2

Entry Level Food Research Development Jobs in Illinois

You will be immersed into Conagra Brands and our Research & Development Organization for 11 weeks ... Our Company Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an ...

As an Intern/Coop in Research, Development & Innovation, you will have the unique opportunity to apply Food science principles to meet project objectives.Our team has deep technical expertise across ...

Be Seen First

Work with plant & R&D personnel to ensure product consistency. Monitor trends and emerging issues within the quality & food safety business environments Serve in crisis management role for quality ...

Research Specialists

Campus, IL · On-site

$29K - $68K/mo

  • Retirement

Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty ... This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56431 Grade: P12 ...

Research Specialists

Campus, IL · On-site

$29K - $68K/mo

  • Retirement

Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty ... This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56431 Grade: P12 ...

Research Specialists

Campus, IL

$29K - $68K/mo

  • Retirement

Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty ... This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56431 Grade: P12 ...

Research Specialists

Campus, IL

$29K - $68K/mo

  • Retirement

Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty ... This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56431 Grade: P12 ...

Research Specialists

Campus, IL

$29K - $68K/mo

  • Retirement

This is an Entry-Level position in the General Professional track. Job Code: P56431 Grade: P12 ... Remain knowledgeable in the research methods, techniques, and developments in field of specialty.

Showing results 21-40

Entry Level Food Research Development information

What is an entry level food research development job?

Entry level food research development jobs involve assisting in the creation and improvement of food products. People in these roles typically work in laboratories or test kitchens, supporting senior scientists with tasks like conducting experiments, collecting data, and analyzing ingredients. They help develop new recipes, enhance food safety, and improve the taste, texture, or nutritional value of foods. These positions often require a background in food science or a related field and offer opportunities to learn hands-on research and product development skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level food research development professional?

To thrive as an Entry Level Food Research Development professional, you generally need a background in food science, chemistry, or a related field, often supported by a bachelor’s degree. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, sensory analysis tools, and food safety regulations such as HACCP is typically required. Curiosity, attention to detail, and effective team communication are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, innovative product development and successful collaboration with cross-functional teams in a regulated industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level food research development professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level professionals in Food Research and Development often face challenges such as adapting to fast-paced project timelines, balancing creativity with strict food safety regulations, and learning to work effectively within cross-functional teams. To overcome these challenges, it's important to stay organized, seek guidance from experienced colleagues, and proactively communicate any uncertainties. Embracing continuous learning, especially about new ingredients and technologies, also helps in building confidence and contributing more effectively to innovative product development.

What is the difference between Entry Level Food Research Development vs Food Quality Assurance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Food Research DevelopmentFood Quality Assurance Technician
CredentialsBachelor's in Food Science, Nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's in Food Science, Microbiology, or related field
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, R&D facilities, product development settingsManufacturing plants, quality control labs, production lines
Employer & Industry UsageFood companies, R&D departments, product innovation teamsFood manufacturing, processing plants, quality assurance departments
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles require a background in food science and involve working within the food industry, Entry Level Food Research Development focuses on creating and testing new products in labs, whereas Food Quality Assurance Technicians primarily ensure existing products meet quality and safety standards on production lines.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Research Development jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Food Research Development jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Entry Level Food Research Development jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Entry Level Food Research Development job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Food Research Development job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

R&D Intern - Summer 2027 (Chicago)

Conagra Brands, Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Conagra Brands rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 134 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

196th of 440 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Description
Our internship program will introduce you to the world of consumer packaged goods with the goal of cooking up an interest in future career
opportunities and allowing you to make an impact in a refuse-to-lose environment. You'll have the chance to work with one or more of our iconic brands: Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKPOP, Chef Boyardee, Swiss Miss and more!
What Can You Expect from Your Internship?
You will be immersed into Conagra Brands and our Research & Development Organization for 11 weeks. You will be responsible for one primary project, as well as other small work. Projects may include new product launches, line extensions, problem/solution identification, testing of new innovations etc. You will investigate and conduct benchtop and pilot plant experiments to gather data and prepare written reports for the commercialization of new products, or reformulation in existing products to improve quality and margins. Achieve insight into key technical initiatives and emerging business needs. To enhance your overall understanding of our company, we will provide opportunities to network with peers and leaders to gain experience with the scope of career paths available at Conagra Brands.
When: May - August , 2027
Location(s): Chicago, IL
Schedule: Interns should expect to work 40 hours/week
Why should you become a Conagra intern?
• Our intern compensation starts at $22/hr.
• We set you up for success. All interns participate in two days of orientation in Omaha.
• You'll receive professional development before and during the internship.
• Network with and learn from our leaders across the company.
• Summer Hours: Offices close at 1 p.m. on Friday.
• You don't have to stress about getting to your new city or where you're going to live. Summer relocation and housing is provided by Conagra as needed.
Is this internship right for you?
We're looking for someone who wants to be part of promoting the most energized, highest impact culture in the food industry. If you are
craving an opportunity to make a difference and be empowered to kick start your professional career in a refuse-to-lose environment, then we
want to meet you! We encourage you to discover your potential and we will provide you with unparalleled opportunities to make a difference.
Do you have what it takes?
• You are enrolled in a degree program with at least 1 semester remaining after the internship program concludes.
• You are pursuing a degree in Food Science or a related major.
• You are willing to relocate to Omaha, NE for the duration of your internship.
Hourly Rate: $20-28
Our Intern Benefits
As a Conagra intern, you get paid holidays, relocation and housing assistance. During your time with us, you'll have access to learning and development live sessions, as well as tools like LinkedIn Learning. You will also travel to our Omaha campus for Intern Orientation as well as an End of Summer Celebration.
Our Company
Conagra Brands is one of North America's leading branded food companies. Guided by an entrepreneurial spirit, our Company combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus on innovation. Our portfolio is evolving to satisfy people's changing food preferences. Our iconic brands, such as Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, and Slim Jim, and emerging brands, including Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, Duke's, Earth Balance, Gardein, and Frontera, offer choices for every occasion.
We pride ourselves on having the most impactful, energized and inclusive culture in the food industry. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.
Conagra Brands is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, pregnancy, leave status, disability, veteran status, genetic information and/or any other characteristic or status protected by national, federal, state or local law. Reasonable accommodation may be made upon request.

What Conagra Brands employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Conagra Brands logo

About Conagra Brands

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Conagra Brands (NYSE: CAG) is an approximately $11 billion company that combines a rich heritage of making great food with a sharpened focus and entrepreneurial spirit. We're transforming the way we operate to fulfill what consumers and customers want, in a smart, simple way. We're modernizing our iconic food brands, leveraging fresh opportunities and adapting to a changing landscape - all with a culture that's ready to capture growth and drive shareholder value.

Industry

Food services and drinking places

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1919

Social media