Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory Intern - Summer 2027

About the Role

Cargill’s Food Safety, Quality and Regulatory (FSQR) internship provides students with a career interest in the food industry and a scientific academic background the opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to a food business and manufacturing environment. The program is designed to offer hands-on experience and solutions for food safety, quality, and efficiency initiatives across various manufacturing sectors, including edible oil refining/packaging, protein, and starches/sweeteners.

Interns will gain exposure to FSQR programs such as Food Safety, HACCP, auditing processes, laboratory and instrumentation programs, food manufacturing, product inspection, supplier and external manufacturing, and meaningful project work.

Responsibilities

• Complete a primary project assigned for the summer, contributing to personal and professional development while supporting the broader organization.
• Assess process quality parameters and quality assurance systems, including calibration, raw materials, maintenance, procedures, food safety, training, and auditing.
• Analyze data, identify trends, troubleshoot issues, and implement corrective actions related to processing data, final product, and wastewater.
• Operate and maintain laboratory, control room, and in-process instrumentation.
• Dispose of hazardous wastes (biological and chemical).
• Perform miscellaneous duties such as process improvement projects, development and modification of FSQR procedures, and assisting with process start-ups and projects at other locations.
• Ensure compliance with customer specifications and final product approval.

Qualifications

• Right to work in the U.S. that is not based solely on possession of a student visa or a visa sponsored by a third-party employer.
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a technical science program (Food Science, Animal Science, Meat Science, Chemistry, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biology, or related field), graduating between December 2027 and Summer 2029.
• Able to complete a 12-week internship in the summer (May/June - August 2027).
• Geographically flexible and willing to relocate for an internship opportunity anywhere in the U.S.
• Proven ability to work optimally with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• High degree of initiative and resourcefulness in completing work with limited guidance.

Preferred Skills

• Overall GPA of 3.0 or higher (based on a 4.0 scale).
• Basic food safety knowledge, including HACCP, Good Manufacturing Processes (GMPs), labeling, food additives, sanitation, and food microbiology.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).
• Experience applying statistical and quality management tools (e.g., control charts, histograms, capability studies).
• Strong leadership and technical skills.
• Demonstrated collaboration, communication, motivation, interpersonal effectiveness, and teamwork.
• Moderate computer skills (word processing, spreadsheets, and database navigation).
• Experience applying Continuous Improvement concepts.

Benefits

• Paid time off.
• Access to the Mental Health and Wellbeing program.
• Housing and Relocation Assistance for those who qualify.

Pay

The expected hourly rate for this position is $20.90 – $29.00. Compensation decisions are dependent on graduation date and eligibility for full-time employment.

Schedule

Internships are typically 12 weeks in duration during the summer (May/June - August 2027). Interns are paid hourly for time worked and are responsible for their own transportation.

Development & Networking

• Access to comprehensive learning resources and volunteer/community outreach opportunities.
• Exposure to leadership through development events and networking opportunities with cross-functional interns/co-ops across the U.S.
• Consistent support from the early careers team, mentors, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Opportunity to join Business Resource Groups (BRGs) to embrace diversity and enhance inclusion.

Locations

Multiple locations across the U.S. (subject to change):

• Beef & Value Added Protein: Big Lake, MN | Dodge City, KS | Fort Worth, TX | Fresno, CA | Friona, TX | Monticello, MN | Nebraska City, NE | Newnan, GA | Waco, TX | West Columbia, SC
• Starches, Sweeteners & Texturizers: Blair, NE | Cedar Rapids, IA | Fort Dodge, IA | Hammond, IN | Wahpeton, ND