PepsiCo Lab Intern Jobs 2026

Youth Updates; Durban; On-site; ZAR 45,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

PepsiCo in Durban is offering a Lab Intern position within its Supply Chain team. The role involves supporting laboratory operations, performing product quality tests, maintaining records, and calibrating equipment.

It also includes contributing to food safety programs and quality improvement projects. The ideal candidate holds a Matric certificate and a Diploma in Food Technology or equivalent, with strong data handling and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate plus a Diploma in Food Technology or equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Integrity and accountability.
• Willingness and ability to work shifts.

Responsibilities

• Assist with laboratory testing and product quality checks, including In Market Testing.
• Collect and coordinate shift data for reporting production statistics and ensure accurate laboratory reports.
• Calibrate and maintain laboratory equipment and report issues affecting testing accuracy.
• Support HACCP compliance, food safety standards, and manage stock on hold/released stock.
• Participate in audits and quality-improvement projects (ASHA, FSSC 22000, AIB) and coordinate trials.

Skills

Integrity

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Results-driven

Communication skills

Shift flexibility

Education

Matric certificate + Diploma in Food Technology

Job description

PepsiCo Lab Intern Jobs 2026 – Apply Online

Are you looking for internship opportunities in Durban in 2026? PepsiCo is inviting interested candidates to apply for the Lab Intern position within its Supply Chain department in Durban, South Africa.

This opportunity may suit candidates who have a Matric certificate and a Diploma in Food Technology or an equivalent tertiary qualification. The successful candidate will support laboratory operations, conduct product quality tests, maintain accurate records, calibrate equipment, and help ensure that food safety and quality standards are followed.

If you have an interest in food technology, laboratory testing, quality control, and food safety, this opportunity could be worth exploring.

• Qualification: Matric plus a Food Technology Diploma or equivalent tertiary qualification
• Computer Literacy: Required
• Communication Skills: Written and oral communication
• Closing Date: Not specified in the supplied advert

PepsiCo is a global food and beverage company with operations in South Africa. Its supply chain activities rely on quality checks, accurate laboratory results, and compliance with food safety requirements.

The Lab Intern will assist with laboratory testing and data collection during shifts. The role involves checking product quality, calibrating laboratory equipment, investigating unusual test results, and communicating findings to the relevant production team members.

The position also supports quality improvement projects, audits, and food safety systems. Applicants should therefore be comfortable working with data, following procedures, maintaining records, and working shifts.

Duties and Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be expected to assist with the following responsibilities:

1. Laboratory Testing and Product Quality

• Conduct routine analytical tests and product quality checks, including In Market Testing.
• Investigate results that fall outside the required specifications.
• Help identify the causes of quality problems and support corrective actions.
• Carry out ongoing troubleshooting to improve product quality and the accuracy of data.
• Communicate test results and possible corrective actions to frontline staff during shifts.

2. Data Collection and Reporting

• Collect and coordinate shift data for reporting production statistics.
• Ensure that laboratory reports are completed accurately.
• Communicate laboratory results to the relevant team members.
• Conduct documentation audits and data analysis.
• Maintain accurate information to support operational decisions.

3. Equipment Calibration and Maintenance

• Calibrate laboratory equipment to help ensure accurate test results.
• Perform equipment maintenance as required.
• Identify equipment-related problems and report issues that could affect testing accuracy.

4. Food Safety and Quality Control

• Support the investigation and management of foreign objects and customer complaints on the production line.
• Monitor Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) requirements.
• Help maintain food safety and quality standards.
• Manage and control stock placed on hold, rejected stock, and released stock.

5. Audits and Quality Improvement Projects

• Conduct internal ASHA laboratory audits.
• Participate in the preparation for external laboratory ASHA audits.
• Provide support during FSSC 22000 and AIB audits.
• Take responsibility for laboratory-specific projects.
• Coordinate projects aimed at improving quality and quality systems.
• Assist with trials, commissioning activities, and new projects.

These responsibilities require attention to detail, good recordkeeping, analytical thinking, and the ability to communicate findings clearly.

Requirements and Qualifications

According to the supplied advert, applicants should meet the following requirements:

• Matric certificate plus a Diploma in Food Technology or an equivalent tertiary qualification.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Integrity and accountability.
• Willingness and ability to work shifts.

The advert does not specify a minimum number of years of work experience. However, applicants should ensure that they meet the stated educational requirements before applying.

Skills and Competencies

PepsiCo identifies several competencies that are important for this role:

• Integrity: Being honest and responsible when handling laboratory information and reporting results.
• Attention to detail: Checking results, equipment, and documentation carefully.
• Analytical thinking: Helping investigate unusual results and identify possible causes of quality problems.
• Results-driven approach: Completing laboratory duties accurately and within the required time.
• Communication skills: Sharing results and important quality information with the relevant teams.
• Shift flexibility: Being prepared to work according to the laboratory’s shift requirements.

Final Thoughts

The PepsiCo Lab Intern opportunity in Durban may be suitable for candidates with a Matric certificate and a Diploma in Food Technology or an equivalent tertiary qualification who want to gain experience in laboratory testing, product quality, and food safety operations.

Before applying, carefully review the official vacancy details and confirm the application status on PepsiCo’s recruitment portal.

For more South African job opportunities, internships, and learnership updates, visit youthupdates.co.za.