Food & Beverage OPT Jobs in Virginia
Virginia's food and beverage industry spans corporate food science roles in Northern Virginia, hospitality-driven culinary operations in Arlington and Alexandria, and agricultural processing throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Companies like Mars Incorporated and Nestlé have maintained a presence in the state, and F-1 OPT students in food science, nutrition, and supply chain management find relevant opportunities here.
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Get Access To All JobsOverview:
Organizational Overview:
At PepsiCo, our mission is to create smiles around the world. With a portfolio of more than 500 beloved brands—including Gatorade, Lay’s, and Quaker—we reach millions of consumers every day.
Our teams are thinkers, creators, and problem‑solvers who turn ideas into action. Guided by innovation and consumer centricity, we create joyful moments through food and beverages while empowering associates to do meaningful work and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Wherever you sit in the organization, you’ll be part of a global community that values your ideas and gives you the opportunity to shape your career and the world around you.
POSITION OVERVIEW – FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY (FSQ) COACH
The Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Coach ensures strict adherence to Quality and Food Safety protocols to deliver the high‑quality products consumers expect. This role leads a team of FSQ Technicians and oversees all Quality and Food Safety operations on their shift.
The FSQ Coach partners closely with Manufacturing, Tech Services, and Warehouse teams to reinforce quality procedures, drive sustainable practices, and support world‑class FSQ performance across the facility.
Responsibilities:
Technical & Process Expertise
- Provide technical knowledge for water treatment systems, concentrate/syrup batching, ingredient receiving/storage, and lab systems
- Demonstrate working knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes and their impact on Quality and Food Safety
Food Safety Program Execution
- Oversee team execution of key Food Safety programs, including GMP compliance, sanitation, monitoring, documentation, and recordkeeping
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety Management Systems (Food Safety, Food Defense, CAPA)
- Oversee calibration programs and ensure analytical procedures are executed accurately
Non‑Conforming Product & Hold Management
- Ensure flawless execution of Non‑Conforming Product programs
- Manage hold systems, reconciliation controls, compliance processes, and personnel training
Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Use data analytics tools to monitor real‑time Quality and Food Safety performance
- Identify trends and implement corrective and preventive action plans
- Support improvement of Quality, Food Safety, and consumer‑related metrics
Training & Capability Building
- Coordinate Quality and Food Safety training for cross‑functional teams
- Coach FSQ Technicians and support capability development across shifts
Audit Support & Compliance
- Partner with FSQ Manager, FSQ Leader, and peer Coaches to support site audits, including:
+ GFSI
+ AIB GMP
+ Regulatory readiness
+ QAS and internal audits
- Ensure audit findings are addressed and sustained
Change Leadership & Collaboration
- Demonstrate effective change leadership while minimizing people impact
- Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to ensure consistent quality execution
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $66,900 - $111,950.
- 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.
- Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 8% of annual salary paid out annually.
- 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:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (Food/Beverage Manufacturing, Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field)
- Minimum 2 years of experience in the food or beverage industry strongly preferred
- Minimum 2 years of direct people leadership experience preferred
- Previous Quality Control experience in a high‑speed manufacturing environment preferred
- Knowledge and application of quality principles and problem‑solving tools
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
Leadership & People Skills
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive change
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team‑building skills
- Ability to lead a team‑based approach to decision‑making.
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 / Age
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.
Overview:
Organizational Overview:
At PepsiCo, our mission is to create smiles around the world. With a portfolio of more than 500 beloved brands—including Gatorade, Lay’s, and Quaker—we reach millions of consumers every day.
Our teams are thinkers, creators, and problem‑solvers who turn ideas into action. Guided by innovation and consumer centricity, we create joyful moments through food and beverages while empowering associates to do meaningful work and make a lasting impact in the communities we serve.
Wherever you sit in the organization, you’ll be part of a global community that values your ideas and gives you the opportunity to shape your career and the world around you.
POSITION OVERVIEW – FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY (FSQ) COACH
The Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Coach ensures strict adherence to Quality and Food Safety protocols to deliver the high‑quality products consumers expect. This role leads a team of FSQ Technicians and oversees all Quality and Food Safety operations on their shift.
The FSQ Coach partners closely with Manufacturing, Tech Services, and Warehouse teams to reinforce quality procedures, drive sustainable practices, and support world‑class FSQ performance across the facility.
Responsibilities:
Technical & Process Expertise
- Provide technical knowledge for water treatment systems, concentrate/syrup batching, ingredient receiving/storage, and lab systems
- Demonstrate working knowledge of manufacturing equipment and processes and their impact on Quality and Food Safety
Food Safety Program Execution
- Oversee team execution of key Food Safety programs, including GMP compliance, sanitation, monitoring, documentation, and recordkeeping
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety Management Systems (Food Safety, Food Defense, CAPA)
- Oversee calibration programs and ensure analytical procedures are executed accurately
Non‑Conforming Product & Hold Management
- Ensure flawless execution of Non‑Conforming Product programs
- Manage hold systems, reconciliation controls, compliance processes, and personnel training
Data Analytics & Continuous Improvement
- Use data analytics tools to monitor real‑time Quality and Food Safety performance
- Identify trends and implement corrective and preventive action plans
- Support improvement of Quality, Food Safety, and consumer‑related metrics
Training & Capability Building
- Coordinate Quality and Food Safety training for cross‑functional teams
- Coach FSQ Technicians and support capability development across shifts
Audit Support & Compliance
- Partner with FSQ Manager, FSQ Leader, and peer Coaches to support site audits, including:
+ GFSI
+ AIB GMP
+ Regulatory readiness
+ QAS and internal audits
- Ensure audit findings are addressed and sustained
Change Leadership & Collaboration
- Demonstrate effective change leadership while minimizing people impact
- Collaborate with cross‑functional partners to ensure consistent quality execution
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
- The expected compensation range for this position is between $66,900 - $111,950.
- 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.
- Bonus based on performance and eligibility target payout is 8% of annual salary paid out annually.
- 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:
Required
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience (Food/Beverage Manufacturing, Engineering, Chemistry, Microbiology, or related field)
- Minimum 2 years of experience in the food or beverage industry strongly preferred
- Minimum 2 years of direct people leadership experience preferred
- Previous Quality Control experience in a high‑speed manufacturing environment preferred
- Knowledge and application of quality principles and problem‑solving tools
- Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively
Leadership & People Skills
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive change
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
- Ability to give and receive constructive feedback
- Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team‑building skills
- Ability to lead a team‑based approach to decision‑making.
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 / Age
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.
OPT Food & Beverage Job Roles in Virginia
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Search Food & Beverage Jobs in VirginiaFood & Beverage OPT Sponsorship Jobs in Virginia: Frequently Asked Questions
Which food and beverage companies sponsor F-1 OPT visas in Virginia?
Virginia hosts a mix of large food manufacturers and hospitality groups that have historically hired F-1 OPT students. Mars Incorporated operates facilities in the state, and major food distributors and restaurant chains headquartered in the Northern Virginia and Richmond corridors have posted OPT-eligible roles in food science, quality assurance, and supply chain. Sponsorship practices vary by employer and role, so confirming eligibility directly with each company is important.
Which cities in Virginia have the most food and beverage F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs?
Northern Virginia cities like Arlington, Alexandria, and McLean offer food and beverage corporate roles tied to the broader D.C. metro economy, including positions in food policy, nutrition, and hospitality management. Richmond has a growing craft food and beverage sector with openings in production and operations. Virginia Beach and Norfolk also generate hospitality and food service roles that occasionally qualify for OPT, particularly in management and culinary science functions.
What types of food and beverage roles typically qualify for F-1 OPT sponsorship?
F-1 OPT authorization is tied to your degree field, so qualifying roles in food and beverage are generally those directly related to your major. Food science graduates often qualify for roles in product development, quality control, and regulatory affairs. Nutrition degree holders may qualify in clinical nutrition or dietetics. Supply chain and business graduates can qualify in procurement or operations roles within food companies. Purely entry-level service roles without a clear degree connection typically do not qualify.
How do I find food & beverage F-1 OPT sponsorship jobs in Virginia?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international students and filters job listings by visa type, including F-1 OPT, and by industry, so you can search directly for food and beverage roles in Virginia without sorting through positions that do not support OPT. Because sponsorship status changes frequently, Migrate Mate keeps listings current and focused on employers actively open to F-1 OPT candidates in the food and beverage sector.
Are there any Virginia-specific considerations for F-1 OPT sponsorship in food and beverage?
Virginia's proximity to federal regulatory agencies in Washington, D.C. means food and beverage employers in Northern Virginia sometimes seek candidates with an understanding of FDA or USDA compliance, which can align well with food science or nutrition OPT authorizations. Virginia also has active agricultural and beverage processing industries in its rural regions, though those roles may be further from university OPT support resources. STEM OPT extensions apply only if your degree is in a designated STEM field such as food science or agricultural engineering.