R&D Intern

Lactalis American Group; Tulare, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

Lactalis American Group in Tulare, California, is seeking a Research and Development Intern to support trials and process improvements in our dairy operations.

The role coordinates with a Research Scientist, prepares ingredients and equipment for plant and benchtop trials, and communicates results to cross‑functional teams.

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree in food or dairy science and at least one year of production experience; exceptional teamwork and curiosity are valued.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Majors in food science, dairy science, or related fields preferred.
• 1+ years of production/plant experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with a Research Scientist to plan and design trials.
• Prepare ingredients and equipment for plant and benchtop trials.
• Organize and execute plant trials with plant support.
• Communicate technical results to cross-functional teams.
• Organize tastings with the plant team.
• Examine manufacturing processes for development opportunities.
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and marketing teams.

Skills

Coordination

Communication

Planning

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in food science or dairy science

Job description

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family‑owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award‑winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy.

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis USA, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a R&D Intern based in Tulare, California.

As a Research and Development Intern, the role will carry out responsibilities such as but not limited to coordination with a Research Scientist to plan and design trials; preparation of ingredients and equipment for plant and benchtop trials; organization and execution of plant trials and research with the support of the plant; communication of technical results to cross‑functional teams; organization and execution of tastings with the plant team; examination of the current manufacturing process for areas of development and improvement. Additionally, the Research and Development Intern will collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and marketing to align duties with the company's goals and values.

From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

• Coordinate with a Research Scientist to plan and design trials
• Prepare ingredients and equipment for plant and benchtop trials
• Organize and execute plant trials and research with plant support
• Communicate technical results to cross‑functional teams
• Organize and execute tastings with the plant team
• Examine current manufacturing processes for development and improvement opportunities
• Collaborate with R&D, manufacturing, quality, and marketing teams

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Majors in food science, dairy science, or related fields preferred

Experience

• 1+ years of production/plant experience preferred
  

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally‑recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities.