Food Science Customer Innovation Intern

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Bridgewater, NJ

Workplace type: Hybrid

We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious student to join our Technical Service team for summer 2026! As the Food Science Customer Innovation Intern to the CATALYST® Program, you will provide technical support to the program and related customers in the US/Canada region via new product development and the creation of customer valued solutions. The CATALYST® program is a holistic product development service model that focuses on translating customer ideas into tangible, market ready products.  Utilizing Ingredion’s Idea Labs capabilities, you will be responsible for taking lab-scale concepts and scaling them up in the food pilot plant to produce high quality prototypes. You will perform research related duties as needed or assigned, execute on analytical testing, as well as document and prepare technical reports with guidance from your manager.

What you will do:

• Manage work project(s) to meet project timelines and deliverables.
• Analyze and understand data, results and scientific literature to advance projects.
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment. Follow established guidelines for good housekeeping, GMPs, SafeServ and safety.
• Work collaboratively with Technical Service team and other internal subject matter experts to identify formulation challenges, solve problems and develop new, innovative ideas.
• Present prototypes, project status, updates and outcomes to team and key stakeholders.
• Compose presentations and technical reports on project findings.

What you will bring:

• Experience with hands-on food concept development with laboratory and/or pilot plant equipment is a plus.
• Knowledge of common food processes, food ingredient functionality and ingredient interactions is preferred.
• Excellent planning skills, highly organized, detail oriented and can multitask.
• Familiarity with experimental design, statistical data analysis and interpretation of results.
• Ability to work 40hrs per week during the summer internship term.
• Reliable transportation required to get to and from facility each work day.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).

Who you are:

• Have a passion for food science and curiosity for learning.
• Have proven ability to work independently and deliver against agreed upon deadlines.
• Can demonstrate the capacity to tackle problems through creative, innovative solutions.
• Can challenge traditional methods of accomplishing tasks by being a creative problem-solver.
• Ability to deal well with ambiguity and embrace a dynamic work environment.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

• Currently possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. Ingredion does not intend to sponsor work visas with respect to this position or to provide this position as OPT or CPT.
• Progress towards a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Food or Chemical Engineering or a related field with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 is preferred. Must have completed at least two years of coursework with status as a sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior.
• If you have completed your degree, please consider other opportunities with Ingredion, posted at ww.ingredion.com/careers.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exception rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – competitive hourly salary based on your degree program. Housing stipends offered to students relocating 51+ miles from the Ingredion work location
• Internship Program Events & Activities – programming catered toward career exploration, networking, and professional development - including the annual Capstone Summit at Ingredion HQ in Westchester, IL
• Intern Mentor Program – pairing with a mentor to guide development and integration in Ingredion’s culture
• Involvement in Ingredion’s Business Resource Groups – the conscience of the organization and an integral part to Ingredion’s Inclusion & Belonging strategy
• Employee Recognition Program – a culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

Pay Range: $22-25/hour

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We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Relocation Available:

This pay rate is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match .