R&D Process Intern/Co-op

OVERVIEW

Perfetti Van Melle - a global confectionary company and makers of great product brands such as Airheads and Mentos- is seeking an enthusiastic college student for an internship or co-op with our US Research & Development (R&D) team. This internship/co-op will be based in our Erlanger, KY facility (near the Cincinnati /CVG airport) with an expectation of a minimum of 40 work hours per week. This internship is for the Fall 2024, the possibility of extension or rotation 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Process Intern/Co-Op role is designed to provide hands-on work experience and skill building for college students interested in pursuing a career in Manufacturing/Process Engineering or Research & Development. During this assignment, the Process Intern/Co-Op will support process improvements for the manufacture of high-quality confectionery products. Specific responsibilities for the Process Intern/Co-Op position include:

- Identify areas for improvement and implement effective, permanent, and systemic solutions to process reliability and efficiency issues.
- Investigate, test, and collect data to improve processes, products, or product packaging.
- Modify recipes, research raw material interactions, and make recommendations based on scientific studies to improve existing products as well as to build on new product developments.

Project examples:

- Ingredient research and application
- Food manufacturing process improvement studies/solution recommendations
- Commissioning/Validation for new equipment and/or procedures
- Statistical correlation of process variables with product properties/design of experiments
- Sample collection, preparation, evaluation, and data analysis
- End of assignment presentation to cross-functional departments

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

- Qualified candidates will be pursuing a degree in STEM discipline or another related field.
- Ability to work a minimum of 40 hours per week.
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills, and effective presentation skills,
- Intermediate level in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Familiarity with Microsoft Teams is helpful.
- Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and present and to draw and interpret graphs.
- Strength in decision-making, analytical, and organizational skills.
- Basic knowledge of GMPs, testing/sampling methods, and food safety.
- Excellent time management skills.
- Ability to be flexible with work schedule, with occasional extended work hours.
- Ability to effectively communicate with suppliers, internal customers, colleagues, co-packers, auditors.
- Ability to prepare and interpret charts and graphs for process capabilities.
- Willingness to help with trials on the production floor, analyze data from candy production processes, write reports, and report out to cross-functional teams.
- Ability to transport finished good cases from nearby off-site warehouse

WHAT WE OFFER

At Perfetti Van Melle we have a core value of Care For Our People and we are proud to offer benefit programs that support our team members goals and well-being.

Come join a 2024 NKY Best Workplace by applying today!

Perfetti Van Melle, USA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law