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Butterball

2026 Summer Food Production Internship

Ozark, AR · On-site

$12.25 - $16.75/hr

Over the course of 10-12 weeks, a Poultry Production Intern, you'll work in our Ozark food ... Pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Agri-Business, Animal Science, Food Science, Meat ...

Friends of the Earth

Food Policy Intern

Washington, DC · On-site

$19.50/hr

The Food Policy Intern will assist in conducting grassroots and stakeholder outreach to support our ... political science, communications, public health, or a related field (or equivalent lived ...

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How much do food science intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for food science intern in the United States is $17.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or daily tasks can I expect as a Food Science Intern?

As a Food Science Intern, you'll often support senior scientists or technologists with hands-on lab experiments, ingredient testing, and product formulation trials. Your responsibilities may include preparing samples, operating lab equipment, documenting observations, and collecting or analyzing data for research projects. You'll also collaborate with team members from R&D, quality assurance, and sometimes production to ensure projects run smoothly. This experience gives you exposure to the full product development process and helps you build both technical and professional skills for a future career in the food industry.

What is a Food Science Intern job?

A Food Science Intern assists in research, development, and quality control of food products. They work under the guidance of professionals to conduct experiments, analyze ingredients, and ensure food safety standards are met. Responsibilities may include lab testing, data analysis, and supporting product formulation. This role provides hands-on experience in food production, regulatory compliance, and sensory evaluation. It’s a great opportunity for students to gain industry knowledge and practical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Food Science Intern position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Food Science Intern, you typically need foundational knowledge in food science, chemistry, or a related field, supported by relevant coursework or laboratory experience. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, quality assurance protocols, and data analysis software like Excel is often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective written and verbal communication help interns excel in collaborative settings. These skills and qualities are essential for accurately supporting food product development, complying with safety standards, and contributing to team projects.

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Food Science Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Food Science Intern job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, and 28% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,436 per year, or $17 per hour.
Sr. Research Scientist, Continuous Improvement Salty

Sr. Research Scientist, Continuous Improvement Salty

Hersheys

Hershey, PA

$93K - $119K/yr

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Why Hershey:

At The Hershey Company, our culture is rooted in purpose and inspired by Milton Hershey's enduring vision that business should create opportunity for others. Through our commitment to corporate philanthropy, we create positive impact by supporting communities, helping children thrive, and operating as a business for good. This includes our deep and long standing partnership with Milton Hershey School, where we invest in education, workforce readiness, and hands on engagement to help students succeed beyond the classroom. Supported by strategic grantmaking, product donations, cross brand collaboration, and strong employee volunteerism, Hershey offers a place to work where making a difference-locally and globally-is part of how we do business every day.

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Job Overview

Reporting to the Manager, R&D Salty Process Development & Continuous Improvement, this role leads product and process optimization initiatives across Hershey's Salty Snacks portfolio, including SkinnyPop, Dot's Pretzels, Pirate's Booty, and Reese's Filled Pretzels. Based in Hershey, PA, the Sr. Research Scientist drives Continuous Improvement projects focused on ingredients, commodities, product design, and manufacturing efficiency. The role requires a high level of technical expertise, independent decision-making, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across functions. Lean/Six Sigma principles are applied to support manufacturing optimization and business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead development, validation, and implementation of projects focused on ingredient sourcing, product design, and manufacturing optimization.
  • Improve supply flexibility, reliability, and cost efficiency through technical solutions.
  • Develop formulations, product/process specifications, project scope, and timelines.
  • Conduct feasibility and proof-of-concept testing to evaluate technical and financial viability.
  • Analyze results, provide recommendations, and drive process or formulation improvements to enhance capacity and efficiency.
  • Prepare technical reports, summarize findings, and present recommendations to leadership.
  • Partner cross-functionally to ensure product recipes, specifications, and documentation are accurate and complete.
  • Share technical expertise and effectively communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences across the organization.
Accountabilities

Key Partnerships

  • R&D Team Members
  • Manufacturing & Co-Manufacturing
  • Engineering
  • Enterprise & Salty Consumer Insights Teams
  • Quality & Regulatory Compliance (QRC)
  • Project Management
  • Procurement

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Strong technical expertise in product and process development for salty snacks, including popcorn, extruded snacks, pretzels, crackers, and cookies, with experience in formulation, optimization, scale-up, validation, and commercialization.
  • Demonstrated application of food science and process engineering principles, including understanding of process unit operations and their impact on product quality and sensory attributes.
  • Knowledge of food manufacturing systems, equipment, sanitary design, construction practices, and industry suppliers.
  • Basic understanding of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and P&IDs.
  • Working knowledge of Food Science, Engineering, Quality Assurance, GMPs, Lean Manufacturing, and TPM; Green/Black Belt certification preferred.
  • Experience operating laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing equipment in a production environment.
  • Ability to independently manage projects, prioritize competing demands, and execute against business objectives.
  • Strong project management, organizational, and attention-to-detail skills.
  • Effective collaborator with the ability to build relationships across all organizational levels.
  • Strong written, verbal, and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Flexible schedule with the ability to work extended hours when required.
Minimum Education & Requirements

BS degree in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, or engineering-related field with 5-8 years' experience, MS or PhD in Food Science or related field with 2-4 years' experience.

Intern and prior research project work will be considered; Salty Snacks product development experience is preferred

The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The policy of The Hershey Company is to extend opportunities to qualified applicants and employees on an equal basis regardless of an individual's race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other categories protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
The Hershey Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Minority/Female/Disabled/Protected Veterans.  

You may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access our online application process as a result of a disability.
You can request an accommodation via phone or email.  

To request an accommodation via phone, please call +1 877-804-1794 and leave a voicemail with your contact information.  You may also email a request for accommodation to ApplicationHelp@hersheys.com. Please be sure to include "Accommodation Needed" in the subject line. This will ensure that your email is routed to the appropriate contact who will handle your request.

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