Summer 2027 Mars Global Petcare R&D Product Development Internship

Mars•Franklin, TN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

As a Global Pet Nutrition Product Development R&D Intern, you will be responsible for leading and executing a hands-on research project focused on pet food innovation, ingredient functionality, and product performance. You will design and conduct lab and pilot scale experiments to evaluate the impact of formulation, ingredient selection, processing conditions, and physical characteristics on product behavior and consumer-relevant attributes. This role involves collaborating with Product Development, Process Development, Science & Technology, and cross-functional business partners. You will develop and evaluate technical hypotheses to explain the mechanisms behind novel pet food technologies, while generating insights to support future innovation, scale-up, and commercialization opportunities. Analyzing experimental data and translating findings into meaningful technical recommendations is key. You will also support prototype development and evaluation of novel pet food concepts, conduct literature reviews and technical assessments to support innovation and technology development, and communicate project progress and key learnings through technical reports and presentations. Finally, you will present project outcomes and recommendations to R&D leadership at the conclusion of the internship.

Requirements

Agile, curious, and collaborative students who have a passion for science, innovation, and problem solving.
Candidates that enjoy designing experiments, working in the laboratory, analyzing data, and translating findings into actionable insights.
Desired majors include Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Animal Science, Related STEM disciplines.
Eligible candidates will intern the summer prior to their final graduation date.
Open to students legally authorized to work in the U.S., without the need for current or future work status authorization or visa sponsorship for employment.
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of drug & background screening.
Eligible candidates will be responsible for personal transportation to and from work site during duration of the internship program.

Nice To Haves

Coursework or research experience in food processing, food engineering, ingredient functionality, or product development.

Responsibilities

Lead and execute a hands-on research project focused on pet food innovation, ingredient functionality, and product performance.
Design and conduct lab and pilot scale experiments to evaluate the impact of formulation, ingredient selection, processing conditions, and physical characteristics on product behavior and consumer-relevant attributes.
Collaborate with Product Development, Process Development, Science & Technology, and cross-functional business partners.
Develop and evaluate technical hypotheses to explain the mechanisms behind novel pet food technologies, while generating insights to support future innovation, scale-up, and commercialization opportunities.
Analyze experimental data and translate findings into meaningful technical recommendations.
Support prototype development and evaluation of novel pet food concepts.
Conduct literature reviews and technical assessments to support innovation and technology development.
Communicate project progress and key learnings through technical reports and presentations.
Present project outcomes and recommendations to R&D leadership at the conclusion of the internship.