operations have a documented history of sponsoring work authorization for STEM-eligible employees. PepsiCo, headquartered in Purchase, NY, regularly files Labor Condition Applications for roles in food science, data analytics, and supply chain engineering. Chobani, based in New Berlin, and Constellation Brands, headquartered in Victor, NY, also appear in OFLC disclosure data. Checking DOL LCA filings by employer is the most reliable way to verify a specific company's sponsorship history.
Which cities in New York have the most food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs?
New York City leads the state for food and beverage STEM OPT roles, particularly in food technology, product development, and operations analytics concentrated in Manhattan and Brooklyn's growing food-tech corridor. Purchase and White Plains in Westchester County host corporate headquarters for major consumer food brands. Buffalo and Rochester have established food and beverage manufacturing bases with demand for process engineers and quality assurance specialists. Albany also sees activity from food processing and agricultural supply chain companies.
How do I find food & beverage F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship jobs in New York?
Migrate Mate is built specifically to surface jobs where employers have a verified history of filing Labor Condition Applications, making it easier to identify food and beverage companies in New York that have sponsored STEM OPT employees. You can filter by industry, visa type, and state to focus your search. Beyond the job board, reviewing OFLC LCA disclosure data by STEM degree classification for food science and manufacturing roles gives additional context on which New York employers are active sponsors.
What types of food & beverage roles typically qualify for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship?
Roles that qualify for STEM OPT must appear on the official STEM Designated Degree Program List and involve work directly related to the degree field. In food and beverage, qualifying positions commonly include food scientist, food technologist, process engineer, quality systems engineer, supply chain data analyst, packaging engineer, and R&D scientist. These roles typically require degrees in food science, chemical engineering, industrial engineering, or applied data science. Purely commercial roles like brand management or sales do not qualify under STEM OPT eligibility requirements.
Are there any New York-specific considerations for F-1 STEM OPT sponsorship in food & beverage?
New York employers in food and beverage who hire STEM OPT students must be enrolled in E-Verify, a federal requirement for all STEM OPT extension employers regardless of state. New York State's strong food manufacturing presence, particularly in dairy, beverages, and packaged foods, means STEM OPT holders with backgrounds in food science or engineering often find relevant opportunities upstate as well as in the metro area. DSOs at New York universities play a key role in authorizing STEM OPT extensions, so coordinating early with your school is important.