INTERNSHIP DETAILS

Internship - Research & Development - Summer 2027

CompanyWells Enterprises
LocationLe Mars
Work ModeOn Site
PostedOctober 16, 2026
Internship Information
Core Responsibilities
Support R&D departmental operations and projects, contributing to team strategies, goals, and deliverables. Work with product development technologists on new product launches and revisions, including hands-on pilot plant testing and developing recipes, specifications, and mix formulas.
Internship Type
full time
Company Size
2003
Visa Sponsorship
No
Language
English
Working Hours
40 hours
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About The Company
Headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by the Wells family for generations, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet packaged foods. We produce more than 900 ice cream and frozen novelties treats. Wells produces Blue Bunny® ice cream, frozen novelties and specialty frozen desserts along with the iconic Bomb Pop® brand. So much ice cream is produced in Le Mars by Wells that the city was designated as the Ice Cream Capital of the World® by the Iowa legislature! Blue Bunny branded items are distributed across the nation. Ice cream enthusiasts can find their favorite Blue Bunny products in grocery, convenience and club stores, on mobile vending trucks and in foodservice settings (such as educational institutions, hospitals and restaurants). The company’s corporate office and two ice cream plants are located in Le Mars. Our two other ice cream plants, one in Henderson, NV and the other in Dunkirk, NY help supply our frozen treats across the United States. Over 4,000 production, sales, office, and support personnel make up the Wells family. With its state-of-the-art production facilities the company is cited by many industry experts as one of the most technically advanced in the industry.
About the Role

 

Company: Wells Enterprises (a Ferrero Company)

Functional Area: R&D

 

The Role

Under general supervision provides essential support for departmental functions that include a wide range of activities and initiatives.

 

What You’ll Do

  • Perform operational and administrative functions as it relates to academic major

  • Independently work on special projects as assigned by functional leader

  • Assist in implementing functional strategies and contribute to the teams success in reaching goals and objectives

  • Support the departmental deliverables and be proactive in planning and supporting tasks

  • Interns will work alongside our technologists on projects related to the launching of new items and revisions of current items.

  • Much of the work will be hands-on pilot plant work to include mix testing, running ice cream production and freezing equipment, and organizing samples.

  • Interns will also work recipe, specification, and mix formula development.

  • Interns will work alongside a product development technologist and learn the process of development from start to finish.

#IND123

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

  • Have an applicable degree program and coursework that corresponds with the internship applied for. Prefer entering their Junior/Senior year of a 4 year degree program.

  • Prefer a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Applicable experience within the technical fields preferred.

  • Strong familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.

  • Attention to detail, the ability to multi-task and excellent communication skills are all essential to this position. Effective presentation skills.

  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Ability to interact and collaborate with a variety of individuals in a professional manner 

Wells Enterprises is an EEO/AA employer M/F/Vet/Dis


Wells Enterprises, a Ferrero company, is one of the largest ice cream manufacturers in the United States and the maker of well-loved brands including Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics and today Trolli, Butterfinger 100grand, Baby Ruth, Nutella and Kinder Bueno. 

Wells Enterprises is a $2 billion company employing 4,000 employees, across four production plants and two main hub locations, Chicago and Le Mars. Guided by innovation, quality, and a people-first mindset, Wells is committed to delighting consumers and developing exceptional teams.

As part of the Ferrero Group, Wells combines its strong U.S. heritage with Ferrero’s global standards of excellence, offering a unique opportunity to grow within a dynamic, values-driven, and international environment.

At Wells, our people—and their experience—sit at the heart of our ambition.  Learn more at www.wellsenterprisesinc.com.

What We Offer

At Wells, we’re proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual incentive bonus based on Company performance.  Learn more about our benefits here. 

Key Skills
Research And DevelopmentProduct DevelopmentRecipe DevelopmentSpecification DevelopmentMix Formula DevelopmentPilot Plant OperationsMix TestingIce Cream ProductionSample OrganizationMicrosoft Office SuiteAttention To DetailMultitaskingCommunicationPresentation SkillsCollaborationPlanning
Categories
Science & ResearchFood & BeverageManufacturing
Benefits
Health BenefitsFinancial Wellness BenefitsPaid Time OffAnnual Incentive Bonus