About the role#
This internship provides practical laboratory skills and real world experience in food product manufacturing. You will support testing, sample preparation, data collection, and quality assurance activities while learning industry best practices and laboratory protocols. You will work under an intermediate degree of supervision or follow detailed procedures.
What you'll do#
- Perform routine and complex assays in the Chemistry Lab.
- Conduct chemistry method validation or improvement.
- Perform foreign material cataloguing and organization.
- Carry out laboratory information management system (LIMS) testing.
- Practice communication, analytical techniques, and critical thinking.
- Handle other duties assigned within Research and Development.
- Prepare a project presentation for the lab work group at the end of the internship.
What you'll need#
- Junior status in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, or a related field.
- Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
- Strong math skills and basic lab skills, including quantitative and qualitative analysis.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, handle strong odors, and lift 50 lbs.
- Demonstrated leadership through academic, professional, volunteer, or extracurricular activities.
- Ability to work safely in pilot plant and manufacturing environments.
- Authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
- Preferred experience includes food manufacturing, meat processing, or product development.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel, is preferred.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site position located in Austin, Minnesota.
- The internship takes place during Summer 2027.
About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods is a global branded food company based in Austin, Minnesota. Founded in 1891, the organization manages a portfolio of brands including SPAM, SKIPPY, and PLANTERS. It operates as a public company and is a member of the S&P 500 Index. The business employs over 10,000 people.
How to get in at Hormel Foods
Applying early to Hormel Foods gives you a better chance of being seen before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials among the first. Getting your application in early is a practical way to manage the competition. You can use Intern Insider to identify the specific recruiters behind these roles and reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. Connecting with a human at Hormel Foods often improves your response rates compared to waiting in a queue. This approach takes more effort than a standard application, but it is a common way to gain visibility.
