R&D Intern

Pay Rate Low: 20.00 | Pay Rate High: 20.00

R&D Technician - Food Science & Product Development

Location: Springdale, AR
Schedule: M-Friday 830-5 flexible
Duration: Summer 2026 Internship (Approximately 8 Weeks, Mid-June through Mid-August)
Work Environment: Fully Onsite

Position Overview

Looking to gain hands-on experience in Food Science and Product Development? This is an exciting opportunity to work directly within a food manufacturing and innovation environment while supporting real-world product development projects.

As a Temporary R&D Technician, you will work under the guidance of the Senior R&D Manager and Senior Application Technician while collaborating with Product Development Scientists, Application Technicians, Culinary, Marketing, Sales, and Sample Department teams.

This role offers exposure to laboratory operations, food product development, quality processes, and cross-functional project work.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare sample blends and finished product samples for internal evaluations and customer reviews.
• Assist with internal product cuttings and sensory evaluations.
• Maintain laboratory records, logs, and documentation.
• Monitor and manage raw material inventory.
• Clean and sanitize laboratory workstations, food preparation equipment, utensils, cooking vessels, and surrounding work areas.
• Perform routine monitoring, calibration, and documentation of laboratory scales, laboratory equipment, food storage equipment, pest control systems, and safety equipment.
• Provide feedback to the R&D team regarding operational issues, troubleshooting opportunities, and product performance.
• Prepare, package, and ship samples and materials to customers and internal stakeholders.
• Procure materials and supplies from approved vendors.
• Perform data entry and maintain documentation across multiple company systems.
• Follow all Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), food safety standards, and department procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's or Master's degree program in:
  • Food Science
  • Food Technology
  • Food Chemistry
  • Nutrition
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Or another related technical field
• Expected graduation date of December 2026 or later.
• Availability to work 32-40 hours per week during Summer 2026 (mid-June through mid-August).
• Familiarity with laboratory equipment, laboratory scales, and food storage equipment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to work with and taste food products, including products containing common allergens.
• Must reside within commuting distance of Springdale, AR (housing assistance is not available).
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Junior or Rising Senior pursuing an undergraduate degree.
• Master's degree candidate in a related field.
• Previous internship, research, laboratory, food science, or product development experience.
• Leadership experience through campus organizations, projects, or extracurricular activities.
• Availability to continue working 32-40 hours per week from mid-August through October 1, 2026.

If you are- apply!

• Passionate about food science and product innovation.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized.
• Comfortable working with data and large Excel datasets.
• A strong communicator with excellent written and verbal skills.
• Able to solve problems and work independently when needed.
• Curious, proactive, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

Skills & Experience You'll Gain

• Food Product Development
• Food Science Laboratory Techniques
• Sample Preparation and Evaluation
• Food Safety and Quality Systems
• GLP and GMP Compliance
• Laboratory Equipment Calibration
• Inventory Management
• Technical Documentation and Reporting
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Product Testing and Troubleshooting
• Customer Sample Preparation and Shipping

Additional Opportunity

This internship offers more than just summer experience. Candidates who perform well may have the opportunity to continue supporting the team in a part-time capacity after the internship concludes, providing valuable ongoing industry experience while completing their degree program.

Why Apply?

• Gain hands-on food science and product development experience.
• Work alongside experienced R&D professionals in a commercial food manufacturing environment.
• Build laboratory, product development, and quality system experience.
• Develop professional skills through cross-functional collaboration.
• Potential opportunity for continued part-time employment following the internship.

** This job description is a complete list of all desired skills but not all are required. We strongly encourage candidates who have some of the skills to apply. We look forward to a conversation to learn more about you**
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