Research & Development Internship

OUR TEAM IS OUR BEST ASSET

About West Liberty Foods

West Liberty Foods manufactures hundreds of meat and poultry products that can be found in well-known grocery stores and top restaurant chains nationwide. Recognized as one of the top protein processors in North America, we have the capacity to produce over 650 million pounds of food products per year across our facilities. We are The Surprisingly Big Company, and we're right in your backyard.

Build your career with West Liberty Foods and be a part of an exciting, collaborative team environment!

We are currently hiring for a 2026 Summer Intern for our Research and Development Team located in our Corporate offices in West Liberty, Iowa.

Job Summary: West Liberty Foods invites you to explore the possibilities through our internship program. We offer college students an opportunity to perform responsibilities similar to that of an entry-level professional. The project based work experience will build upon classroom studies and give interns real-world experience in their chosen career path.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Work directly with a mentor (hiring manager) that will provide oversight and direction on a planned project to gain experience in desired area of interest of our organization.
• Research and provide valuable knowledge and skills to our organization while completing a set project and learning day to day operations.
• Participate in learning and development opportunities in the leadership foundations of WLF.
• Prepare a presentation for end of internship accomplishments and learnings to be presented to members of management.
• Project will be assigned by mentors when interns start in late May or early June 2023.
• Project for our RD Intern will be to test ingredients, qualify new or alternative casings, plant process reviews and verification of batch sheets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Current enrollment and pursuing an undergraduate degree in meat science, food science or similar field at a four year institution is required.
• Completion of second year of college with junior level or above status required.
• Computer literacy - Proficient in Google Suite (Gmail, Docs, Sheets, Slides).
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization.
• Detail oriented and strong organizational skills is a must.
• Ability to work in a fast pace environment of continuous change and challenges.
• Strong analytical, problem solving skills.
• Customer focused approach to projects.
• Candidates must successfully pass post-offer/pre-employment drug test and background screen.

West Liberty Foods is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

West Liberty Foods is committed to providing all team members with predictable work schedules that accommodate the universal need to spend time away from work to rest, relax, and spend time with family and friends. However, as a food manufacturer, West Liberty Foods is responsible for producing perishable products. To help ensure that our food products meet the quality and safety standards our customers expect, team members may, at times, be asked or expected to work overtime, weekends, or holidays. West Liberty Foods remains committed to its overtime, weekend, and holiday pay policies, and will schedule team members for those hours on a volunteer-first basis, whenever possible.

To be considered an applicant for this position, you must apply online on our career site at https://careers.wlfoods.com/.