Product Design Co-Op

Requisition ID 176254-Posted 09/21/2026- Research & Development - United States - Kansas - Topeka - Hill's Pet Nutrition - No Travel - Hybrid

No Relocation Assistance Offered

Job Number#176254 - Topeka, Kansas, United States

Who We Are

Colgate-Palmolive Company is a global consumer products company operating in over 200 countries specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our products are trusted in more households than any other brand in the world, making us a household name!

Join Colgate-Palmolive, a caring, innovative growth company reimagining a healthier future for people, their pets, and our planet. Guided by our core values—Caring, Inclusive, and Courageous—we foster a culture that inspires our people to achieve common goals. Together, let's build a brighter, healthier future for all.

About the Role

At Hill’s we have a purpose. Every day around the world, we transform the lives of millions of pet families through pioneering innovation, amazing nutrition, and the best and brightest people. If you are interested in work that matters, fueled by passion for pets, we invite you to apply to our R&D – Product Design Intern position.

Our internships are unique in that you will work on a substantial project with one‑on‑one guidance from one of our many experts in the product development and research field. You will have the opportunity to network with other students in our program as well as get exposure to senior leaders in our company and our parent company, Colgate‑Palmolive. During this 6‑month paid internship, you will lead meaningful laboratory and product design projects to understand product performance and stability, ensuring we deliver high‑quality products that delight pets and their parents.

Program Options:

• January-June
• June-December

Key Responsibilities:

Research & Development: Conduct sensory, analytical, and taste performance research to investigate pet/parent preferences, ingredients, product composition and product stability.

Formulation & Testing Management: Prepare formulas

Data Analysis & Technical Reporting: Analyze complex data sets, draw key conclusions, maintain accurate records, and write final technical reports.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with cross-functional teams (Product Development, Packaging, Quality, Supply Chain) to ensure proper study design and present findings.

Project Management & Lab Maintenance: Assist in lab maintenance and manage projects to ensure successful execution

Qualifications

Must be current Junior or Senior seeking a degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field

Minimum 3.0 overall GPA

Ability to work in the United States on a permanent and unlimited basis

Mobility and ability to relocate to Topeka, Kansas for the internship

Preferred Qualifications

Completed a BS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering or related field

Experience with gas or liquid chromatography and/ or sensory science

This is a paid internship that provides a very competitive hourly pay rate plus a generous housing/relocation assistance stipend for on‑site internships.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range $25.00 - $40.00 USD

Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives for Executive‑level roles.

Benefits: Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements.

Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours) and 13 paid holidays (vacation days are prorated based on the employee's hire date within the calendar year). Paid sick leave is adjusted based on role and location in accordance with local laws. Detailed information regarding paid sick leave entitlements will be provided to employees upon hiring and may be subject to adjustments based on changes in legislation or company policies.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Our journey begins with our people—developing strong talent with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to best serve our consumers around the world and fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels a true sense of belonging. We are dedicated to ensuring that each individual can be their authentic self, is treated with respect, and is empowered by leadership to contribute meaningfully to our business.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Colgate is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, marital status, veteran status (United States positions), or any other characteristic protected by law.

Reasonable accommodation during the application process is available for persons with disabilities. Please complete this request form should you require accommodation.

For additional Colgate terms and conditions, please click here .

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