Food Science Internship in USA | McCain Foods Careers
Are you looking for a hands-on food science internship that builds real-world skills and global exposure? This Summer 2026 INTERN ROLE at McCain Foods offers an exceptional opportunity for students and Internships for Life Science Graduates to gain practical experience in food safety, quality systems, and consumer-focused innovation within one of the world’s leading food companies. Ideal for those exploring Internships in USA, this role blends learning, impact, and career growth.
About the Company
McCain Foods is a global, family-owned leader in food manufacturing, committed to quality, sustainability, and innovation. With operations across multiple continents, mccain foods careers offer professionals and interns the chance to make a meaningful impact while growing within a values-driven organization. McCain fosters inclusion, learning, and collaboration—making it a top destination for Internships for Life Science Graduates.
Internship Details:
- Position Title: Food Safety & Quality Intern – Appleton
- Requisition ID: 39805
- Position Type: Temporary | Full-Time
- Grade: 01
- Job Family: Quality & Food Safety
- Department: Microbiology
- Division: North America Operations
- Locations (Wisconsin):
- Appleton
- Fort Atkinson
- Milwaukee
- Plover
- Rice Lake
- Wisconsin Rapids
- Primary Internship Location: Oakbrook, IL
- Work Arrangement: Hybrid (minimum 3 days onsite per week)
- Internship Duration: May – August 2026
- Hourly Wage: $23.00 – $26.00 USD (non-exempt salary equivalent)
About the Role
As a Food Safety & Quality Intern, you will gain hands-on experience supporting quality systems, documentation, and consumer engagement initiatives. You will work cross-functionally with internal teams and customers while contributing to real-world projects that strengthen food safety, quality consistency, and operational excellence.
This internship provides exposure to quality management systems, operations, program development, documentation control, and communication systems, along with professional development, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Quality Systems & Documentation
- Standardize customer-facing quality documents (letters of guarantee, compliance statements, HACCP materials)
- Organize and streamline internal document repositories
- Support integration of digital quality systems (e.g., Intelex) to automate workflows and reminders
- Write or update program manuals, visual standards, and reference materials
Consumer Affairs & Engagement
- Update Consumer Affairs policies, protocols, and response templates
- Assist in development of a new Consumer Praise Program, including workflow design and process mapping
- Support tools that automate communication and improve consumer feedback tracking
Product Quality & Sensory Support
- Support commercialization quality activities (ballots, surveys, sensory setup, packaging support)
- Develop an appetizer finished product defect grading manual, including defect definitions, severity scales, images, and action guidance
- Build a visual defect image bank for French Fries across manufacturing sites to improve QC and sensory calibration
Education Requirement for Food Science Internship
- Currently enrolled junior or senior pursuing a degree in:
- Food Science
- Biology / Microbiology
- Biochemistry
- Or a related field with an interest in Food Safety & Quality
Skills & Competencies
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Exceptional attention to detail and organization
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Self-motivated with a proactive, critical-thinking mindset
Benefits Of Food Science Internship
Due to the temporary nature of this role, traditional benefits are not provided. However, McCain’s Early Careers Program offers:
- Professional development and mentorship
- Networking opportunities
- Career skill-building experiences
- Exposure to food safety and quality leadership
