R&D Intern

Who We Are

At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.

Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.

Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPop’ mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.

Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!”

Job Summary

Research & Development Intern will gain valuable work experience at a high-growth frozen novelty company that will set them up for success in a future role in R&D. The Research & Development Interns will help in developing and testing new products.

Responsibilities

Participate in the creation of new products, improvement of existing frozen pops, maintenance of cost-effective measures, and timely resolution of technical service related to Fluid, Cultured, and Frozen Dairy and Non-Dairy products.

Researching ingredients function in different new products and processes.

Support product stability studies and shelf-life assessments.

Conduct laboratory and pilot plant trials.

Work with suppliers, sales, and/or marketing to design a new production that aligns with potential business opportunities.

Other tasks as assigned by the Director of R&D

Food Safety Responsibilities

Responsible for ensuring that R&D activities are done in accordance with GMP’s, and that food safety and quality in production is not compromised.

Assist QA and production teams in root cause analysis and corrective actions.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 lbs. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on a manufacturing plant floor.

Minimum Qualifications

Rising Senior/Graduating in 2025 or MS student

Preferred Majors: Food Science, Chemistry, Packaging Science, or other related majors with an interest in food safety in a manufacturing environment

Understanding of hazard analysis and risk assessment required

Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time

Reliable transportation required!

Ability to travel to Elk River, MN (where our facility is located)

Foundational knowledge in food safety and food hygiene

Foundational knowledge in types of hazards in food (biological, chemical, and physical)

Additional Requirements

Attention to detail

Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions, but also work independently

Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.

Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company

Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm.

JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:

Medical/Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

HSA

FSA

DCFSA

Life & AD&D Insurance

Short & Long Term Disability

FTO/PTO

EAP Programs

Paid Holidays

Employee Referral Program

Sick & Safe Leave

401k

Company Sponsored Meal Plan

* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form on bonuses and/or commissions.