R&D Process Development Co‑op — Food Eng (Hands-on)

Grande Cheese Company; Fond du Lac (WI); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Farm to fork experience

Networking with executives

Intern & co-op group outings

Volunteer opportunities

Personal development events

Job summary

Grande Cheese Company seeks a motivated R&D Process Development Engineering Co-Op for Summer 2027. This on-site internship offers hands-on, project-based experience in process development for new products, with exposure to full cheese-making operations and pilot-scale processes.

You will work with R&D scientists on product and manufacturing tech, conduct trials, analyze data, and help optimize processing parameters while gaining professional skills in teamwork, time management, and safety.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (junior or senior).
• Strong analytical and math skills are essential.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to multitask across areas with a mature, positive attitude.
• Ability to persuade others to change practices when needed.
• High attention to detail and problem-solving capability.
• Proficient with computers and information technology.
• Familiarity with process development and analytical software.
• Familiarity with health, safety, and food quality regulations.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of new food products, processes, and technologies.
• Assist with designing, conducting, and documenting trials in lab, pilot plant, and production settings.
• Collect and analyze data; present results using charts and statistics.
• Help define and optimize processing parameters for quality and efficiency.
• Support packaging and process improvement initiatives by testing changes.
• Participate in startup and validation of new products and processes.
• Prepare reports, trial protocols, and technical documentation.
• Demonstrate safety, quality, and food safety during training opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Math skills

Written & Verbal communication

Persuasion

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Computer literacy

Process development knowledge

Health & safety awareness

Food safety knowledge

Education

Bachelors in Food Engineering or related fields (e.g., Chemical/Mechanical/Agricultural Engineering)

Job description

Grande Cheese Company seeks a motivated R&D Process Development Engineering Co-Op for Summer 2027. This on-site internship offers hands-on, project-based experience in process development for new products, with exposure to full cheese-making operations and pilot-scale processes.

You will work with R&D scientists on product and manufacturing tech, conduct trials, analyze data, and help optimize processing parameters while gaining professional skills in teamwork, time management, and safety.