Product Development Internship - Summer 2027

CJ Schwan's; Salina (KS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is offering a 12-week Summer 2027 Product Development Intern program in Salina, KS. This internship provides hands-on experience with real-world pizza projects, collaboration with food scientists, and opportunities to learn from company leadership.

You will contribute to new product development, testing, and process improvements while following safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates are enrolled in a Food Science-related bachelor’s degree, with strong analytical and

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a bachelor’s degree program (Food Science or related field) with anticipated graduation date Dec 2027 or May 2028.
• GPA 3.0+ preferred.
• Foundational understanding of food science, product development, food safety, and quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Partner with food scientists to develop pizza-related products and improve processes.
• Prepare experimental formulas and processing techniques with guidance.
• Collect data, record observations, and document test results for decision-making.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Written communication

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Food Science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Statistical software

Job description

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INTERN – SUMMER 2027

Salina, KS

CJ Schwan’s, 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. To learn more about Schwan’s, visit www.schwanscompany.com.

Your Internship Experience

• Dynamic 12-Week Internship (May 24 – August 13, 2027): Dive into a hands-on experience with real-world projects that align with your studies and make a real impact.
• Take Charge of Strategic Projects: Own exciting, high-stakes initiatives with direct relevance to your coursework and gain invaluable experience that goes beyond the classroom.
• Exclusive Access to Leadership: Engage with company executives and senior leaders through frequent interactions that offer unique insights and career inspiration.
• A Culture of Care: Join a company that prioritizes health, safety, and well-being, fostering a supportive environment.
• Guidance from Industry Experts: Receive guidance from skilled, genuine, and good-natured team members who are invested in your success.
• Pathway to a Thriving Career: Build your future with a leading food company where internships often pave the way to full-time roles after graduation.

Your Impact

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

What You Bring

• Education: Current enrollment in 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. GPA of 3.0+ preferred.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• 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; experience with lab or statistical software is a plus.
• 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.