Intern, Research And Development (R&D)

Based in our Corporate Headquarters in Schaumburg, IL, Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company that has been Bringing Flavor to Life™ for over 220 years. As one of the leading makers of vinegars, condiments, and sauces in the United States, Mizkan America maintains 12 manufacturing facilities that serve the retail, foodservice, specialty-Asian and food-ingredient trade channels. We are committed to following our two core principles: continuously challenging the status quo and delivering only the finest products for our customers. Our leadership seeks out, embraces, and implements ideas for improvement from all of its employees. Transparency and accountability are two key factors that drive our company’s overall management approach.

We are looking for people who are seeking to deliver their best so that we can deliver ours. Above all, we’re dedicated to maximizing the potential of our greatest assets—our team members. That’s reflected in our ongoing commitment to recruit, develop, reward, and retain our talented, multicultural workforce. We hope to see you as part of our team’s future success!

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Research & Development (R&D) intern will collaborate with cross ‑ functional team members to support product innovation, development, specifications, and processing. This role provides hands-on experience in product conceptualization, experimental design, and execution of lab-scale and pilot-plant trials. The intern will assist in developing, testing, and evaluating product concepts while gaining exposure to office, laboratory, pilot plant, and manufacturing environments.

Essential Functions:

• Support oil ‑ in ‑ water emulsion product development through literature reviews and application of scientific principles.
• Execute, document, and interpret analytical testing to evaluate product performance.
• Assist with experimental design, lab ‑ scale prototypes, and pilot ‑ plant trials.
• Participate in supplier interactions and trade shows to explore new ingredients and technologies.
• Communicate science ‑ based findings and recommendations while considering potential business implications.
• Contribute to cross ‑ functional initiatives, process improvements, and special projects as needed
• Maintain regular, predictable, in ‑ person attendance on required on ‑ site workdays; remain engaged and available during designated work hours on non ‑ required in ‑ person days
• Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization. This may include participating in cross-functional initiatives, contributing to process improvements, or assisting with special projects as needed.
• This list is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities required for this role.

Key Skills/Competencies:

• Adaptable and resilient, with the ability to respond constructively to challenges and feedback
• Demonstrated ability to integrate business considerations into technical decision ‑ making
• Strong written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• Critical thinker with a creative, solutions ‑ oriented mindset
• Ability to leverage internal and external resources to advance scientific and technical outcomes
• Self ‑ motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast ‑ paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite of applications

Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications:

The hourly rate for this internship position is $20 per hour.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:

• Ability to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while working on a computer.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, writing, and handling documents.
• Ability to communicate clearly in person and via electronic devices.
• Ability to move within the office environment, including walking short distances and navigating stairs if applicable.
Visual acuity to read and interpret data on screens and printed materials.

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