Product Development & Food Processing Assistant / Intern

Job Description

About Golden State Foods

Golden State Foods (GSF) stands as a distinguished and industry-leading enterprise within the dynamic food service sector. We pride ourselves on delivering an extensive and innovative array of products and services to a diverse and expansive clientele worldwide. Our foundation is built upon unwavering values of quality service, integrity, and a profound commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and empowering atmosphere. At GSF, we believe in cultivating an environment where every employee is encouraged to advance their careers, innovate new solutions, and make meaningful contributions to our ongoing legacy of success and growth.

Job Title: Product Development & Food Processing Assistant / Intern

Job Summary

As a Product Development & Food Processing Assistant/Intern, you will play a crucial role in our innovation team, applying your foundational knowledge acquired in the classroom to real-world applications within a leading food service organization. This hands-on position is designed to immerse you in the day-to-day operations of food processing and the exciting journey of product development, specifically focusing on the manufacturing of liquid sauces and dressing-type products. You will gain invaluable practical experience, contribute to tangible projects, and learn directly from industry experts, laying a robust foundation for your career in food science or culinary arts.

Essential Functions

This role offers a comprehensive learning experience, encompassing a variety of responsibilities critical to product development and food processing:

• Mentored Learning: Collaborate closely with an assigned Product Development (PD) mentor to thoroughly learn and implement basic PD lab protocols, best practices, and standard operating procedures, ensuring a solid understanding of scientific rigor and safety.
• Hands-on Product Preparation: Engage directly in the precise weighing and preparation of a diverse range of liquid food products, including various sauces, salad dressings, sandwich spreads, shakes, and smoothie syrups, as assigned by the team.
• Data Management & Analysis: Meticulously maintain accurate records and comprehensive documentation for all product tests. This includes precise measurement and recording of critical parameters such as viscosity, Brix, water activity, and yields for every product produced, ensuring data integrity and traceability.
• Culinary Collaboration & Presentation Support: Work alongside our Corporate Chef, contributing to the preparation and execution of internal customer presentations, gaining exposure to culinary artistry and professional communication.
• Full-Cycle Product Development Project: Under the guidance of your PD mentor, undertake an exciting project to research, ideate, and develop a novel product for a mock customer. This will involve creating supporting materials such as potential menu gap analyses and innovative menu placement ideas, culminating in a professional oral and visual presentation to the Product Development and Sales teams.
• Additional Contributions: Perform other duties and special projects as assigned, contributing flexibly to the team’s goals and expanding your skill set.

Minimum Qualifications

We are seeking enthusiastic and dedicated individuals who meet the following criteria:

Education/Certification

• Must have successfully completed at least one year of college-level education with a strong academic focus toward Food Science, Food Manufacturing, Culinary Arts, or a closely related scientific or culinary discipline.