R&D Food Technologist Intern — Summer in Confectionery

KLN Family Brands; Perham (MN); On-site; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

KLN Family Brands/Kenny’s Candy & Confections is seeking a R&D Food Technologist Intern for the summer of 2027 in Perham, MN. The role offers hands-on experience in product development for confectionery brands and B2B partners.

You will work closely with the R&D team, participate in unique projects, and gain exposure to new product concepts, packaging, and customer insights. This internship requires junior status and a commitment of 10–12 weeks on-site in Perham.

Qualifications

• Junior in college pursuing a degree in Food Science or related field.
• Willing to dedicate 10–12 weeks to the internship in Summer 2027.
• Ability to work on-site at Perham, MN facility.

Responsibilities

• Create new products for our brands and B2B partners.
• Improve existing products and optimize formulas.
• Engage with customers to gather insights and translate into concepts, prototypes, and offerings.
• Suggest, build, and apply tools to improve processes and learnings.
• Collaborate with external partners to source innovative solutions and identify new capabilities.
• Work cross-functionally to develop packaging design, establish product specifications, and define First Production Run (FPR) expectations.

Skills

Food Science

Teamwork

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Food Science major

Job description

KLN Family Brands/Kenny’s Candy & Confections is seeking a R&D Food Technologist Intern for the summer of 2027 in Perham, MN. The role offers hands-on experience in product development for confectionery brands and B2B partners.

You will work closely with the R&D team, participate in unique projects, and gain exposure to new product concepts, packaging, and customer insights. This internship requires junior status and a commitment of 10–12 weeks on-site in Perham.