R&D Product Development Intern (Northbrook IL) - Summer 2027 - Campus Recruiting

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS^®, SKIPPY^®, SPAM^®, HORMEL^® NATURAL CHOICE^®, APPLEGATE^®, WHOLLY^®, HORMEL^® BLACK LABEL^®, COLUMBUS^®, JENNIE-O^® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Job Title:

R&D Product Development Intern - Northbrook, IL

Job Purpose:

Gain hands-on experience in food product development, process optimization, and commercial manufacturing while working alongside R&D professionals to develop products and solutions that support business growth across Retail and Foodservice channels. This internship provides exposure to the complete product development lifecycle, from concept development and formulation through commercialization and production.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with product development scientists on a wide variety of value-added food projects across the Planters®, NUT∙rition® and Skippy® brands (may require travel to other production facilities within the USA)
• Gain experience and apply knowledge of food science to the product development process
• Learn to operate a wide variety of food processing equipment
• Practice communication skills, use analytical techniques, and apply critical thinking skills
• Learn about product formulation and prepare prototypes in the lab/pilot plant for review by marketing, sales, operations and R&D
• Gain practical experience applying food science, meat science, and engineering principles to product development and commercialization. 
• Learn and operate a variety of food processing equipment within a pilot plant and manufacturing settings. 
• Collect, analyze, and interpret product, process, and quality data to support project recommendations and decision making. 
• Develop communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills through project execution and cross-functional collaboration. 
• Participate in project meetings with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams to gain insight into the product development process. 
• Support plant trials and product scale-up activities from pilot plant through commercial production. 
• Assist with process and product troubleshooting to improve product quality, consistency, and manufacturing efficiency. 
• Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processes to support innovation and continuous improvement initiatives. 
• Formulate and prepare product prototypes for review by cross-functional stakeholders. 
• Conduct meat quality assessments and product evaluations. 
• Lead an individual summer project under the guidance of an R&D scientist and present findings and recommendations to business stakeholders at the conclusion of the internship. 
• Travel to manufacturing facilities within the United States may be required.

Minimum Requirements:

• Completed at least two years of study toward a degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Meat Science, or a related field at the time of application. 
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. 
• Expected graduation date between December 2027 and August 2028. 
• Demonstrated leadership experience through academic, professional, volunteer, or extracurricular activities. 
• Strong work ethic, initiative, and desire to learn. 
• Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team environment. 
• Ability to work safely in a pilot plant and manufacturing environments. 
• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Applicants must not currently require, nor in the future require, sponsorship for employment visa status. 
• Must have access to reliable transportation and the ability to utilize a personal motor vehicle for work-related travel as necessary.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous food manufacturing, meat processing, laboratory, or product development experience.
• Knowledge of food formulation principles and food processing operations.
• Experience with laboratory testing methods and data analysis.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas. 

About Our Internship Program:

The Hormel Foods internship program is designed with your growth in mind. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support real business initiatives while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch your career.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow interns, build your professional network, participate in development and learning sessions, and interact with leaders across the organization. You'll leave the summer with valuable experience, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it's like to work for a Fortune 500 company.

We're proud to be recognized among the nation's Top 150 Internship Programs by Vault.

Duration:

Our summer internship program runs 10-12 weeks and starts in late May and ends in early August.

Hours:

This is a temporary, full-time, hourly position. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime based on business needs.

Location and Hours:

• This is an on-site position based out of our Research & Development division in Northbrook, IL.
• Full-time internship position, approximately 40 hours per week. 
• Internship begins in late May 2027 and concludes in mid-August 2027. 
• Travel to manufacturing facilities may be required.

• Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote internship opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay of $24.50 paid on a weekly basis

• Housing assistance through company-provided housing or a housing stipend, based on location and availability. 

• Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses.

• Reimbursement for approved business-related travel and expenses

• Opportunity to participate in the Company's 401(k) retirement savings plan, including company match

• Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual

• Professional development opportunities and networking experiences 
• Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.