R&D Packaging Engineering Intern-Summer 2026

Packaging Engineering Intern – Hormel Foods/Planters – Austin, MN or Northbrook, IL

To save time applying, Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas for this position at this time.

ABOUT HORMEL FOODS — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with approximately $12 billion in annual revenue across more than 80 countries worldwide. Its brands include Planters®, Skippy^®, SPAM^®, Hormel^® Natural Choice^®, Applegate^®, Justin’s^®, Wholly^®, Hormel^® Black Label^®, Columbus^®, Jennie-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report, one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies, and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. The company lives by its purpose statement — Inspired People. Inspired Food.™ — to bring some of the world’s most trusted and iconic brands to tables across the globe. For more information, visit www.hormelfoods.com.

Hormel Foods Corporation acquired the Planters® and Corn Nuts® businesses in 2021.  The Research and Development group for these businesses is based out of a newly renovated space in Northbrook, IL.  At this Innovation Center, the team evaluates existing products in addition to creating exciting new products utilizing the labs and pilot plant spaces.  The team oversees everything R&D related, from benchtop to full commercialization, including maintenance, NPD, Quality Improvements and cost-saving projects.

Job Purpose:  A food packaging intern focuses on the design, development, and improvement of packaging solutions for food products. This role is crucial because packaging affects product safety, shelf life, and consumer appeal. 

Responsibilities:

• Involved in one or more of the following assignments:
• Enter data into our packaging specification database system
• Evaluate barrier and abuse characteristics of various packaging materials
• Collaborate with suppliers concerning various packaging systems for our products
• Coordinate "Machine Trial Orders" as part of a label development
• Assist our Packaging Engineers in conducting various abuse tests such as drop, vibration and shipping tests
• Assist in the design of creative packaging options involving point of purchase and Club store displays
• Opportunities to gain knowledge of technical report preparation documenting test results
• Will complete a research project providing experience in true packaging research and development

Requirements:

• Must graduate in August 2026, December 2026, or May 2027 and major in Packaging Engineering with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
• Demonstrated leadership and persuasive skills are necessary for success in this position
• Possess a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Must be a Citizen or National of the United States, a lawful, permanent resident, or have authorization to work in the United States
• Applicants must not now, or any time in the future, require sponsorship for an employment visa
• This position will require access to and/or the utilization of a personal motor vehicle to get to and from the workplace
• Must be comfortable with the preparation and consumption of a variety of Hormel Foods Products which may include but not limited to pork, beef, chicken, turkey and nuts

Location and Hours:

• Position is based out of our Research and Development division at our Corporate Office headquarters in Austin, Minnesota or Northbrook, Illinois
• Position is full time, 40 hours per week beginning late May and ending mid-August 

Compensation/Benefits:

• Competitive wage: $24/hr
• Paid housing allowance (IL) or company provided housing (MN)
• Reimbursement of all expenses incurred on the job
• Company 401k match
• Earn Paid Time Off  (PTO)

Hormel Foods Corporation is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.