Food Science Internship Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Regulatory Compliance Coordinator

$24.50 - $28.85 - Full-Time | Hourly (Non-Exempt)

Salt & Straw is looking for a Regulatory Compliance Coordinator to support our Quality Assurance team at our Central Kitchen of Oregon (CKOR) production facility in Portland’s Central Eastside.
The Regulatory Compliance Coordinator supports the accurate, timely, and controlled execution of product regulatory and technical documentation for Salt & Straw products. This early-career technical role prepares and maintains Nutrition Facts Panels, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, packaging reviews, specifications, supplier and ingredient approval records, customer documents, and related regulatory records using approved procedures and source information. The Coordinator will build regulatory capability while providing dependable execution of routine work, recognizing inconsistencies, following established review and escalation criteria, and immediately escalating potential food safety, legality, or material quality concerns.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare, update, and verify product label declarations, including Nutrition Facts Panels, ingredient statements, allergen declarations, and standards-of-identity language, using approved formulas, nutrition software, and supplier documentation.
• Review packaging artwork, label copy, and regulatory documents using approved checklists and procedures; escalate novel claims, exceptions, or higher-risk decisions to QA leadership.
• Maintain regulatory approval records, version control, change history, and archival of superseded labels, specifications, and supporting documents.
• Create and maintain finished-product, ingredient, packaging, and customer specifications, verifying alignment across formulas, labels, supplier documentation, and approved product information.
• Administer ingredient and supplier approval workflows by collecting and organizing documentation, tracking expirations, and preparing approval packages for QA leadership.
• Review supplier onboarding documents and Certificates of Analysis against approved specifications and escalate deviations or risk concerns.
• Maintain supplier and ingredient documentation, including specifications, allergen statements, letters of guarantee, certifications, and other required records.
• Support regulatory change control for formula, supplier, packaging, and label changes, ensuring approved versions are distributed to relevant internal teams, manufacturing sites, and co-manufacturers.
• Complete customer technical questionnaires, specification portals, regulatory letters, and supporting documents using approved source information.
• Support commercialization by completing regulatory documentation and confirming label and specification requirements are met before launch milestones.
• Maintain audit-ready regulatory files and provide requested records for audits, inspections, investigations, customer requests, and recalls.
• Support investigation and correction of labeling, specification, and supplier-documentation errors, including assigned corrective actions and document updates.
• Develop and maintain checklists, templates, and work instructions for routine regulatory documentation processes.
• Partner with R&D, Marketing, Procurement, Manufacturing, and other cross-functional teams to gather source information and support product launches and ongoing maintenance.
• Foster a positive and engaging work environment by maintaining open communication, supporting continuous improvement, and embracing Salt & Straw’s values.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

This Role Might Be Right If You:

• Have a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, Regulatory Affairs, Biology, Chemistry, or a related field, or equivalent education and relevant experience.
• Bring 2+ years experience in food labeling, regulatory compliance, specifications, supplier documentation, quality assurance, or food manufacturing; relevant internships, co-ops, and academic project experience may also be considered.
• Are exceptionally organized and comfortable managing a high volume of technical documents, recurring deadlines, version control, and changing priorities.
• Have strong attention to detail and enjoy reviewing information line by line to identify inconsistencies across formulas, labels, specifications, and supplier records.
• Are comfortable working independently, taking ownership of assigned documentation, and knowing when to ask questions or escalate a concern.
• Communicate clearly, professionally, and responsively with internal partners and external suppliers.
• Are comfortable collaborating across R&D, Marketing, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Quality Assurance.
• Are proficient with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, spreadsheets, and document-management systems, and are comfortable learning new technical tools.
• Have experience with nutrition and labeling software such as Genesis or an equivalent system, or are excited and able to learn.
• Have familiarity with FDA food labeling requirements, allergens, Nutrition Facts, ingredient declarations, claims, specifications, and supplier documentation.
• Have experience with document control, artwork review, customer portals, or technical product records.
• Have HACCP, PCQI, SQF, allergen-management, or food-labeling training; these are preferred but not required at hire.
• Are adaptable and comfortable working in a busy, shared office and manufacturing environment where priorities and responsibilities may evolve.
• Bring high integrity, sound judgment, curiosity, and the ability to work effectively with people of all backgrounds and identities.
• Are fluent in English.

Wage Transparency

We are actively embracing pay transparency. The target hiring range for this role is $24.50–$28.85 per hour, with full earning potential within the broader range of $24.50–$33.17 per hour. Final pay will be based on relevant experience, skills, internal equity, and other job-related factors.

What You’ll Get

• Everyday Pay: Optional access to earned wages before payday for added financial flexibility.
• 401(k) with Company Match: Eligible after 3 months of service, with automatic enrollment and a 50% company match on deferrals, up to 1% of pay.
• Paid Time Off: Accrues starting at approximately 2 weeks per year, increasing with tenure.
• Sick Leave: Forty hours provided after 30 days of employment plus ongoing accrual based on hours worked.
• Paid Holidays: Twelve paid holidays annually.
• Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage: Available beginning the first of the month following your start date.
• Career Development & Tuition Assistance: Career growth opportunities and up to $1,800/year in education reimbursement for eligible programs.
• Team Member Discount: Enjoy a 30% discount on our handmade ice cream and merchandise.
• Additional Voluntary Benefits: Including accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, commuter benefits, and pet insurance.

Important Notes

• On-Site Role: This position is based at CKOR and works routinely in office, production, warehouse, and laboratory environments. Work is generally performed Monday through Friday, with schedule adjustments as business needs require.
• Physical Requirements: This role is primarily computer- and office-based, with regular movement through CKOR and occasional bending, reaching, twisting, and lifting or carrying up to 20 pounds.
• Food Allergy & Environment Warning: Common allergens, including dairy, nuts, wheat, eggs, soy, and other ingredients, are present. Production areas may also include strong scents, wet or uneven floors, loud noise, and refrigerated or frozen environments; PPE may be required.
• Reasonable Accommodations: Upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.
• Equal Employment Opportunity: Salt & Straw is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and provides equal opportunity to all applicants, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or background.
• E-Verify Participation: We participate in E-Verify to confirm work authorization.

Our Values

Create the Unbelievable

Show Up Generously

Act with Thoughtful Curiosity

Share Human Kindness

Make It Count

These values guide everything we do — from the way we scoop, to how we show up for our guests, teammates, and communities.