Quality Intern

Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream•Bakersfield, CA

About The Position

The Quality Intern supports the Quality team in ensuring ice cream products meet food safety, regulatory, and company quality standards. The role assists with inspections, documentation, testing, audits, and continuous improvement activities to maintain product integrity and compliance in a food production environment. The intern will gain practical experience with food safety systems such as HACCP, GMP, and SQF/BRC; learn ice cream manufacturing processes including mixing, pasteurization, freezing, and packaging; and develop skills in quality data analysis and reporting. The position also involves supporting production goals, minimizing waste, following standard operating procedures, and working safely and collaboratively on the production floor.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Food Science, Microbiology, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field.
Strong attention to detail and an analytical mindset.
Ability to work in a cold and fast-paced production environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic data analysis.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States now and in the future; visa sponsorship and immigration support are not available.

Nice To Haves

Basic knowledge of food safety principles.

Responsibilities

Assist with routine quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished goods.
Support sensory evaluations of ice cream products, including taste, texture, and appearance.
Participate in GMP and sanitation audits on the production floor.
Help monitor critical control points (CCPs) and document compliance with HACCP plans.
Collect and analyze microbiological and physical test samples.
Assist with investigations of quality deviations, including root cause analysis.
Support the documentation and maintenance of quality records, logs, and reports.
Collaborate with production teams to reinforce food safety and quality standards.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives to reduce defects, waste, or complaints.
Meet daily production targets by operating efficiently and following production plans and instructions.
Report issues quickly to help reduce downtime and keep the line running smoothly.
Use raw materials, packaging, supplies, and other resources responsibly to support cost, waste, and output goals.
Maintain an organized and efficient workstation and follow SOPs.
Stop and escalate concerns when product quality is not correct.
Follow food safety, hygiene, sanitation, allergen-control, environmental, and other applicable standards.
Participate in audits, inspections, and quality improvement efforts.
Follow safety rules, report hazards and near misses, and help maintain a safe work environment.
Communicate clearly, support team members, participate in required training, and meet attendance and punctuality expectations.
Operate equipment responsibly and support sustainability efforts by minimizing waste, recycling where required, and using resources efficiently.
Demonstrate the company’s core values through ownership, ethical conduct, continuous improvement, inclusion, and teamwork.