INTERNSHIP DETAILS

R&D Food Technologist Internship

CompanyKLN ENTERPRISES INC
LocationPerham
Work ModeOn Site
PostedSeptember 3, 2025
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
The intern will create new products and improve existing ones while collaborating with the R&D team and operations. They will also engage with customers to gather insights and develop prototypes.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
144
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
KLN Family Brands is a company located in Perham, Minnesota that manufactures a diverse and expanding range of human and pet food products that adapt to customer preferences. Three manufacturing companies fall under the KLN Family Brands umbrella: Tuffy’s Pet Foods, Tuffy's Treat Company & Cannery, and Kenny’s Candy & Confections. Whether the products are intended for our families or pets, KLN Family Brands strives to make each and every product exceptional. What’s in a name? “KLN” are the initials of former CEO Kenny Nelson, one of the founding members of the business. Kenny is the son of Tuffy’s Pet Foods founder, Tuffy Nelson, and the father of current KLN CEO, Charlie Nelson. We believe that the history and success of KLN Family Brands is a direct result of our commitment to our employees and community. We have always believed that “family” is the most important part of the company’s name. Why? Because it’s family that speaks to who we are: a 3rd generation, family-owned company, producing quality brands & products for families by a team of dedicated employees in a family-friendly community.
About the Role

R&D Food Technologist 

Internship

 

KLN Family Brands/Kenny’s Candy & Confections

 

College Juniors and Seniors…We’re looking for you!

 

 

Our Story

 

KLN Family Brands is a 3rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country.  Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

 

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company.  We are successful because of trust-based relationships, and first-rate products for our families and friends.  We better the world by caring for others.  We challenge.  We grow.   We inspire.”  

 

Some companies have to “fudge the story” a little.  Some need the extra “spin” to shine a positive light on themselves.  That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do.  We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality & safety of our products, our tradition & trust, our bold innovation, and the way we treat our community & beyond.  We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

 

We’re looking for an R&D Food Technologist Intern for the summer of 2026 that is serious about a career in food manufacturing, specifically within the confectionary industry.  If you are willing to learn from the best and have a desire to participate in the growth of some of the fastest growing brands in the confectionary industry, you’ve stumbled upon the right job.

 

The Opportunity

 

As an R&D Food Technologist Intern, you’ll work closely with our Director of Product Innovation, other R&D team members, and the entire operations team. 

 

Daily Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Create new products for our brands and B2B partners 
  • Improve existing products and optimize formulas
  • Interact with customers to develop meaningful insights and translate them into concepts, prototypes, and commercial offerings
  • Suggest, build, and apply tools to improve processes and learnings
  • Engage external partners to source solutions and identify new capabilities
  • Partner cross-functionally to design packaging, develop specifications, and create First Production Run (FPR) expectations

 

Unique Projects:

  • Innovative Product Development
    • Meet an Ideal Customer Profile (ICP) need
  • Participate in strategic planning projects

 

You Will Learn Things Like:

  • Innovation and creativity
  • Goal setting and KPI measurement
  • Analytical and critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Oral and written communication
  • Teamwork and leadership
     

What You’ll Need to Be Successful at KLN Family Brands/Kenny’s Candy & Confections:

  • At least a Junior in college pursuing a degree in Food Science or a related field
  • The ability to dedicate 10-12 weeks to the internship program for the summer of 2026
  • A positive attitude and willingness to learn
  • The ability to work in a team atmosphere and be a great co-worker
  • The ability to work on-site at our Perham, MN facility for the summer

 

Interns who demonstrate exceptional performance and a passion for our business may have the opportunity for full-time employment upon graduation.

 

Pay for this position will be a percentage of industry standards based on typical full-time starting salaries and will depend on your year in school and your timeline to graduation.

Key Skills
Product DevelopmentFormula OptimizationCustomer InteractionAnalytical ThinkingProblem SolvingTeamworkLeadershipCreativityCommunication
Categories
Food & BeverageManufacturingScience & ResearchEngineeringCreative & Media