Product Development Internship - Summer 2027

Schwan's Company•Marshall, MN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Schwan’s Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith’s® and Edwards® desserts; and Pagoda® and Bibigo® Asian-style snacks. This is a dynamic 12-week internship experience from May 24 to August 13, 2027, focusing on product development of dairy and ice cream products in Marshall, MN. Interns will engage in real-world projects, have exclusive access to leadership, and experience a culture of care. Internships often lead to full-time roles after graduation.

Requirements

Current enrollment in a bachelor’s degree Food Science program or related field such as Bakery Science, Meat Science, Dairy Science, or Culinary Science with an anticipated graduation date of December 2027 or May 2028.
Foundational understanding of food science or related disciplines, with awareness of product development, food safety, and quality standards.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to collect, interpret, and present data.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail and the ability to clearly document and share results.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, follow laboratory protocols, and meet project timelines.
Collaborative mindset with eagerness to learn, adaptability in a fast-paced environment, and the ability to connect technical findings to consumer and business needs.

Nice To Haves

GPA of 3.0+ preferred.
Experience with lab or statistical software is a plus.

Responsibilities

Partner with Food Scientists to develop new products, enhance existing ones, and identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiencies.
Prepare experimental formulas, processing techniques, and product specifications under guidance, while actively supporting lab and pilot plant test runs.
Collect data, record observations, and ensure accurate documentation of test results to drive informed decision-making.
Assist in evaluating alternative ingredients that can improve product quality, reduce costs, or strengthen supply resilience.
Verify preparation instructions and document product performance, quality, and sensory attributes to ensure consumer satisfaction.
Conduct literature reviews and competitive product assessments to identify emerging trends, technologies, and innovation opportunities.
Assist in scaling successful prototypes from lab to production, ensuring technical feasibility and compliance with company standards.
Follow laboratory safety protocols and support adherence to food safety and regulatory requirements throughout development.
Share test findings and recommendations in clear, professional formats (reports, presentations, or demonstrations) for technical and non-technical audiences.