Research & Development Intern

About the Role

Barry Callebaut is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research & Development Summer Intern to support the launch and operational readiness of our new Chicago Innovation Center, opening in 2026. This internship provides hands‑on experience in developing documentation, establishing operational processes, and supporting the commissioning of a state‑of‑the‑art R&D facility.

The intern will work closely with the R&D team to ensure that equipment, workflows, and quality systems are properly defined, documented, and implemented. This role is well‑suited for individuals who are organized, process‑driven, and interested in how innovation environments are built and maintained.

This internship offers meaningful exposure to operational excellence within an R&D setting, providing experience in documentation development, process design, and facility commissioning as part of a major strategic initiative for Barry Callebaut.

• Assist in the qualification and commissioning of laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, ensuring documentation is complete and accurate
• Support the creation, review, and standardization of operating procedures, work instructions, and quality protocols for the Innovation Center
• Contribute to the development of operational workflows, documentation systems, and process controls to support daily R&D activities
• Help organize and maintain documentation repositories to ensure compliance and ease of access
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to gather information, validate processes, and support continuous improvement initiatives
• Participate in the setup of the innovation environment to ensure operational readiness and alignment with customer experience objectives

• Education:
  
  Currently pursuing a degree in Food Science, Food Process Engineering or Chemical Engineering.
• Strong attention to detail with an interest in documentation, process development, or quality systems
• Analytical mindset with the ability to translate technical information into clear, structured documentation
• Organized, proactive, and comfortable working in a dynamic environment
• Interest in research, product development, food science, engineering, or related fields

• Gain hands‑on experience in a global, "BC Next Level" digitalizing environment.
• Hourly pay of $25/hour
• Work in our state‑of‑the‑art Chicago office, home to our Chocolate Academy™.
• Experience a culture that values
  
  Flex!(flexibility and togetherness) and celebrates diversity.

At Barry Callebaut, we are committed to Diversity & Inclusion. United by our strong values, we thrive on the diversity of who we are, where we come from, what we’ve experienced and how we think. We are committed to nurturing an inclusive environment where people can truly be themselves, grow to their full potential and feel they belong. #oneBC - Diverse People, Sustainable Growth.