Innovative Product Development Intern – Food Science

Hormel Foods Family of Companies; Austin (MN); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Hormel Foods Corporation in Austin, MN is seeking a Product Development Intern to support the research and development team through the summer. The role involves hands-on work in formulation, materials sourcing, and product testing, with exposure to bench-top work and plant trials.

You will gain experience across the product lifecycle, from ideation to shelf-life testing, and learn to communicate results to sales, marketing, and operations.

Qualifications

• Must graduate in 2027–2028 with junior status and GPA 3.0+ preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership skills are necessary for success in this position.
• Previous food or meat processing experience is beneficial.
• Possess a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Access to a personal vehicle to commute to the workplace.

Responsibilities

• Assist R&D team on commercialization of new and reformulated products, including bench work, formulation, sourcing, costing, and plant trials.
• Apply food science knowledge to the product development process.
• Learn to operate pilot plant equipment and perform testing for quality and shelf-life attributes.
• Communicate results and interpret data to support product decisions.
• Maintain GMP and safety practices.

Skills

Leadership

Work ethic

Entrepreneurial spirit

Education

Food Science

Animal Science

Job description

Hormel Foods Corporation in Austin, MN is seeking a Product Development Intern to support the research and development team through the summer. The role involves hands-on work in formulation, materials sourcing, and product testing, with exposure to bench-top work and plant trials.

You will gain experience across the product lifecycle, from ideation to shelf-life testing, and learn to communicate results to sales, marketing, and operations.