Customer Innovation Intern

Ingredion; White Marsh (MD); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Intern coaching program

Capstone Summit at Ingredion HQ

Job summary

Ingredion is seeking a Customer Innovation Intern for Summer 2027 in White Marsh, MD. You will support the US/Canada region with new product development and customer-focused solutions, scaling lab concepts to pilot plant prototypes, and documenting technical findings under guidance.

You will perform analytical testing, learn to work with Idea Labs capabilities, and contribute to cross-functional teams while developing reports and presentations for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field.
• If currently enrolled in undergrad status, must have completed at least two years of coursework (sophomore/junior/non-graduating senior).
• U.S. work authorization without sponsorship; no OPT/CPT provided.

Responsibilities

• Manage work projects to meet timelines and deliverables.
• Analyze data, results, and literature to advance projects.
• Maintain GMP, SafeServ and safety standards in a lab environment.
• Collaborate with Customer Innovation and internal SMEs to address formulation challenges.
• Present prototypes and project updates to team and stakeholders.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations communicating findings.

Skills

Food concept development

Experimental design

Statistical analysis

Planning & organization

Team collaboration

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Food Science or Food Engineering

Job description

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: White Marsh, MD Idea Lab

Workplace type: Hybrid / On Site

We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious student to join our Customer Innovation team for Summer 2027! As the Customer Innovation Intern , you will provide technical support to the program and related customers in the US/Canada region via new product development and the creation of customer valued solutions. Utilizing Ingredion’s Idea Labs capabilities, you will be responsible for taking lab-scale concepts and scaling them up in the food pilot plant to produce high quality prototypes. You will perform research related duties as needed or assigned, execute on analytical testing, as well as document and prepare technical reports with guidance from your manager.

What you will do:

• Manage work project(s) to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Analyze and understand data, results, and scientific literature to advance projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment and follow established guidelines for good housekeeping, GMPs,SafeServ, and safety.
• Work collaboratively with the Customer Innovation as well as other internal subject matter experts, to identify formulation challenges, solve problems, and develop innovative solutions.
• Present prototypes, project status updates, and project outcomes to team members and key stakeholders.
• Compose presentations and technical reports to communicate project findings and recommendations.

What you will bring:

• Experience with hands-on food concept development using laboratory and/or pilot plant equipment is a plus.
• Knowledge of common food processes, ingredient functionality, and ingredient interactions, with familiarity in experimental design, statistical analysis, and interpretation of results.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week during the summer internship term.
• Reliable transportation to and from the facility each workday.

Who you are:

• Passionate about food science with a strong curiosity and eagerness to learn
• Able to collaborate effectively with peers and cross-functional teams while also working independently to achieve results.
• A creative problem solver who challenges conventional approaches and embraces a continuous improvement mindset.
• Comfortable working in a dynamic environment and navigating ambiguity with flexibility and resilience.
• Present prototypes, project status, updates and outcomes to team and key stakeholders.
• Compose presentations and technical reports on project findings.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

• Currently possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. Ingredion does not intend to sponsor work visas with respect to this position or to provide this position as OPT or CPT.
• Be a currently enrolled student in a Bachelor’s degree program in Food Science, Food Engineering or a related field. If currently enrolled in an undergrad status, must have completed at least two years of coursework with status as a sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior.
• If you have completed your degree, please consider other opportunities with Ingredion, posted at ww.ingredion.com/careers.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exception rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package - competitive hourly salary based on your degree program. Housing stipends offered to students relocating 51+ miles from the Ingredion work location
• Internship Program Events & Activities - programming catered toward career exploration, networking, and professional development - including the annual Capstone Summit at Ingredion HQ in Westchester, IL
• Intern Coaching Program - pairing with a mentor to coach development and integration in Ingredion’s culture
• Involvement in Ingredion’s Business Resource Groups - the conscience of the organization and an integral part to Ingredion’s Inclusion & Belonging strategy
• Employee Recognition Program - a culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program - provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

#wayup

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability-mental or physical-marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

Yes, Within Country

This pay rate is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match .