Internship Food Research Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

COMPANY OVERVIEW

We exist to make food the world loves. But we do more than that. Our company is a place that prioritizes being a force for good, a place to expand learning, explore new perspectives and reimagine new possibilities, every day. We look for people who want to bring their best - bold thinkers with big hearts who challenge one another and grow together. Because becoming the undisputed leader in food means surrounding ourselves with people who are hungry for what’s next.

Internship - Food Safety & Quality Associate

General Mills makes food the world loves. The company is guided by its Accelerate strategy to boldly build its brands, relentlessly innovate, unleash its scale and stand for good. General Mills operates in more than 100 countries and markets more than 100 consumer brands, includingCheerios, Nature Valley, Blue Buffalo, Häagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Pillsbury, Betty Crocker, Totino’s, Annie’s, Wanchai Ferry and more. H eadquartered in Minneapolis, General Mills generated fiscal 2026net sales U.S.$18billion.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FOOD SAFETY & QUALITY AT GENERAL MILLS?

Food Safety & Quality (FSQ) Associates lead programs and provide technical expertise to ensure the safety, regulatory compliance, and quality of General Mills food.

WHAT WILL I DO?

As a Quality Associate (QA) Intern you will experience a robust 10-week internship leading business critical projects at one of our US manufacturing locations with hopes that you’ll roll into our full-time QA program upon graduation. Our QA internship provides front-line, factory-based experiences that provide in-role practices to build expertise in Food Safety and Quality, manufacturing, and people leadership. The QA Intern will be a key team player on their assigned system(s), with no two days the same within the manufacturing facility. The variety of tasks include:

• Evaluate and implement food safety and quality systems improvements
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to make quality driven process capability improvements
• Assess risk using problem solving techniques

QA Interns will develop a professional network with mentors and other technical experts locally and at the corporate office. They will also engage regularly with other members of the General Mills Supply Chain Development Program in their facility and across the network inclusive of Manufacturing, Logistics and Sourcing focused peers.

Key FSQ Responsibilities

Lead safety and quality strategy and act to address gaps and effectively mitigate risk.

• Collaborate with internal business partners in Research & Development (R&D), Operations, Engineering and Maintenance to validate manufacturing controls and system capability to meet consumer and specification requirements.
• Manage issues with non-confirming product including risk assessment, data driven decision making and eliminate future occurrences through root cause analysis.
• Protect General Mills’ brands and engender consumer trust by ensuring the manufacturing of safe, quality food.
• Gain exposure to building external relationships with regulatory, industry and audit agencies in support of global manufacturing.
• Learning from and Leading Operators, Technicians and Mechanics to grow your coaching, team building, and people-development skill set.

WHERE WILL I WORK?

You will be placed at one of our manufacturing plant locations nationwide.

IS THIS YOU?

Minimum Qualifications:

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Food Science , Engineering (primarily Chemical / Food Process / Biological), or related degree
• Graduating in Winter 202 7 or Spring 202 8

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong academic record
• Demonstrated ability to achieve results and a commitment to developing technical and business skills
• Learning agility, curiosity & inventiveness are key in Food, Safety & Quality
• Strong interpersonal & communication skills, passion for food safety and quality , enthusiasm, and the ability to conduct themselves professionally
• Demonstrated people, technical, and process leadership skills and a willingness to engage in hands-on work on the manufacturing floor

HUNGRY FOR WHAT’S NEXT?

• Internship is 10-weeks in Summer 202 7
• Relocation assistance (if eligible)

The hourly rate for this position is $28.85/hour. General Mills strives to provide fair and competitive pay that reflects your skills, experience, and academic background. The pay for this role considers many factors, including, but not limited to, your degree program, major, and year in school. Beyond a competitive hourly rate, as a General Mills intern, you'll gain access to a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall development and wellbeing. This includes partially subsidized housing & relocation assistance (if applicable & requirements are met), a summer of learning and fun featuring networking opportunities with company leaders, comprehensive health benefits, wellbeing resources, and other valuable perks . Specific benefits may vary by role, location, and eligibility requirements.

Applicants for this position must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. General Mills will not sponsor applicants for this position for work visas.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must meet a minimum 18-year age qualification.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER (EOE)

General Mills is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital or familial status, status regarding public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission.

REASONABLE ACCOMODATION REQUEST

If you need to request an accommodation during the application or hiring process, please fill out our online accommodation request form by following this link: Accommodation Request .