Research and Development Intern

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHOCOLATE FACTORY INC•Durango, CO

1d•$16 - $17•Remote

About The Position

The R&D Intern will support product development, commercialization, and continuous improvement work across confectionery and ice cream at our Durango headquarters factory. This role is ideal for a student who wants real manufacturing exposure—prototypes, pilot trials, data capture, and cross-functional work with R&D, Production, QA, and Marketing. Scope may expand as new innovation avenues open.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a BS/MS in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or related field
Interest in product development and factory-based work
Comfortable working in a food manufacturing environment (PPE, GMPs, allergens)
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
Basic proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets; able to summarize data clearly
Accurate, consistent documentation that enables scale-up and repeatability
Reliable execution of bench work and support during production trials
Strong communication of observations (especially early warning signs)
Professional collaboration with Production and QA to ensure feasibility and safety
Ability to stand/walk for extended periods and lift up to [30–50 lbs] occasionally
Ability to work in varying environments (cold rooms/freezers, warm kitchens, production floor)
Strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and allergen-control procedure

Nice To Haves

Experience in a lab, pilot plant, or food production setting (confectionery, dairy/ice cream, bakery, etc.)
Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP basics, allergen controls, or QA documentation
Experience with sensory panels or structured tasting notes

Responsibilities

Support benchtop formulation and prototyping for confectionery (fillings, ganaches, caramels, enrobed items, inclusions) and ice cream (mixes, variegates, inclusions, novelty concepts)
Assist with pilot and plant trials: prep ingredients, run trials under supervision, document process parameters, and capture outcomes
Perform and record basic analytical testing as needed (e.g., °Brix, pH, moisture observations, viscosity/flow assessments, sensory notes; water activity support if applicable)
Create clear trial summaries (objective, formula, procedure, observations, data, recommendations)
Help maintain and update batch sheets, specs, and SOPs (weights, yields, critical control points, process notes)
Participate in sensory evaluations and help organize sample sets and feedback capture
Support R&D lab organization: ingredient/sample tracking, labeling, sanitation, and GMP compliance
Contribute to processability and durability improvements (consistency, depositor/line readiness, heat tolerance, shelf-life considerations)