ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Intern Culinary Research Development Jobs in Virginia

Smurfit Westrock

Early Career, R&D

Richmond, VA · On-site

R&D/Technical Services Intern - 2027 The opportunity: The R&D/Technical Services Intern will support the Corrugated Packaging Innovation Team at Smurfit Westrock's Richmond, Virginia Innovation and ...

Westrock

Early Career, R&D

Richmond, VA · On-site

R&D/Technical Services Intern - 2027 The opportunity: The R&D/Technical Services Intern will support the Corrugated Packaging Innovation Team at Smurfit Westrock's Richmond, Virginia Innovation and ...

Strategic Resources Inc

Business Development Intern Strategic Resources, Inc. (SRI) is an international, ISO 9001/20000 ... This position is designed to provide hands-on experience in market research, lead generation, and ...

Ignite Digital

Engineer/Scientist Intern

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$60K/yr

Ignite Digital is seeking a motivated Engineer/Scientist Intern to support US Navy Software ... research, development, modeling, and systems support tasks that directly contribute to Navy and ...

KME.digital

Content Writing Intern

Alexandria, VA · Hybrid

$16 - $21.50/hr

As aKME.digital Content Writing Intern, you will write and edit marketing content, particularly ... the research, development, and curation of content ideas * Identify opportunities for content ...

KME Digital

Social Media Intern

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

As a KME.digital Social Media Intern, you will be responsible for supporting the social media team ... Keep up with industry news, knowledge, and best practices * Assist in research, development, and ...

KME.digital

Social Media Intern

Alexandria, VA

$16 - $20.50/hr

As a KME.digital Social Media Intern, you will be responsible for supporting the social media team ... Keep up with industry news, knowledge, and best practices * Assist in research, development, and ...

KME Digital

Social Media Intern

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$16 - $20.50/hr

As a KME.digital Social Media Intern, you will be responsible for supporting the social media team ... Keep up with industry news, knowledge, and best practices * Assist in research, development, and ...

KME Digital

Content Writing Intern

Alexandria, VA · On-site

As a KME.digital Content Writing Intern, you will write and edit marketing content, particularly ... the research, development, and curation of content ideas * Identify opportunities for content ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsIntern Culinary Research Development JobsIntern Culinary Research Development Jobs in Virginia

Intern Culinary Research Development information

What does an intern in culinary research and development do?

An Intern in Culinary Research and Development assists professional chefs and food scientists in creating, testing, and refining new recipes or food products. Their tasks often include ingredient sourcing, preparing samples, documenting experiments, and analyzing feedback to improve taste, texture, or presentation. They may also help with sensory evaluations and participate in brainstorming sessions for innovative menu or product ideas. This role provides valuable hands-on experience in both culinary techniques and the product development process within the food industry.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an intern in culinary research and development expect to work on?

As an Intern in Culinary Research and Development, you can expect to support the development of new recipes, assist with product testing, and participate in sensory evaluations. You'll often help with sourcing ingredients, preparing samples, and collecting data for ongoing projects. Collaboration with chefs, food scientists, and marketing teams is common, providing you valuable exposure to the full product development lifecycle. This hands-on experience will deepen your understanding of both the creative and technical aspects of food innovation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern in culinary research and development, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern in Culinary Research and Development, you need a solid foundation in culinary techniques, food science principles, and an educational background in culinary arts or food technology. Familiarity with recipe development software, kitchen equipment, and basic lab testing tools is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you contribute innovative ideas and collaborate effectively with culinary teams. These skills are crucial for developing new food products that are both high-quality and marketable in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Intern Culinary Research Development vs Intern Food Product Development?

AspectIntern Culinary Research DevelopmentIntern Food Product Development
CredentialsBasic culinary knowledge, relevant courseworkBasic food science or culinary background
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, culinary test kitchensProduct testing facilities, kitchens
Industry UsageFood companies, R&D departmentsFood companies, product innovation teams
Search IntentResearch-focused roles, culinary innovationProduct creation, market testing

Intern Culinary Research Development roles focus on culinary research, recipe testing, and innovation within R&D labs, while Intern Food Product Development emphasizes creating and testing new food products for market readiness. Both roles require culinary or food science knowledge and are common in food industry companies, but they differ in their primary focus—research versus product development.

What are the most commonly searched types of Culinary Research Development jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Culinary Research Development jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Intern Culinary Research Development jobs in Virginia?

For Intern Culinary Research Development jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Intern Culinary Research Development jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Intern Culinary Research Development jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Intern Culinary Research Development jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Intern Culinary Research Development job openings:

Intern Culinary Research Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intern Culinary Research Development job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Early Career, R&D

Richmond, VA • On-site

Smurfit Westrock
Paper Manufacturing
Learn more about Smurfit Westrockexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Smurfit Westrock rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 280 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR66675
Posting Job Title
Early Career, R&D
Locations
VA Richmond Innovation Design Ctr
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
04-Sep-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
R&D/Technical Services Intern - 2027
The opportunity:
The R&D/Technical Services Intern will support the Corrugated Packaging Innovation Team at Smurfit Westrock's Richmond, Virginia Innovation and Design Center. This role provides hands-on experience with packaging research, laboratory testing, engineering principles, data analysis, and project management activities associated with the development and optimization of performance-based packaging solutions.
The intern will gain exposure to industry-standard testing methods and learn how packaging materials and components influence overall package performance throughout the distribution cycle.
Key Responsibilities:
Laboratory Testing & Evaluation
  • Conduct testing and evaluation ofCorrugatedBoard,Base Materials, and Boxesusing TAPPITestMethods.
  • Perform a wide range of testing activities, including:
  • Microscopic analysis of paper materials
  • Physical property testing of packaging components
  • Compression testing of corrugated cases
  • Analyze test data to assess how material properties affect packageperformance.
  • Document test results and communicate findings effectively.

Packaging Performance Testing
  • Execute testing protocols followingISTA, ASTM, and customized procedures.
  • Simulate storage and distribution environments that packaged products encounter.
  • Evaluate packaging performance against four key distribution hazards:
  • Shock
  • Vibration

  • Compression
  • Environmental conditions
  • Assistin qualifying packaged product solutions through laboratory testing.
  • Set up test prototypes and perform test procedures.
  • Analyze and interpret results, then prepare reports and presentations.

Research & Project Management
  • Research topics that support business growth, product improvement, and customer retention initiatives.
  • Develop project and testing plans under the guidance of management.
  • Prepare or obtain samplesrequiredfor testing.
  • Conductappropriate testingand data analysis.
  • Present project findings and recommendations to the R&D Leadership Team.

Qualifications:
Education
Candidates should be pursuing a degree in a technical field, including but not limited to:
  • Packaging Science
  • Paper Science
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Other Science-related disciplines

Preferred Knowledge & Experience
  • Coursework or experience involving the physical properties of packaging materials.
  • Exposure topackage design and/or package testing methodologies.
  • Understanding ofmaterial performance evaluation and testing principles.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Desired Attributes
  • Interest in building a career within the packaging industry.
  • Passion for corrugated packaging, packaging innovation, and product development.
  • Ability to analyze data and communicate technical findings.
  • Strong organizational, teamwork, and project management skills.

Skills Developed During the Internship
  • Corrugated packaging testing and evaluation
  • TAPPI, ASTM, and ISTA testing standards
  • Laboratory and engineering testing techniques
  • Data analysis and performance assessment
  • Technical report writing and presentations
  • Packaging design validation
  • Project planning and execution
  • Research and development methodologies

This internship offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in Packaging Engineering, Research & Development, Materials Science, Quality Engineering, or Product Development to gain practical industry experience in a leading packaging innovation environment.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
The salary range for this position is $0.00 - $0.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 30-Nov-2026.

What Smurfit Westrock employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply