Summer Internship 2026 at KLN Family Brands – Food Science Students Apply Now
KLN Family Brands is offering an exciting R&D Food Technologist Internship for Summer 2026 at its headquarters in Perham, MN. This internship provides hands-on experience in the confectionery industry, where you’ll work on product innovation, formula optimization, and strategic development projects. If you’re passionate about food science and eager to gain real-world industry experience, this is your chance to learn from one of the fastest-growing names in human and pet food manufacturing.
About the Company:
KLN Family Brands, headquartered in Perham, Minnesota, is a family-owned business with a proud history dating back to 1964. Today, KLN manufactures a wide range of human and pet food products through its companies, including Kenny’s Candy & Confections and Tuffy’s Pet Foods. Guided by its vision of being a people-first company, KLN thrives on trust-based relationships, high-quality products, and bold innovation. With a strong focus on community, sustainability, and employee growth, KLN Family Brands offers a workplace where people are inspired to challenge, grow, and succeed together.
Job Details:
Position: R&D Food Technologist Internship
Location: Perham, MN, US
Requisition ID: 1611
Qualifications:
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At least a junior in college pursuing a Food Science or related degree.
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Ability to dedicate 10–12 weeks to the summer 2026 internship.
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Positive attitude, willingness to learn, and team spirit.
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Must be able to work on-site at the Perham, MN facility.
Daily Responsibilities:
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Create new products for KLN brands and B2B partners.
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Improve existing products and optimize formulas for better performance.
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Interact with customers to gather insights and translate them into prototypes and commercial offerings.
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Build and apply tools to improve processes and drive innovation.
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Partner with cross-functional teams on packaging design, specifications, and First Production Run (FPR) planning.
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Collaborate with external partners to source solutions and identify new capabilities.
Unique Projects:
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Work on innovative product development initiatives.
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Address unmet needs within Ideal Customer Profiles (ICP).
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Participate in strategic planning projects that impact future growth.
What You Will Learn:
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Innovation and creativity in food development.
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Analytical and critical thinking.
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Goal setting and KPI measurement.
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Problem-solving in real-world projects.
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Teamwork, leadership, and professional communication.
