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Research & Development 2026 Summer Internship (Engineering Team)

Wilmington, MA

Are you a self-driven person looking to advance your career as a high-impact player on a team? If so, we have an exciting challenge for you and your future!

Our culture is built on value commitments to innovation, quality, results, integrity, community, people, and collaboration that fosters a strong employee engagement, teamwork, safety and wellness. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, wellness programs, employee discounts, retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, ongoing development, advancement opportunities and more. 

Founded in 1846, today HP Hood is one of the largest and most trusted food and beverage manufacturers in the United States. Our portfolio of national and super-regional brands and licensed products includes Hood, Heluva Good, Lactaid, Blue Diamond Almond Breeze, Planet Oat and more.

Job Summary:

HP Hood, LLC is looking for an R&D Process Engineering Intern to join our R&D team in Wilmington, MA. The Summer Intern program offers students a paid opportunity to work in an R&D environment that will provide real-life experiences and to apply your education.

The Process Engineering Intern will support equipment, system, and product initiatives by learning to identify, develop, lead, and execute solutions for performance across Hood sites, working with cross functional teams to drive down plant losses through process and packaging improvements, ingredient loss optimization, standard process development, changeover optimization, and/or BOM and Standards updates and optimization. Also, you will help R&D Engineers collect critical data during pilot and plant trials, production start-ups, and/or equipment/technology evaluations. Lastly, you will partner with the product development intern to learn about the entire product commercialization process.

We look forward to providing an enriching and exciting opportunity for a student to learn more about the Food & Beverage Industry.

NOTE: This paid internship is for 2026, temporary full-time for approximately 3 months during normal business hours M-F. Intern will be working in our Wilmington, MA R&D Facility. The position requires that the intern reside within commuting distance and have reliable transportation to be onsite according to a weekly schedule. Potential to travel to other Hood facilities as opportunities arise.

NOTE: This paid internship is for 2026, temporary full-time for up to 3 months during normal business hours M-F. Intern will be working in our Wilmington, MA R&D Facility.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Conducts assigned projects while increasing the incumbent’s level of understanding of projects, processes, and methods.
  • Provides technical or scientific direction through research on assigned project.
  • Develops and maintain material balances and unit operation capability information to ensure optimal production rates, parameters, and formulas.
  • Identifies, develops, leads, and executes equipment and system improvements that deliver financial benefits (e.g. batch time reduction, line efficiency improvements, new equipment/technology).
  • Designs experiments and collects data on process improvements.
  • Analyzes, interprets, and presents findings clearly and concisely.
  • Provides innovative and timely cost-effective improvements, concepts, developments, or scientific insight and understanding with respect to new or existing products or processes.
  • Maintains a professional record of the work completed.
  • Schedules equipment and orders ingredients to ensure adequate raw materials, resources, and timing for lab and/or pilot plant testing.
  • Assists in the executions of food production in the lab, pilot plant, and/or manufacturing plant.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

  • Food Engineering, Food Science/Technology, Agricultural Engineering, Biological Systems Engineering/Technology, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, or other related degrees. Sophomore through Graduate Level.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of ingredients, product, and equipment and unit operations.
  • Demonstrates understanding of quality metrics, analysis methods and procedures.
  • Demonstrate clear understanding and execution of human and food safety practices and apply this understanding to all projects and initiatives.

Skills and Competencies:

  • Able to apply math, statistics, science, and other technical knowledge to solve real world problems and develop robust solutions.
  • Seeks out knowledge and is able to quickly grasp technical concepts and grow personal expertise.
  • Manages time effectively by understanding assignment requirements, prioritizing objectives, and scheduling tasks accordingly.
  • Listens and communicates well in a team environment.
  • Provides and receives honest and open feedback in a constructive manner.
  • Is analytical; uses sound judgment in decision making by basing decisions on factual information.
  • Show personal initiative and drives for results to ensure deliverables meet cost and schedule requirements.
  • Exhibits high level of integrity and directness/candor.
  • Displays excellent written/oral communication skills.
  • Meets deadlines regularly and works well in fast paced environment.
  • Drives for results to ensure Engineering deliverables meet cost and schedule requirements.
  • Demonstrates a positive and mature attitude.
  • Works hands on in the lab independently and with their team members.

HP Hood is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Female/Minority/Veteran/Disabled"
VERVRAA Federal Contractor"

 

Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience and location.

The pay range for this position is

$27 - $27 USD

HP Hood is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Female/Minority/Veteran/Disabled

"VERVRAA Federal Contractor"

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