Research & Development Internship

West Liberty Foods, L.L.C.; West Liberty (IA); On-site; USD 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

West Liberty Foods is offering a Research and Development Internship in West Liberty, IA. The intern will connect academic concepts with real-world applications, focusing on ingredient testing for yield optimization and gaining operational experience in a USDA Pilot Plant setting.

Responsibilities include researching new suppliers and component qualifications and assisting with new product development initiatives for Summer 2027.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant coursework or work experience preferred.

Skills

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Sophomore year in a relevant field preferred

Tools

Google Workspace

Job description

Where Your Career Becomes Family

About West Liberty Foods

Our mission is to be a leading food manufacturer by converting needs, ideas and expertise into value for our members, business partners and consumers.

West Liberty Foods manufactures hundreds of meat and poultry products that can be found in well-known grocery stores and top restaurant chains nationwide. Recognized as one of the top protein processors in North America, we have the capacity to produce over 650 million pounds of food products per year across our facilities. We are The Surprisingly Big Company, and we're right in your backyard.

Build your career with West Liberty Foods and be a part of an exciting, collaborative team that becomes family!

Opportunity Overview

• Job Title: Research & Development Internship
• Location: West Liberty, IA
• Shift: 1st
• Hourly Wage Range: $22.00 per hour
• Shift Premium: None

Job Summary

The Research and Development Internship offers hands-on experience by connecting academic concepts with practical workplace applications. For Summer 2027, the intern will focus on ingredient testing for yield optimization, gain operational experience in a USDA Pilot Plant setting, research new suppliers and component qualifications, and assist with new product development initiatives.

Job Requirements

• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant coursework or work experience preferred.
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Work Authorization: Must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Certifications: HACCP certification is preferred.
• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required; completion of sophomore year in a relevant field of study preferred.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds.
• Core Skills: Proficiency with Google Workspace products, strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Flexibility: Ability to work overtime or weekends as needed and adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Compliance: Must maintain high standards of personal hygiene and successfully pass pre-employment screenings, including a drug test, background check, physical exam, and E-Verify.

Equal Opportunity Employer

West Liberty Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

West Liberty Foods is committed to providing all team members with predictable work schedules that accommodate the universal need to spend time away from work to rest, relax, and spend time with family and friends. However, as a food manufacturer, West Liberty Foods is responsible for producing perishable products. To help ensure that our food products meet the quality and safety standards our customers expect, team members may, at times, be asked or expected to work overtime, weekends, or holidays. West Liberty Foods remains committed to its overtime, weekend, and holiday pay policies, and will schedule team members for those hours on a volunteer-first basis, whenever possible.