About the role#
This internship focuses on the design, development, and improvement of packaging solutions for food products. You will work within our Research and Development division to support projects that impact product safety, shelf life, and consumer appeal. This is a full-time, paid position based at our Innovation Center in Northbrook, Illinois.
What you'll do#
- Enter data into our packaging specification database system.
- Evaluate barrier and abuse characteristics of various packaging materials.
- Coordinate Machine Trial Orders as part of label development.
- Assist Packaging Engineers with abuse tests, including drop, vibration, and shipping tests.
- Complete a research project to gain experience in packaging research and development.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a Packaging Engineering major.
- Expected graduation date in August 2027, December 2027, or May 2028.
- A strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit.
- You must be 18 years of age or older.
- Comfort with the preparation and consumption of a variety of Hormel Foods products, which may include pork, beef, chicken, turkey, and nuts.
- Authorization to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship.
Location & details#
- Location: Northbrook, Illinois.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Work Modality: On-site.
About Hormel Foods
Hormel Foods is a global branded food company based in Austin, Minnesota. Founded in 1891, the organization manages a portfolio of brands including SPAM, SKIPPY, and PLANTERS. It operates as a public company and is a member of the S&P 500 Index. The business employs over 10,000 people.
How to get in at Hormel Foods
Applying early to Hormel Foods gives you a better chance of being seen before the applicant pool grows too large. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can submit your materials among the first. Getting your application in early is a practical way to manage the competition. You can use Intern Insider to identify the specific recruiters behind these roles and reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral. Connecting with a human at Hormel Foods often improves your response rates compared to waiting in a queue. This approach takes more effort than a standard application, but it is a common way to gain visibility.


