Research and Development Intern - Summer 2026

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.

Job Summary:

This is a 12-week program where interns will apply the knowledge and skills they've gained in the classroom by working alongside professionals at SunOpta. As part of the team, interns will gain valuable hands-on experience, contribute to meaningful projects, and improve processes. They will also gain insight into the latest trends in the food industry while helping to create new and innovative products.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• R&D INTERNSHIP




• Improve current product (beverages, fruit snacks, or ingredients) yield and quality
• Conduct bench-top and pilot experiments, sample preparation, analytical testing, and product evaluations
• Support sensory testing, shelf-life studies, and data collection
• Assist on process and product documentation
• Assist with ingredient research, literature review, and technical documentation.
• Collaborate with other cross-functional teams like QA, Engineering, Procurement and Marketing

Minimum Qualifications:

• Candidates must be working towards a bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemical Engineering, Nutrition, Microbiology or related field.
• Candidates must be at least a sophomore in college and actively pursuing a degree.
• Graduate students will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship experience.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
• Strong interpersonal, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Additional Considerations:

• Travel: Travel may be required to various SunOpta locations for plant trials or other job-related functions
• Location: This position will be located at our Corporate Office in Eden Prairie, MN.
• This is a 12-week program, running 5/19/26 through 8/7/26.
• Pay Rate: $20.00/hour.
• Relocation or international remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED