Job Details

Job Title: R&D Intern Department: Manufacturing Administration

Location: Remote or Factory Status: Part-time

FLSA Category: Non-Exempt Reports to: Director of Research and Development

Pay Range: $16 - 17 per hour Schedule: Flexible, Monday-Friday

POSITION SUMMARY:

The R&D Intern will support product development, commercialization, and continuous improvement work across confectionery and ice cream at our Durango headquarters factory. This role is ideal for a student who wants real manufacturing exposure-prototypes, pilot trials, data capture, and cross-functional work with R&D, Production, QA, and Marketing. Scope may expand as new innovation avenues open.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Support benchtop formulation and prototyping for confectionery (fillings, ganaches, caramels, enrobed items, inclusions) and ice cream (mixes, variegates, inclusions, novelty concepts)
• Assist with pilot and plant trials: prep ingredients, run trials under supervision, document process parameters, and capture outcomes
• Perform and record basic analytical testing as needed (e.g., °Brix, pH, moisture observations, viscosity/flow assessments, sensory notes; water activity support if applicable)
• Create clear trial summaries (objective, formula, procedure, observations, data, recommendations)
• Help maintain and update batch sheets, specs, and SOPs (weights, yields, critical control points, process notes)
• Participate in sensory evaluations and help organize sample sets and feedback capture
• Support R&D lab organization: ingredient/sample tracking, labeling, sanitation, and GMP compliance
• Contribute to processability and durability improvements (consistency, depositor/line readiness, heat tolerance, shelf-life considerations)

• Accurate, consistent documentation that enables scale-up and repeatability
• Reliable execution of bench work and support during production trials
• Strong communication of observations (especially early warning signs)
• Professional collaboration with Production and QA to ensure feasibility and safety

• Currently pursuing a BS/MS in Food Science, Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, or related field
• Interest in product development and factory-based work
• Comfortable working in a food manufacturing environment (PPE, GMPs, allergens)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow procedures
• Basic proficiency with Excel/Google Sheets; able to summarize data clearly

• Experience in a lab, pilot plant, or food production setting (confectionery, dairy/ice cream, bakery, etc.)
• Familiarity with GMPs, HACCP basics, allergen controls, or QA documentation
• Experience with sensory panels or structured tasting notes

• Ability to stand/walk for extended periods and lift up to [30-50 lbs] occasionally
• Ability to work in varying environments (cold rooms/freezers, warm kitchens, production floor)
• Strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and allergen-control procedure

• Mentorship from R&D leadership
• Exposure to cross-functional commercialization work
• Opportunity to contribute to real products and process improvements