R&D Process Development Engineering Co-Op

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

R&D Process Development Engineering Co-Op

Job Category : Internships

Requisition Number : RDPRO007036

• Full-Time
• On-site

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Job Summary:

The Grande R&D Process Development Engineering team is excited to offer a summer 2027co-opopportunity for a motivated and forward-thinking college student!Thisco-opprovides hands-on, project-based experience in key areas such as process development for the launch of new products.

Co-opswill gain valuable exposure to our full cheese making operations, and our pilot scale processes while sharpening essential professional skills including collaboration, customer focus, independent and team-based work, attention to detail, time management, and workplace professionalism. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully while growing personally and professionally in a dynamic research and development environment.

What you will be doing:

• Partner with R&D scientists to support the development of new food products, processes, and manufacturing technologies.
• Assistwith designing, conducting, and documenting laboratory, pilot plant, and production trials.
• Collect, analyze, and present data using charts, graphs, and statistical methods to help evaluate product and process performance.
• Help define and optimize processing parameters to ensure product quality and manufacturing efficiency.
• Support packaging and process improvement initiatives by testing changes and verifying they meet quality standards.
• Participate in the startup and validation of new products and processes, including extended production runs.
• Prepare reports, trial protocols, and technical documentation to communicate results and recommendations.
• Demonstrate a commitment to safety, quality, and food safety whileparticipatingin professional development and training opportunities.

Thisco-opoffers the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a collaborative manufacturing and product development environment.You'llwork alongside experienced scientists and engineers, contribute to projects thatimpactreal products, and develop valuable technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills along the way. Ifyou'relooking for an opportunity to apply whatyou'velearned in the classroom, explore the world of food manufacturing, and builda strong foundationfor your engineering career, thisco-opisa great placeto start.

Unique Benefits of ourCo-opProgram:

• You will get the farm to fork experience during this program. You will experience a farm tour, facility tours, and experience the end user products.
• Networking events where you will meet executives and community leaders.
• Internand co-opgroup outings and events.
• Volunteer opportunities within the community.
• Personal development events and training.

While youdont have to love pizza to work here…it sure does help!

What you need to be considered for the role:

• Studentin Junior or Senior status currently pursuing aBachelor's Degree in Food Engineeringor related fields such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering.
• Excellent analytical and math skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Mature, positive outlook with ability to focus on multiple duties across different areas
• Ability to persuade others to change existing practices
• Strong attention to detail
• Proven ability toidentify, assess and solve problems
• Proficient with computer and information technology
• Knowledge of process development engineering and analytical software systems
• Familiarity with applicable health and safety regulations
• Familiarity with applicable food safety and quality regulations

Preferred

• Participative involvement in campus organizations, non-class related volunteer involvement, off campusemploymentanddemonstratedleadership preferred.

Why Grande?

With more than 80 years of crafting The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensurethey’redelivering thevery bestpizza to their customers orassistingour food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to qualitycant be matched. While Grande’s reputationofexcellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry-leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company what we do and how we go about it or learn more about our beautiful,state-of-the-artcorporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com .

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuing federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.