Research & Development Intern

Grande Cheese Company; Fond du Lac (WI); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Farm tours & facility tours

Networking events with executives

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

Grande Cheese Company is seeking a Research & Development Intern for Summer 2027 to support whey-based product development, testing, and innovation initiatives. You will work with experienced scientists, gain hands-on lab research experience, and manage data collection and analysis.

You will contribute to experimental design, process improvement, and R&D projects while receiving mentorship. This internship offers real-world experience in product development and manufacturing capabilities within

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in a science or engineering field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exposure to basic statistics and math.
• Proficiency with Word and Excel for data recording and analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work independently.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle information professionally.

Responsibilities

• Support whey-based product development, testing, and process development.
• Collaborate with R&D scientists to share observations and insights.
• Design and conduct lab, pilot plant, and production-scale experiments and document data.
• Analyze test results and present findings in tables, charts, and reports.
• Contribute to multiple R&D projects under guidance and complete assigned tasks.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Statistics basics

Microsoft Word & Excel

Multitasking

Initiative & work ethic

Confidentiality

Education

Science/engineering degree coursework (in progress)

Tools

None

Job description

The Custom Ingredients Group team is seeking a Research & Development Intern for Summer 2027 to support product development, testing, and innovation initiatives focused on whey-based ingredients and products. In this role, you will work alongside experienced scientists and technical professionals, gaining hands-on experience in laboratory research, data analysis, experimental design, and process improvement. You will also be assignedunique R&D projects, allowing you to take ownership ofresearch initiativeswhile receiving mentorship and guidance from the team. This internship offers the opportunity to apply scientific principles in a real-world environment while contributing to projects that support new product development and enhance manufacturing capabilities.

What You Will Be Doing

• Assistwith developing and improvingwheyproducts by supporting research, testing, and process development activities.
• Work closely with R&D scientists to understand product development and contribute ideas, observations, and insights.
• Help design and conduct laboratory, pilot plant, and production-scale experiments while collecting and documentingaccuratedata.
• Analyze test results using basic statistical methods and organize findings into clear tables, charts, and reports.
• Participate in R&D projects by performing sample analysis, laboratory testing, and other technical tasks under guidance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team members to execute project plans, communicate results, and deliver projectobjectives.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and workspaces while following all safety standards, laboratory procedures, and company policies.
• Support continuous improvement efforts by staying informed onnew technologies,assistingwith procedure documentation, andparticipatingin training opportunities.

This internship provides meaningful, real-world experience in research and development, helping you build technicalexpertise, strengthen problem-solving skills, and gain insight into the product development lifecycle.You'llhave the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects while learning from experienced professionals in a collaborative environment.

Unique Benefits of our Internship Program:

• 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.
• Internship group outings and events.
• Volunteer opportunities within the community.
• Personal development events and training.

Required Qualifications

• Student in Sophomore or greater status working towards a degree in a science or engineering related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong math skills with exposure to basic statistics.
• Proficiencyin Microsoft Word and Excel, including graphing, table creation, and data analysis.
• Ability to manage multiple responsibilities and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability tomaintainconfidentiality and handle information professionally.

PreferredQualifications

• Interest in Research & Development, New Product Development, Sensory Analysis, and/or Microbiology.
• Positive, professional attitude and strong problem-solving skills.
• Experience organizing and presenting data in charts, graphs, or reports.
• Familiarity with statistical applications and data interpretation.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a team-oriented environment.

Why Grande?

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest ItalianCheeses That Money Can Buy”, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensurethey’redelivering the very bestpizza to their customers or assistingour food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to qualitycan’tbe 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 pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.