About the role#
McKee Foods is seeking a Chemistry Intern to join the Corporate Research and Development team. This year-round position provides hands-on experience in food analysis and quality testing. You will work alongside experienced professionals while applying your technical knowledge to food safety and regulatory compliance initiatives in a manufacturing setting.
What you'll do#
- Prepare and analyze samples in a laboratory setting.
- Perform calibrations and maintain lab equipment.
- Document and report analytical and quality test results.
- Support food safety and regulatory compliance initiatives.
- Learn and apply chemistry techniques used in food manufacturing.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a BS or MS degree program in Chemistry, Biology, Food Science, Food Technology, Chemical Engineering, or an equivalent area of study.
- Standing as a sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student.
- Completion of or current enrollment in Quantitative Analysis and/or Organic Chemistry I/II, or equivalent higher-level biology courses.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word and Excel.
- Strong problem-solving, troubleshooting, and analytical skills.
- Ability to clearly document procedures, problems, and solutions.
- Prior experience in a chemistry lab, a 3.0 GPA or higher, and coursework in Food Quality or Food Safety are preferred.
- Self-motivation, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work effectively alone or in a team are also preferred.
Location & details#
- This position is based on-site in Collegedale, Tennessee.
- The schedule is 1st shift, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Interns work approximately 20 hours per week during the school year, with up to 40 hours per week possible during summer months and school breaks.
- Pay ranges from $18.18 to $20.14 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.
About McKee Foods Corporation
McKee Foods Corporation manufactures food and beverage products. The company produces snack brands such as Little Debbie, Drake's Cakes, and Sunbelt Bakery. It was founded in 1934 and maintains its headquarters in Collegedale, Tennessee. The organization is privately held and employs between 5,001 and 10,000 people.
How to get in at McKee Foods Corporation
Applying early gives you a distinct advantage at McKee Foods Corporation because recruiters review applications before the pile grows. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you can be among the first to submit your materials. Getting your application in early ensures your profile is seen while the team is still actively building their candidate pool. You can reach out directly to the recruiters behind these roles to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates. Intern Insider surfaces the contact information for these specific recruiters, allowing you to bypass the standard queue and connect with the people who make the hiring decisions.
