R&D Product Development Intern-Summer 2026

Product Development Intern 

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:  Being a product development intern can be an exciting and educational experience! In this role, you'll likely be involved in various stages of the product lifecycle, from ideation and design to testing, launch, and beyond.

Responsibilities:

• The PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT INTERN will assist the research and development team on the commercialization of new and reformulated products to include: bench top sample preparation, formulation, materials sourcing, product costing, plant trials (may require travel to other production facilities), food safety planning, acceptance testing, development and shelf life testing 
• Apply knowledge of food science while gaining experience in the product development process
• Learn to operate a wide variety of food processing equipment in the pilot plant.
• Practice communication skills, use analytical techniques, and apply critical thinking skills to interpret data pertaining to product quality and shelf-life attributes
• Maintain a clean, safe work environment all while following established guidelines for good housekeeping, GMPs, ServSafe and safety
• Other duties as assigned
• Projects may include:
  • Product formulation
  • Process/Product Troubleshooting
  • Testing new ingredients and processes
  • Conducting material and product quality audits
  • Preparing and presenting food prototypes for review by sales, marketing, operations, and R&D 

Requirements:

• Must graduate in August 2026, December 2026, or May 2027 and major in Food Science, Animal Science, Biological & Agricultural Engineering or related field with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
• Demonstrated leadership skills are necessary for success in this position
• Previous food processing experience is beneficial
• 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 & Development facility in Austin, MN or Northbrook, IL
• Position is full time, approximately 40 hours per week beginning late May and ending mid-August

Compensation:

• 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.