R&D Food Technologist Internship

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

Internship

KLN Family Brands/Kenny’s Candy & Confections

College Juniors and Seniors…We’re looking for you!

Our Story

KLN Family Brands is a 3 rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships, and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little. Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves. That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality & safety of our products, our tradition & trust, our bold innovation, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

R&D Food Technologist Intern

We’re looking for an R&D Food Technologist Intern for the summer of 2027 that is serious about a career in food manufacturing, specifically within the confectionary industry. If you are willing to learn from the best and have a desire to participate in the growth of some of the fastest growing brands in the confectionary industry, you’ve stumbled upon the right job.

The Opportunity

As an R&D Food Technologist Intern, you’ll work closely with our R&D Application Supervisor, other R&D team members, and the entire operations team.

Daily Duties And Responsibilities

• Create new products for our brands and business-to-business (B2B) partners
• Improve existing products and optimize formulas
• Engage with customers to gather meaningful insights and translate them into concepts, prototypes, and commercial 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

Unique Projects

• Develop one or more products that address specific Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) needs and capitalize on market opportunities
• Contribute in strategic planning initiatives that support long-term business growth

You Will Learn Things Like

• Innovation and creativity
• Goal setting and KPI measurement
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork and leadership

What You’ll Need to Be Successful at KLN Family Brands/Kenny’s Candy & Confections:

• At least a Junior in college pursuing a degree in Food Science or a related field
• The ability to dedicate 10-12 weeks to the internship program for the summer of 2027
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• The ability to work in a team atmosphere and be a great co-worker
• The ability to work on-site at our Perham, MN facility for the summer

Compensation

The starting hourly rate of pay is $17.94 and will be a percentage of industry standards based on typical full-time starting salaries, and will depend on your year in school and timeline to graduation.

Potential

Interns who demonstrate exceptional performance and a passion for our business may have the opportunity for full-time employment upon graduation.