Food Innovation Development Intern
First seen by Alion on Oct 28, 2026.
We are seeking a creative, curious, and detail-oriented Food Innovation Intern to join our Food Innovation team. In this hands-on role, you will assist and support the team in product development, sensory and ingredient testing, consumer research, and competitor analysis. In addition to supporting daily team operations, you will take ownership of a dedicated Food Innovation Development Project, offering you direct experience in bringing market-driven food concepts to life and enhance your learning.
Key Responsibilities:
1. R&D & Product Testing
- Conduct hands-on food product and ingredient testing.
- Assist in product preparation and execution for internal food demonstration sessions.
- Prepare comprehensive product testing reports and accurately tabulate experimental data for team analysis.
2. Consumer Research & Market Intelligence
- Assist in organizing and executing consumer survey sessions to gather actionable feedback.
- Perform market research, trend analysis, and competitor benchmarking to identify opportunities in the food & beverage landscape.
3. Special Development Project
- Lead one dedicated product development project focused on creating or refining a product targeted at younger consumer trends (e.g., sustainable ingredients, novel flavor profiles, functional nutrition, or convenience foods).
- Present project findings, prototype concepts, and market insights to leadership at the conclusion of the internship.
What you will gain:
- Hands-on experience in commercial food R&D and consumer testing.
- Direct Mentorship from experienced Food Scientists and Innovation Leads.
Job Requirements:
- Currently pursuing a diploma in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Food Technology, Nutrition, or a related field.
- Basic understanding of food safety, kitchen/lab procedures, and product testing methodologies.
- Strong analytical and data tabulation skills (proficient in Excel/Google Sheets).
- Good written and verbal communication skills for compiling reports and documenting demo sessions.
Skills
Market Research, Test Reporting, Analyticalandresearch Skills, Food Science & Technology, Food industry, experience, Food Safety Analysis, Customer Surveys, Trend Analysis, Food Preparation, Food Technology, Product Testing and Development, Market Intelligence, Project Development, Good Written Communication Skills, Recipe Testing, Culinary Arts