R&D Product Development Intern - Campus Recruiting
About the job
- Completed at least two years of study toward a degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Meat Science, or a related field at the time of application.
- Maintained a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Expected graduation date between December 2027 and August 2028.
- Demonstrated leadership experience through academic, professional, volunteer, or extracurricular activities.
- Strong work ethic, initiative, and desire to learn.
- Ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively in a team environment.
- Ability to work safely in pilot plant and manufacturing environments.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States.
- Must not currently require, nor in the future require, sponsorship for employment visa status.
- Must have access to reliable transportation and be able to use a personal motor vehicle for work-related travel as necessary.
- Work closely with product development scientists on value-added food projects across the Planters, NUT∙rition, and Skippy brands, with possible travel to other U.S. production facilities.
- Apply food science knowledge to the product development process.
- Operate food processing equipment in pilot plant and manufacturing settings.
- Use analytical techniques and critical thinking skills during project execution.
- Apply product formulation principles and prepare product prototypes in the laboratory and pilot plant for cross-functional review.
- Apply food science, meat science, and engineering principles to product development and commercialization.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret product, process, and quality data to support project recommendations and decisions.
- Participate in project meetings with Marketing, Sales, Operations, Quality, Supply Chain, and R&D teams.
- Support plant trials and product scale-up from the pilot plant through commercial production.
- Assist with process and product troubleshooting to improve product quality, consistency, and manufacturing efficiency.
- Evaluate new ingredients, technologies, and processes to support innovation and continuous improvement.
- Conduct meat quality assessments and product evaluations.
- Lead an individual summer project under the guidance of an R&D scientist and present findings and recommendations to business stakeholders at the conclusion of the internship.
- Travel to manufacturing facilities within the United States as required.
- Previous food manufacturing, meat processing, laboratory, or product development experience.
- Knowledge of food formulation principles and food processing operations.
- Experience with laboratory testing methods and data analysis.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
About the company
Hormel Foods processes and distributes a variety of meat and prepared food products, including bacon, deli meats, and shelf-stable meals under brands like Spam, Jennie-O, and Applegate. The company operates by selling both branded and unbranded goods through retail stores, foodservice providers like restaurants, and international markets in over 80 countries. Unlike many competitors focused on a single niche, Hormel maintains a diverse portfolio that balances premium branded items with high-volume unbranded products across global channels. Its goal is to leverage this broad distribution network and brand variety to provide consistent food options to consumers and institutions worldwide.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
IPO
Headquarters
Austin, Minnesota
Founded
1891
Get referred to Hormel Foods
See people who can refer or advise you
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- On September 30, 2026, Hormel agreed to buy Brakebush for $1.055 billion.
- Foodservice posted 12 consecutive organic growth quarters and reached $1 billion quarterly sales.
- SPAM Hot Honey launched September 14, 2026, expanding premium flavors at retail.
What critics are saying
- August 27, 2026 guidance cut signaled weak retail and international demand, not a one-off.
- Brakebush adds $1.055 billion of debt-funded integration risk before fiscal 2028 accretion.
- John Ghingo inherits shrinking volumes; if retail keeps falling, Hormel becomes a Foodservice-dependent chicken roll-up.
What makes Hormel Foods unique
- Hormel's Foodservice direct-sales engine solved operator problems through products like Flash 180 chicken.
- SPAM, Skippy, Applegate, and Jennie-O give Hormel rare household-brand breadth across proteins.
- Its value-added portfolio and branded innovation separate it from commodity meat processors.
Help us improve and share your feedback! Did you find this helpful?
Benefits
Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Life Insurance
Disability Insurance
Unlimited Paid Time Off
Paid Vacation
Paid Sick Leave
Paid Holidays
Relocation Assistance
401(k) Retirement Plan
401(k) Company Match
Stock Options
Company Equity
Professional Development Budget
Company News
Hormel Foods to buy family-owned chicken firm Brakebush for $1.06 billion. Sept 30 (Reuters) - Hormel Foods on Wednesday said it would buy family-owned chicken processor Brakebush Brothers for $1.06 billion, as the Skippy peanut butter maker looks to expand its protein portfolio. Consumers are increasingly gravitating toward protein-rich meals as health and wellness trends shape food choices. The Westfield, Wisconsin-based Brakebush generated nearly $1.2 billion in net sales in the last 12 months. The company, operated by the Brakebush family since 1925, sells processed raw and cooked chicken, including patties, wings and nuggets. Hormel said the deal is expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 and will add to its adjusted earnings per share from fiscal 2028. Hormel, which also owns brands such as organic meat processor Applegate, last month cut its annual sales forecast after missing third-quarter sales estimates. Its shares rose about 2% in premarket trading following the news. (Reporting by Shania S Thomas in Bengaluru; Editing by Arun Koyyur and Sahal Muhammed)
Hormel Foods announces Research & Development executive appointments. Sep 29, 2026, 16:29 ET Dr. Aaron Asmus promoted to vice president of R&D; Lisa Selk named vice president of growth and innovation, R&D AUSTIN, Minn., Sept. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Hormel Foods Corporation (NYSE: HRL), a Fortune 500 global branded food company, today announced the promotion of Dr. Aaron Asmus to vice president of Research and Development (R&D). Asmus will lead all functions within the company's R&D organization and report to Dr. Kevin Myers, senior vice president, R&D and food safety and quality. "Aaron is an exceptional leader who combines deep technical expertise with a strong ability to build partnerships, develop talent and deliver results," said John Ghingo, president and chief executive officer-elect, Hormel Foods. "He has played an important role in strengthening our R&D capabilities, advancing key product and process initiatives, and fostering collaboration across the organization. His experience, leadership and track record of results make him well suited to lead this critical function." In his new role, Asmus will oversee the company's R&D organization, helping drive innovation and commercialization across Hormel Foods while ensuring new products and technologies are developed with a continued focus on food safety, quality and regulatory excellence. Hormel Foods is also strengthening its R&D organization with the addition of Lisa Selk as vice president, growth and innovation. Selk will report directly to Asmus and will be focused on growth, innovation, and the connection of R&D to consumers and the company's brands. "Lisa's experience spans consumer insights, brand leadership and innovation, giving her a unique perspective on how we identify opportunities and bring new products to market," said Ghingo. "Her ability to connect consumer needs with business strategy will help strengthen our innovation pipeline and accelerate the commercialization of new products. Lisa is well prepared for this role and will be a strong addition to the R&D leadership team." The appointments of Asmus and Selk are effective Oct. 26, 2026. About Hormel Foods Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS(R), SKIPPY(R), SPAM(R), HORMEL(R) NATURAL CHOICE(R), APPLEGATE(R), WHOLLY(R), HORMEL(R) BLACK LABEL(R), COLUMBUS(R), JENNIE-O(R) and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America's most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World's Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com. | Contact: | Media Relations | | / | Hormel Foods | | / | [email protected] | SOURCE Hormel Foods Corporation
Hormel Foods' US production facilities donated $332,000 to more than 40 hunger-relief organisations across the country during Hunger Action Month. Each facility received $10,000 from the Hormel Foods Charitable Trust to support local communities where the company operates. Recipients include food pantries, community meal programmes, and hunger-relief nonprofits in over 40 communities, such as Second Harvest Food Pantry of Beloit and Channel One Regional Food Bank. The Charitable Trust has provided this funding to production facilities for more than a decade. Since 2020, Hormel Foods has contributed over $53.6 million in combined cash and product donations to support food security efforts nationwide.
Hormel Foods stock has fallen 14.5% over the past three months, underperforming the State Street Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR ETF's 1.5% decline. The Minnesota-based company, with a market cap of $11.5 billion, owns brands including Planters, Skippy, and SPAM. Shares tumbled 10.3% on 27 August after Hormel cut its fiscal 2026 sales forecast to $12.1 billion–$12.2 billion, citing weak consumer demand. Third quarter revenue fell 2.4% to $2.96 billion, missing estimates due to weaker retail and international demand. Despite raising its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $1.45–$1.51, the stock has declined 12.8% year-to-date. Analysts maintain a "Hold" rating with a mean price target of $25.75, suggesting 24.8% upside from current levels.
Foodservice becoming more important to Hormel Foods. Sep 21, 2026 BOSTON - Hormel Foods Corp.'s Foodservice business unit accounts for approximately one-third of company-wide sales and half of its profits. The ascension of the business unit within the organization reflects the pressures foodservice operators are under to better manage costs and streamline operations. "I think if you step back and look at our Foodservice performance over time, we have proven the business model we have to be very unique and durable to grow even in down markets when industry challenges persist," said John Ghingo, president of the company, during a Sept. 9 presentation at the Barclays Global Consumer Staples Conference. During the third quarter of fiscal 2026, ended July 26, Hormel's Foodservice business segment profit rose 3% to $144.5 million from $141 million the year before. Quarterly sales rose 2% to $1 billion from $987 million the year before. Ghingo identified three attributes of the business unit he sees fueling additional growth. "One is our value-added portfolio and the innovation we continue to bring to that portfolio," he said. "We need to continue to create more value." Second is the company's direct sales team that works with operators to communicate the strengths of the Foodservice unit to operators. "Our direct sales force is truly a unique engine of culture, talent, capability, and the work they do with our operator partners is critical," Ghingo said. "They're gathering insights. They're building relationships. They're being creative and solving problems in the kitchen with the operator partners and then bringing back solutions. "And, so, when you're doing that even in a challenged environment, you can grow the top line because those operators will gravitate to the partner who's solving the problems they're dealing with." Hormel Foods' Flash 180 chicken platform is an example of how the Foodservice business unit is serving its customers. | Photo: (C) EXQUISINE - STOCK.ADOBE.COM Finally, Ghingo said Hormel's diversified foodservice customer base is an opportunity for the company. "So, whether you're talking commercial, noncommercial, independence chains, geographic diversity, channel diversity," he said. "So, that gives us the opportunity to play different channels where we see pockets of growth and pockets of opportunity to keep the growth engine going." An effective foodservice solution identified by Ghingo is Hormel's Flash 180 chicken platform. "If you look at the demand space in foodservice around breaded chicken, it's one of the fastest-growing areas," he said. "Consumers, diners want more breaded chicken, whether it be chicken tenders, whether it be fried chicken sandwiches, but if you're an operator... (and) you want to sell more chicken, it gets difficult. "You're bringing raw chicken (and) it takes time; you have to handle it; you have to batter/bread in the fryer, 10 to 12 minutes. So, we're bringing through our Flash 180 chicken platform. One-hundred and eighty seconds from package to plate, pre-prepped. So, it's super simple to execute (that) saves time... So, that's an example of a solution." Get better food industry search results. Adding us tells Google to prioritize Food Business News stories.