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Food Product Development Internship Jobs in Illinois

Actalent

Food Technologist

Glenview, IL · On-site

$35/hr

Aid in the development of new ingredient technology for food and beverage products. * Conduct bench top and pilot plant trials to optimize formulation and processes. * Perform functional evaluations ...

J&J Snack Foods

Senior Food Scientist

Rock Island, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

Must have knowledge and working experience in food ingredient functionality, food product development, food processing, nutrition and food labeling laws. * Ability to read and analyze formulas ...

ADM

Food Scientist - Bakery - Decatur, IL area

Decatur, IL · On-site

$104.10K - $157K/yr

Development and optimization of food product formulations Responsible for designing and running test formulationsIdentification and development of cost improvement opportunitiesSupports manufacturing ...

Ametek

Product Management Intern

Mount Prospect, IL · On-site

Product Management Internship at Rauland - Build, Explore, and Make an Impact! Looking to level up your experience beyond classroom projects? As a Product Management Intern at Rauland , you'll dive ...

Kent Precision Foods Group

FOOD SCIENTIST

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Food Scientist supports Research & Development across all production facilities, with a primary focus on product development driven by internal teams and external stakeholders, including sales ...

Kent Corporation

FOOD SCIENTIST

Bolingbrook, IL

$75K - $90K/yr

The Food Scientist supports Research & Development across all production facilities, with a primary focus on product development driven by internal teams and external stakeholders, including sales ...

Kent Precision Foods Group

FOOD SCIENTIST

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Food Scientist supports Research & Development across all production facilities, with a primary focus on product development driven by internal teams and external stakeholders, including sales ...

Kent Corporation

FOOD SCIENTIST

Bolingbrook, IL · On-site

$75K - $90K/yr

The Food Scientist supports Research & Development across all production facilities, with a primary focus on product development driven by internal teams and external stakeholders, including sales ...

Instawork

Product Operations Intern

Chicago, IL

$30 - $40/hr

Contribute to Product Development: Act as a key tester for new product capabilities. You'll ... Previous internships or relevant project work in a tech, startup, or marketplace environment.

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Food Product Development Internship information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Food Product Development Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Product Development Intern, you need a background in food science or a related field, with knowledge of food safety, ingredient functionality, and basic research methods. Familiarity with lab equipment, formulation software, sensory evaluation tools, and regulatory guidelines is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you work effectively on cross-functional teams and present findings. These skills are vital to innovating safe, appealing products and advancing projects from concept to market.

What are typical projects and responsibilities for a Food Product Development Intern?

As a Food Product Development Intern, you can expect to assist with a variety of hands-on projects, such as formulating new recipes, conducting sensory evaluations, and supporting shelf-life testing. You'll likely collaborate closely with food scientists, quality assurance teams, and marketing professionals to refine product concepts and ensure they meet both regulatory and consumer requirements. Interns often help with ingredient sourcing, documentation, and compiling data for analysis, providing a well-rounded experience that supports skill development and exposes you to the full product development lifecycle. This role is a great stepping stone for learning industry standards and gaining practical experience in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

What is a Food Product Development Internship?

A Food Product Development Internship is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates interested in the food industry. Interns work alongside food scientists and product developers to create, test, and improve new food products. The role often involves tasks like sensory evaluation, recipe formulation, ingredient research, and quality control. This experience provides valuable hands-on learning about the product development process and helps interns build practical skills for future careers in food science or related fields.

What is the difference between Food Product Development Internship vs Food Product Development Coordinator?

AspectFood Product Development InternshipFood Product Development Coordinator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in food science, nutrition, or related fieldBachelor's degree in food science, culinary arts, or related field; some experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting within food companies, labs, or R&D departmentsFull-time role in food companies, overseeing product development projects
ResponsibilitiesAssisting in product testing, research, and documentationManaging product development processes, coordinating teams, and ensuring project timelines

The Food Product Development Internship is an entry-level position designed for students or recent graduates gaining hands-on experience. In contrast, the Food Product Development Coordinator is a full-time professional role with greater responsibilities in managing product projects. Both roles are essential in the food industry, but they differ mainly in experience level and scope of duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Food Product Development jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Food Product Development jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Food Product Development Internship jobs in Illinois? For Food Product Development Internship jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Food Product Development Internship jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Food Product Development Internship jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Food Product Development Internship jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Food Product Development Internship job openings:
Food Product Development Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Product Development Internship job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Senior Director, Research and Development - Product Development, Innovation, and Citrus Quality

Senior Director, Research and Development - Product Development, Innovation, and Citrus Quality

Tropicana Brands Group

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 13 days ago

Tropicana Brands Group rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 377 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Fresh-Squeezed Legacy, Bold New Chapter
Tropicana Brands Group is a $3B startup aiming to revolutionize the beverage category. Formed in 2022 as a joint venture between PAI Partners and PepsiCo, our portfolio includes iconic brands like Tropicana, Naked, KeVita, Izze, Copella, and Punica. With over 76 years of global leadership in the orange juice category, we're committed to preserving this legacy while driving innovation in other areas. From reimagining orange juice to creating functional smoothies and driving afternoon refreshments, we are striving to become the undisputed global leader in fresh and chilled beverages.
The Research & Development (R&D) team drives short- and long-term innovation, product development, citrus quality and expertise and technological advancements across its juice and beverage portfolio. Focused on creating unique flavors, enhancing nutritional value, and improving formulations, the team ensures products meet evolving consumer preferences. They lead projects from concept to launch, ensuring efficient execution while aligning with business goals. Committed to sustainability, they develop innovative packaging solutions that are biodegradable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly. Additionally, they uphold rigorous nutritional science and regulatory standards, validating health claims and ensuring compliance. With a strong emphasis on food safety, quality, and process engineering, the team optimizes manufacturing systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain product excellence. Collaborating closely with scientists, nutritionists, and engineers, Tropicana's R&D team plays a crucial role in keeping products competitive, sustainable, and aligned with market demands.
Your Next Pour: The Opportunity
We are looking to add a Senior Director, R&D and Product Development - North America to our Research & Development team. This role will be responsible for leading innovation, cost engineering, design-to-consumer value, and ecosystem initiatives across North America. The Senior Director will drive strategic product development efforts, ensuring alignment with consumer insights and business objectives while fostering collaboration across global teams, including all R&D functions (Process and Package Engineering, Governance, Nutrition and Regulatory, and Food Safety and Quality). Tropicana is looking for a critical thinker with exceptional communication, influencing, and relationship management skills who thrives in a fast-paced environment. Additional responsibilities include:
  • Lead North America Product Development strategy, ensuring innovation and cost optimization align with both R&D global strategy and overall organizational goals.
  • Leads the Citrus Quality Team, that researches and unlocks foundational science around Orange varietals, blend management and delivering a competitive specification in taste and preference.
  • Oversee development of new products and reformulations to meet consumer needs and regulatory requirements.
  • Drive design-to-value initiatives to enhance product competitiveness and profitability.
  • Manage ecosystem partnerships across suppliers, university research partners, and technology start-up partners to accelerate the advancement of new technologies to drive innovation and leverage external capabilities.
  • Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of up to 5 direct report people leaders, including Product Innovation, Design to Value, Technology Innovation, and Citrus Quality teams.
  • Collaborate across all R&D functions including Process and Package Engineering, Governance, Nutrition and Regulatory, and Food Safety and Quality, as well as cross-functional teams (Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain) to ensure seamless product launches in Stage / Gate Meetings, Portfolio Management Review and in strategic sessions
  • Report directly to the Global Head of R&D, key member of the R&DLT and contribute to global innovation strategy.
  • Presenting directly to the CEO and the Executive Committee on Innovation, Citrus Quality, and on long term innovation
  • Champion a culture of continuous improvement and scientific excellence.

The Perfect Blend: Experience
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in R&D and product development within the food and beverage industry.
  • Proven track record of leading innovation and cost engineering initiatives at scale.
  • Strong background in consumer-centric product design and commercialization.
  • Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and fostering talent development.
  • Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive cross-functional alignment.
  • Familiarity with regulatory compliance and quality standards in North America.

Foundational Ingredients: Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree preferably in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field OR minimum 15 years of relevant experience.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Must be located in the Chicago, IL surrounding area or willing to relocate for the duration of employment.
  • Willingness to adapt and thrive in a blended work environment with 3-days in office, seamlessly transitioning between remote work and in-office operations.
  • Travel up to 20%.

Perks That Pack a Punch
TBG is pleased to offer you a comprehensive benefits package which includes a 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, company provided life, STD and LTD insurance. In addition, you may also elect to participate in voluntary life, accident, hospital, and critical illness coverages.
IL Residents: The salary range for this position is $181,000 to $254,000 annually
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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