Research & Development Intern/Co-Op, 2027

The J.M. Smucker Company; Orrville (OH); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Networking events

Professional development sessions

On-site fitness center

Orchard cafeteria

Housing stipend

Competitive compensation

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company is offering a Summer Research & Development Internship in Orrville, with a hybrid work arrangement requiring at least 75% onsite.

The program seeks Sophomore or Junior students in Food Science or related fields to independently manage small projects, analyze data and report findings. Other responsibilities include maintaining lab records, keeping a clean lab, collaborating with teams, and supporting trials with potential training across locations.

Qualifications

• Sophomore or Junior standing with educational experience in Food Science or related field.
• Strong time-management, detail-oriented record-keeping, leadership, organization and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply product development methodologies and scientific method to organize and execute one or more project types: new product development, analytical method development, or cost savings.
• Maintain thorough lab records with hypotheses, protocols, results and next steps.
• Maintain clean and organized laboratory work environment.
• Collaborate effectively with peers and project teams; communicate progress.
• Provide support to other team trials or start-ups and train teammates on new lab methods/SOPs; participate in team meetings.

Skills

Food Science background

Time management

Leadership

Organization

Project management

Education

Sophomore/Junior in Food Science

Job description

Your Opportunity as a Research & Development Intern

As an intern within our Research and Development organization you will have the opportunity to independently manage and conduct all technical functions of a small research project, as well as analyze data and report on key findings.

Location: Orrville, Corporate Offices
Work Arrangements: Hybrid - at least 75% onsite expectations
Work Schedule: We are looking for students who are available for a 3-month summer internship but also looking for students available for 6-8-month positions (from January - August or May - December). Please indicate your availability on the application.

In this role you will:

• Apply product development methodologies and scientific method to organize and execute one or more of the following project types through independent or teamwork: new product development initiative(s), analytical method development, or cost savings initiative.
• Maintain thorough lab records with hypotheses, protocols, results and next steps
• Maintain clean and organized laboratory work environment
• Work and communicate effectively and productively with peers and project teams
• Provide support to other team project trials or start-ups, training other team members or locations on new lab methods/SOPs, and participate in team meetings and ideations

What we are looking for:

• A Sophomore or Junior standing in school with requisite educational experience in Food Science or related field
• A well-rounded skill set including strong time-management, ability to keep detail-oriented records, proven leadership abilities, good organization, and project management skills

Application Period: Application period closes on November 6th, 2026

Why Choose the J.M. Smucker Company’s Internship Program?

• Learn: Unlock your potential in a collaborative and supportive environment where you are treated like a true peer and challenged to be your best.
• Grow: Benefit from hands-on training with a dedicated mentor and connect with peers and leaders throughout the company.
• Lead: Contribute to high-profile projects that support our Company’s growing categories like snacks, coffee and pet food.

Additional Perks:

• Unique opportunities to network and interact with company leadership
• Customized professional development sessions
• Networking events and social outings with fellow interns
• Access to a fully equipped fitness center, complete with a basketball court, indoor walking track, and recreational league sports
• The Orchard, our gourmet cafeteria, offering breakfast and lunch with seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients
• A competitive compensation package, including paid corporate holidays. Compensation range: $21.50-$25.00 (Actual hourly rate is determined based upon the year of college that will be completed at the start of the internship)
• A housing stipend for interns relocating for the program
• Experience an internship where you can learn, grow, and lead - all while being part of something special at Smucker.

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn.

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

We're a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love-while supporting the communities in which we work and live. We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success. Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose.

At Smucker, we're passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs. Learn more about working at Smucker.

Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company. Learn more about our hiring process

The J. M. Smucker Co. (the "Company") is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.