Requisition ID: 39256 

Job description:
 

Research and Development Product Development Internship.

Appleton, Wisconsin

In every role, McCainers are ambitious, curious, and passionate about creating exceptional work experiences - together. With a customer-first mindset, we make doing business with McCain easy.

About the role.

We are looking for a Product Development Intern to join us for the summer starting in May 2026. This role will be part of the Appetizer Product Development Team and will allow you to participate in various stages of the product development process. You will be exposed to different product types and formats and have a chance to get creative while designing new products.

This position will be based in our Appleton, Wisconsin location.

What you’ll be doing.

• Assist with innovation, trials, and ongoing product improvement activities within the laboratory.
• Collaborate with various teams within the facility and department and facilitate pilot runs.
• Ensure smooth coordination between the pilot facility’s operational needs and ongoing product trials.
• Create and test product formulations at benchtop and lab scale to create new products or reformulate existing products
• Setting up product cuttings and sensory evaluations
• Pilot line and factory testing to assess the scalability of benchtop formulations
• Testing and validating product attributes and shelf life
• Collecting data and reporting on each testing phase in the development process
   

What you’ll need to be successful.

• College Sophomore/Junior majoring in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Agriculture or a closely related discipline
• Laboratory experience
• A passion for learning
• A love of food!
• Ability to effectively manage tight timelines and prioritize tasks in an agile environment; flexibly handling additional tasks as assigned.
• Self-starting personality - you are highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented.
• You communicate with honesty and kindness and can build trusting relationships.
• You have exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and research skills.
• High proficiency with standard MS applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• A valid driver’s license, comfortable flying/driving long distances
• Occasionally requires substantial physical effort and working in awkward positions
   

About the team.

The Intern will be part of our Global Research & Development team. The team designs and develops exciting new products in the appetizer space for retail and food service customers.

About McCain.

Click Here to learn more about McCain and how we provide you with opportunities to make an impact that matters.

Leadership principles.

At McCain, our leadership principles guide how we engage with customers, collaborate as a team, and achieve success. We focus on understanding customer needs, driving innovation, empowering people, and taking ownership to clear obstacles and deliver results.

The McCain experience.

We are McCain. This statement is a testament to our collective strength and our individual value. Your contributions play a vital role in our success. Our winning culture is rooted in authenticity and trust, empowering us to bring out the best in one another. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. Join us and experience why we’re better together.

Compensation Package: $23.00-$26.00 USD hourly wage equivalent,  paid as a non-exempt salary.

The above reflects the target compensation range for the position at the time of posting. Hiring compensation will be determined based on experience, skill set, education and training, and other organizational needs.