SUMMER INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!! Innovation Technician

Garner Foods is offering an exciting paid summer internship opportunity for driven individuals eager to gain hands-on experience with a legacy brand known for quality and bold flavor. As a trusted name in the food industry, we continue to grow through innovation, advanced technology, and a commitment to excellence. Interns will work alongside industry professionals on real-world projects that support both operational and strategic initiatives. Join us and be part of a company where tradition meets forward-thinking innovation.

About the Innovation Technician position

The Innovation Technician plays a critical role in supporting the research and development of new food products and improving existing ones. This position ensures the successful execution of product development by preparing and testing bench samples, operating laboratory equipment, analyzing data, and maintaining accurate documentation. The Innovation Technician also maintains a clean and safe test kitchen and laboratory environment while adhering to food safety and quality standards. By contributing to innovative solutions and process improvements, the Innovation Technician helps drive the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, innovative products.

Innovation Technician responsibilities are:

• Report for assigned shifts on time and in appropriate attire.
• Accurately weigh, measure, and mix ingredients according to formulas to prepare bench samples, perform product testing, and package samples for customer requests.
• Conduct physical and chemical analyses of product samples (texture, flavor, color) using laboratory equipment to perform wet chemistry tests (pH, viscosity, salt, moisture, solids, acidity, etc.).
• Maintain detailed records of test results, observations, and ingredient/formula information, using basic data analysis to identify trends supporting product development.
• Assist in scaling small-batch recipes to pilot production runs, identifying feasibility and potential issues.
• Set up and participate in internal tasting panels to evaluate ingredients and finished product flavors.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, quality standards, and regulations throughout the development process.
• Maintain a clean working environment, operate and calibrate kitchen and laboratory equipment, and collaborate closely with Innovation team members to achieve project goals.
• Conduct shelf-life and stability studies on product samples to evaluate quality and performance over time, ensuring products meet desired standards.
• Track and document any modifications made to product formulations during development to maintain accurate records for future reference.
• Communicate with ingredient suppliers and vendors to obtain necessary product information, samples, and certifications required for product development.
• Perform other duties as directed by management.

Innovation Technician requirements are:

• Associate’s degree or 3 years of equivalent experience in Quality Assurance or a related field, with prior manufacturing experience (food and/or beverage industry preferred).
• Knowledge and adherence to Garner Foods policies, FDA guidelines for food safety and food defense, SQF code, HACCP, and other applicable regulations, Quality Assurance processes, and intermediate proficiency in Microsoft 365 (especially Excel and Teams).
• Ability to accurately measure, record data, follow procedures, and identify/troubleshoot issues during product development.
• Strong communication skills to effectively relay findings to the Innovation team and document results clearly.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, and lift/carry/push/pull up to 50 pounds during shifts, with flexibility to work overtime, holidays, and weekends as needed.
• Understanding and adherence to safety protocols in test kitchens, laboratories, and food processing environments (wet, non-climate controlled), with proper use of required PPE.
• Demonstrates respect, accountability, and teamwork while fostering positive relationships and contributing to a strong work environment.

PLEASE NOTE: SUMMER INTERNERSHIP OPPORTUNITY ONLY AT THIS TIME

TW Garner Food Company is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer. To the extent applicable, this contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR §§ 60-300.5(a), and 61-300.10. These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and or ability required.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified veterans and individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.