Spring/Summer 2027 Quality Assurance Intern - Oxnard, CA

The J.M. Smucker Company; Oxnard (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Networking with leadership

Professional development sessions

Fitness center access

Orchard cafeteria

Paid corporate holidays

Employee discounts

Housing stipend

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Company is seeking a Quality Assurance Intern in Oxnard, CA. This onsite internship collaborates with management, quality control, and hourly staff to identify quality issues and suggest improvement actions.

Expect to assist with HACCP, audits, training, and daily QA tasks during the March–August window. Requirements include a 4-year degree in Food Science or Engineering or current enrollment, English fluency, weekend/overtime flexibility, and preference for Spanish language

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in or have a 4-year Food Science or Engineering degree.
• Available late March through the end of August.
• Must be able to work weekends, overtime, and night shifts including six days per week.
• Technical knowledge in food processing is preferred.
• Must read, write, and speak English; Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identify potential quality problems and report on improvements.
• Assist in HACCP monitoring and sanitation inspections.
• Participate in daily Production meetings and QA coordination.
• Data entry and maintenance of lab records and specs.
• Assist with third-party audits and QA staff coordination.
• Support training of hourly personnel and quality control procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Detail oriented

Analytical skills

Spanish language

English language

Education

4-year Food Science or Engineering degree program

Job description

Your Opportunity as a Quality Assurance Intern

As an intern within our quality department, you will work closely with management, office, quality control, maintenance and hourly personnel to achieve goals. You will assist in identifying potential quality problems; develop, recommend and report on improvement measures; and recommend corrective action.

Location: Oxnard, CA

Work Arrangements: Onsite, 100% of the time

In this role you will:

• Responsible for adherence to company and departmental policies, procedures and practices.
• Ensures that company GMPs are being followed.
• Participates in daily Production meetings.
• Conduct daily sanitation inspection.
• Inspects incoming packaging and ingredients for compliance with JMS specifications.
• Monitors HACCP plan.
• Assists in the training of hourly personnel.
• Data entry into computer systems.
• Monitors accuracy of lab paperwork.
• Investigates quality incidents.
• Prevents accidents by recognizing physical and behavioral hazards and taking corrective action.
• May do manual work.
• Work with the Personnel Clerk and work out labor needs for the following workday.
• Assists in the coordination of the activities of all QA staff, as necessary.
• May assist in the training and dissemination of work in the Department.
• Perform laboratory tests as required.
• Maintain laboratory in an organized, clean condition.
• Maintain inventory of laboratory chemicals, supplies and equipment.
• Inspect and grade products as necessary.
• Provide up-to-date quality control records and reports as necessary on a timely basis.
• Promote a positive and safe work environment.
• Maintains updated specification manuals, formulas, and test procedures.
• Responsible for having an understanding and working knowledge of JMS grading procedures and product specifications.
• Conduct special tests, evaluations, and projects as requested by the Quality Assurance Manager.
• Coordinates shipping and receiving activities with floor persons, quality control personnel and forklift drivers.
• Assist with preparation for third party audits.
• Maintain quality control records.
• Supervise or conduct incoming packaging or ingredient materials inspection.
• Stay current with trends and developments in the quality control field including sanitation, food technology, processing, governmental regulations and requirements.
• Other duties as required.

What we are looking for:

• Currently have a 4-year degree or are currently enrolled in a 4-year Food Science or Engineering degree program is required.
• Ability to read, write and speak Spanish highly desired
• Available in late March through the end of August.
• Able to work weekends, overtime, and night shifts.Must be able to work six days per week, various shifts.
• Strong leadership skills and communication skills.
• Must be detail orientated.
• Organized with good analytical skills.
• Technical knowledge in food processing is preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

Compensation:

• Pay range: $23/hr. to $25/hr.
• Housing allowance (for applicable students)

Application Period:

• Application period closes on December 15, 2026

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

Are you seeking an exceptional internship experience at a Fortune 500 company? At Smucker, we are dedicated to providing a world-class, award-winning internship that offers you the opportunity to:

• 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
• Employee discounts at our Company Store
• A housing stipend for interns relocating for the program

Learn more about working at Smucker:

• Our Internship Program
• Delivering on Our PurposeOur Continued Commitment to Ensuring a Workplace for All

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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.