Product Development Intern - Summer 2027 - Campus Recruiting (Multiple Locations)

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS^®, SKIPPY^®, SPAM^®, HORMEL^® NATURAL CHOICE^®, APPLEGATE^®, 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 and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was 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. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Job Title

Product Development Intern 

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 meat quality audits
  • Preparing and presenting food prototypes for review by sales, marketing, operations, and R&D 

Required Qualifications

• Must graduate in December 2027, May 2027, or August 2028 Must have at least Junior status and major in Food Science, Animal Science, or related field with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA preferred
• Demonstrated leadership skills are necessary for success in this position
• Previous food or meat processing experience is beneficial
• Possess a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit
• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
• This position will require access to and/or the utilization of a personal motor vehicle to get to and from the workplace.

Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas. 

About Our Internship Program:

The Hormel Foods internship program is designed with your growth in mind. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support real business initiatives while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch your career.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow interns, build your professional network, participate in development and learning sessions, and interact with leaders across the organization. You'll leave the summer with valuable experience, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it's like to work for a Fortune 500 company.

We're proud to be recognized among the nation's Top 150 Internship Programs by Vault.

Duration:

Our summer internship program runs 10-12 weeks and starts in late May and ends in early August.

Co-ops may be available depending on our business needs. The co-op program duration is typically 6-8 months and can run from early January through early August OR late May through early December.

Hours:

This is a temporary, full-time, hourly position. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime based on business needs. 

Location(s):

• This is an on-site position based out of our Research & Development division in Austin, MN or Northbrook, IL.
• Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote internship opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits:

• Competitive hourly pay of $24.50 paid on a weekly basis
• Housing assistance through either a housing stipend or company-provided housing, depending on location
• Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses
• Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses 
• Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match 
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual
• Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company 
• Professional development opportunities and networking experiences 
• Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.