RD&A Intern

At Kerry we’re obsessed with food and with an ambition to provide 2 billion people access to more sustainable nutrition, this isn’t a ‘typical’ program. But then, you’re not a typical student. If you’re looking for responsibility and exposure to meaningful projects around the world and if you have an open and flexible approach, then a career at Kerry could be right for you. The world wants more nutritious, tastier, sustainably produced food. If you want to help solve the food challenges of our time, apply now. 

The food industry is ever-growing, and we pride ourselves in helping customers make better food, in a better way for a better future. Kerry is a global company with several manufacturing facilities across North America. Through the 12-week summer internship program, you will have the opportunity to work and learn in real, impactful roles. The program dates are May 24, 2027, to August 12, 2027.

Where You'll Work
At the Kerry Center in Beloit, Wisconsin, US we are the leader in taste and nutrition for the global food, beverage and pharmaceutical industry. We have approximately 700 employees at this location that perform various task such as research and development, finance, procurement, supply chain and customer care. This location is commutable from major cities such as Milwaukee, Madison, Rockford and Chicago. If you’re looking to build a career in RD&A with a team you can have some fun with, we might be the team for you!

Key responsibilities

•    Participate in proactive innovation projects within the RD&A team.
•    Support scientists in executing research activities and completing project deliverables.
•    Apply scientific principles to research and improve existing products in Beverage, Meals, Snack, Bakery, Meat, Dairy, and Plant‑Based Food markets.
•    Conduct hands‑on lab work to develop, test, and evaluate product concepts.
•    Translate customer needs into technical solutions and product improvements.
•    Engage in brainstorming and ideation sessions to generate innovative product concepts.
•    Contribute to the conceptualization, development, specification, and processing of new products.
•    Collaborate with the RD&A Manager and cross‑functional teams to support project objectives.

Qualifications

•    Pursuing a bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited college or university, in Food Science or related technical science, with an anticipated graduation date between December 2027 - May 2028.
•    Knowledgeable about food chemistry, sensory, microbiology, food packaging, systems and food engineering.
•    Applicable food processing technology knowledge and statistical process knowledge
•    Legal Authorization to work in the U.S. - Sponsorships will not be provided for early career roles now or in the future. 
•    Proven ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
•    All candidates must be geographically flexible and willing to relocate for this internship opportunity.
•    Ability to prioritize and manage different projects.
•    Demonstrated problem solving ability.
•    Strong technical skills.

Competencies

•    Hands-on, with a practical mindset.
•    Flexible & resilient with openness to feedback 
•    Ability to work within cross functional teams 
•    Responsible for assigned work with excellent communication skills 

At Kerry, we want our interns to focus on learning, growing, and making an impact. Eligible interns who relocate more than 50 miles for their internship will receive a $3,500 living allowance to help cover housing and other living expenses during the summer program.

Compensation Data

The pay rate for this position is $22.00 per hour.  Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full.  Accepting applications on a continuous basis until 2027 cohort is full.  This job posting is anticipated to expire on March 31, 2027. 

We may use artificial intelligence tools to support the review and assessment of applications and assist with scheduling interviews. We do not use AI to make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

​Kerry is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. Kerry will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a background investigation and drug screen. Additional information can be found at Know Your Rights Workplace Discrimination is Illegal (dol.gov).                  

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a “starter kit,” investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.