R&D Process Development Engineering Co-Op

Job Summary:  

The Grande R&D Process Development Engineering team is excited to offer a summer 2027 co-op opportunity for a motivated and forward-thinking college student! This co-op provides hands-on, project-based experience in key areas such as process development for the launch of new products. 

Co-ops will gain valuable exposure to our full cheese making operations, and our pilot scale processes while sharpening essential professional skills including collaboration, customer focus, independent and team-based work, attention to detail, time management, and workplace professionalism. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute meaningfully while growing personally and professionally in a dynamic research and development environment. 

What you will be doing: 

• Partner with R&D scientists to support the development of new food products, processes, and manufacturing technologies. 

• Assist with designing, conducting, and documenting laboratory, pilot plant, and production trials. 

• Collect, analyze, and present data using charts, graphs, and statistical methods to help evaluate product and process performance. 

• Help define and optimize processing parameters to ensure product quality and manufacturing efficiency. 

• Support packaging and process improvement initiatives by testing changes and verifying they meet quality standards. 

• Participate in the startup and validation of new products and processes, including extended production runs. 

• Prepare reports, trial protocols, and technical documentation to communicate results and recommendations. 

• Demonstrate a commitment to safety, quality, and food safety while participating in professional development and training opportunities. 

This co-op offers the opportunity to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in a collaborative manufacturing and product development environment. You'll work alongside experienced scientists and engineers, contribute to projects that impact real products, and develop valuable technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills along the way. If you're looking for an opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom, explore the world of food manufacturing, and build a strong foundation for your engineering career, this co-op is a great place to start. 

Unique Benefits of our Co-op Program:  

• You will get the farm to fork experience during this program. You will experience a farm tour, facility tours, and experience the end user products. 

• Networking events where you will meet executives and community leaders. 

• Intern and co-op group outings and events. 

• Volunteer opportunities within the community. 

• Personal development events and training. 

While you don’t have to love pizza to work here…it sure does help!   

What you need to be considered for the role: 

• Student in Junior or Senior status currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Food Engineering or related fields such as Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Agricultural Engineering. 

• Excellent analytical and math skills 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Mature, positive outlook with ability to focus on multiple duties across different areas 

• Ability to persuade others to change existing practices 

• Strong attention to detail 

• Proven ability to identify, assess and solve problems 

• Proficient with computer and information technology 

• Knowledge of process development engineering and analytical software systems 

• Familiarity with applicable health and safety regulations 

• Familiarity with applicable food safety and quality regulations 

• Able to maintain confidentiality 

Preferred 

• Participative involvement in campus organizations, non-class related volunteer involvement, off campus employment and demonstrated leadership preferred. 

Why Grande? 

With more than 80 years of crafting “The Finest Italian Cheeses Money Can Buy”, Grande is a leader in the industry! Whether partnering with independent pizzerias from coast-to-coast to ensure they’re delivering the very best pizza to their customers or assisting our food manufacturing partners in delivering specialty whey ingredient solutions, our commitment to quality can’t be matched. While Grande’s reputation of excellence in the market is important, we believe our commitment to our workplace and community culture is of equal merit – our Associates come first at Grande. To complement our industry-leading benefits, Grande puts an emphasis on your career growth opportunities, while always promoting a positive work/life balance and supporting the communities in which we live and work. If you want to learn more about our company – what we do and how we go about it – or learn more about our beautiful, state-of-the-art corporate headquarters, visit www.grande.com.