R&D Intern - Beverage Manufacturing - 15-20hrs on-site/week

Internship Opportunity

Lassonde Pappas & Co. is a US leader in beverage manufacturing dedicated to our team members, customers, and consumers satisfaction. We remain committed to our small-town roots and rural values. Hardworking and caring are qualities that make our teams special. Since 1942, we've been producing delicious products for our customers across the country!

To provide the best for our customers, we focus on building the best team by creating and advancing an inclusive environment amongst our diverse workforce. If you're passionate about customer satisfaction, reliable, and committed to being and doing better, join us!

Pay Rate: $20/hr

Internship Overview

This internship offers hands-on experience in product development, sensory analysis, ingredient research, and process improvement. The R&D Intern will work closely with food scientists, product developers, and quality assurance teams to contribute to real-world projects and gain valuable industry knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing and testing new juice formulations and flavor profiles.
• Assist in testing and evaluating juice ingredients.
• Assist in making up juice samples for important customer meetings.
• Conduct sensory evaluations and consumer taste tests to assess product performance.
• Support ingredient research to enhance product nutrition, shelf-life, and sustainability.
• Maintain accurate lab documentation and follow proper safety and quality protocols.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Quality Assurance, Marketing, and Production.
• Participate in R&D team meetings and present findings on assigned projects.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or a related field.
• Passion for food and beverage innovation with a keen interest in product development.
• Basic knowledge of food chemistry, microbiology, and sensory evaluation techniques.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Prior lab or food industry experience is a plus but not required.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience in product development and sensory science.
• Exposure to industry professionals and networking opportunities.
• A deeper understanding of food manufacturing processes and regulations.
• The opportunity to contribute to real R&D projects that impact the market.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

This position requires sufficient physical ability to work in a typical office setting; driving a motor vehicle and occasionally working in the field.

Frequent: sitting, upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity and light to moderate finger pressure to include extended periods of keyboard and mouse use, side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending and stooping, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials.

Occasional: squatting, kneeling, reach above and at shoulder height, moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20 – 35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: Ability to see in the normal visual range with or without correction.

Hearing: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position. Other duties as assigned are part of every job description. The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions.

Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.