Quality and Food Safety Intern/Co-Op
On-siteElk Grove Village, Illinois, United States
Job Summary
Support daily Quality and Food Safety operations, including routine checks, data collection, and documentation. Assist with laboratory testing and sample analysis to verify compliance with product specifications. Conduct or assist with work center audits and support the rollout of digital audit tools. Participate in traceability, sanitation, sensory, and foreign material control projects to strengthen preventive programs. Support root cause analysis for non-conformances and aid in implementing corrective and preventive actions. Help update Standard Operating Procedures and training documents while maintaining laboratory records and equipment calibration logs. Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to improve quality awareness. This role strengthens Food Safety and Quality systems within IRCA's manufacturing network, supporting process validation and audit readiness. The position offers hands-on experience in quality systems management and regulatory compliance for students pursuing technical degrees.
Required Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related discipline
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures
- Able to work independently and as part of a team
- Able to collect, analyze, summarize data and make recommendations
- Curious and willing to learn in a regulated environment
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
- Comfortable asking questions and escalating concerns appropriately
- Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment (PPE, production floor exposure)
- Exercise good judgment, integrity and respect for food safety culture
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