Product Development Internship - Summer 2027
About The Position
CJ Schwan’s is hiring a Product Development Intern for a 12-week summer internship in Salina, Kansas, running May 24 through August 13, 2027. The internship focuses on pizza innovation and offers hands-on experience with strategic projects, frequent interactions with company executives and senior leaders, guidance from experienced team members, and a supportive environment that prioritizes health, safety, and well-being. Internships may provide a pathway to full-time roles after graduation. The intern will partner with Food Scientists to develop new products, improve existing products and processes, and support product development from laboratory work through commercialization. Work includes preparing experimental formulas and processing techniques, assisting with lab and pilot plant tests, evaluating ingredients, documenting and analyzing test results, validating product quality and sensory attributes, and researching market and technical trends. The intern will also communicate findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences while following laboratory safety, food safety, regulatory, and company requirements.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled in a bachelor's degree program in Food Science or a related field, such as Bakery Science, Meat Science, Dairy Science, or Culinary Science.
- Anticipated graduation date of December 2027 or May 2028.
- Foundational understanding of food science or a related discipline, including awareness of product development, food safety, and quality standards.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, including the ability to collect, interpret, and present data.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to document and share results clearly.
- Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks, follow laboratory protocols, and meet project timelines.
- Collaborative mindset, eagerness to learn, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and ability to connect technical findings to consumer and business needs.
Nice To Haves
- GPA of 3.0 or higher is preferred.
- Experience with laboratory or statistical software.
Responsibilities
- Partner with Food Scientists to develop new products, enhance existing products, and identify process and efficiency improvements, with a focus on pizza innovation.
- Prepare experimental formulas, processing techniques, and product specifications under guidance.
- Support laboratory and pilot plant test runs.
- Collect data, record observations, and accurately document test results.
- Assist in evaluating alternative ingredients to improve product quality, reduce costs, or strengthen supply resilience.
- Verify preparation instructions and document product performance, quality, and sensory attributes.
- Conduct literature reviews and competitive product assessments to identify trends, technologies, and innovation opportunities.
- Assist with scaling successful prototypes from the laboratory to production, ensuring technical feasibility and compliance with company standards.
- Follow laboratory safety protocols and support food safety and regulatory compliance throughout product development.
- Present test findings and recommendations through reports, presentations, or demonstrations to technical and non-technical audiences.
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What This Job Offers
Career Level
Intern
