Product Development Summer Intern

During your time as an intern you will get the chance to apply your classroom knowledge to a real-world business environment. Working as part of the R&D team you will be exposed to all phases of the product development process and provide strong hands-on technical support and operational know-how to R&D Scientists and Engineers across a range of Califia Farms product and technology development activities.

Our internship program runs roughly 10 weeks and is based in the Bakersfield, CA manufacturing facility.

Learning Outcomes

• Acquire hands-on experience across all product development processes within the exciting plant-based beverages field, including formulation, processing, testing and analysis.
• Enhance communication and collaboration skills by learning to work with cross-functional teams
• Learn best practices on project documentation and improve presentation skills by leading presentation sessions with stakeholders by the end of the summer program.
• Deepen knowledge of ingredient selection and sourcing for plant-based alternatives considering factors such as nutrition, functionality, cost, and sustainability.
• Learn the procedures involved in sample preparation and how to properly conduct sensory evaluation to improve and/or validate product development
• Gain insights into regulatory compliance and quality assurance and R&D interface with these teams
• Further develop problem-solving skills by supporting teams on navigating real-world challenges in product development and manufacturing.
• Develop proficiency in industry software and tools used for product design, quality control and project management.

• Lead and own a product development project to further develop Food Science skills, including formal presentation to stakeholders by end of the program, with full documentation of activities developed and acquired learning.
• Assist R&D Scientists and Engineers prepare for execution of experiments, prototype development and plant trials by:
  • Setting up equipment, weigh and mix ingredients, operate equipment, collect samples and data, tear down and clean equipment according to GMPs established for the food industry
  • Executing experiments and/or preparation of prototypes in the Lab/Pilot Plant under the direction of R&D Scientists/Engineers that involve testing ingredient substitutions, formula changes for cost savings, process variables, etc.
• Proficiently operate, clean, and maintain lab/pilot plant facilities and equipment for food product and process development activities (appropriate training will be provided)
• Collect, organize, and maintain experimental and production samples/data
  • Collect samples and/or data during experiments or production trials as directed by R&D Scientists/Engineers
  • Maintain sample inventories for prototypes, shelf-life samples and retrieve requested samples for evaluation and sensory tests as directed by R&D Scientists/Engineers
  • Request and maintain stock ingredient and supplies inventories as necessary to maintain efficiency of R&D activities

• Completion of two years' college level courses in food science, chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, or related discipline with a GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Basic food science and technology understanding
• Experience working in a lab environment, conducting experiments, documenting results, etc.
• Strong hands-on aptitude for set-up/operation/maintenance of lab and pilot plant equipment
• Working knowledge of and ability to adhere to GMPs and SOPs for food manufacturing

Salary: $23.00/hour 

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.