Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.
Purpose Statement
Rich’s Research, Innovation, and Compliance function is looking for a Co-Op student starting in May 2025 for a duration of 6-12 months. This position will work within the Science & Technology Center of Excellence based at our world headquarters in Buffalo, NY. In this role, you will apply food science and chemistry knowledge while leveraging scientific methodology to research, develop, and evaluate new food products as well as emerging novel technologies.
Projects range from low to high complexity and can include interaction with other global R&D technical associates, suppliers, and customers. This opportunity is available to a student who wants to take on new challenges and seeks to gain a practical knowledge of food science and engineering through hands-on experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
The main responsibilities of this role will be to execute experiments in our R&D laboratory, pilot plant, and analytical laboratory in Buffalo, NY. The successful candidate will:
• Organize and prepare materials for benchtop and pilot scale experiments (lifting up to 50lbs)
• Operate food processing equipment to prepare product prototypes and samples
• Conduct routine analytical and performance evaluations gathering data accurately
• Research, elaborate, and validate new analytical methodologies to test food products
• Maintain a lab notebook, conduct data analysis, and interpret results to form conclusions
• Summarize findings in technical reports and presentations to share results with colleagues
• Efficiently organize time and prioritize project tasks according to workload
• Enrolled in a bachelor's/undergraduate degree program in Food Science, Food Engineering or related field (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering) Master’s student in Food Science or Food Engineering preferred, or related field (Chemistry, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering)
• Experience with, dairy and/or emulsion type food products preferred
• Efficient in PC/Internet skills, (e.g. Microsoft Office)
• Stat and Stat software knowledge and experience (Minitab or similar)
• Ability to create flow diagrams and spreadsheets
• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
Physically able to work in a plant environment, including occasional work in warm, humid conditions. Able to operate test equipment like thermometers and color meters. Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
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COMPENSATION
In accordance with state law, the rate or range provided is Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates ("Rich's"), reasonable estimate of the base compensation for this role. The actual amount may be higher or lower, based on non-discriminatory factors such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, shift differential, and location.
Annual Range/Hourly Rate
$24.00 - $32.00
Rich Products Corporation, its subsidiaries and affiliates (“Rich’s”), are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law. The information collected by this application is solely to determine suitability for employment, verify identity, and maintain employment statistics on applicants.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws. A reasonable accommodation is a change in the way things are normally done which will ensure an equal employment opportunity without imposing undue hardship on Rich’s. Please contact Rich’s Human Resources department at hrhelp@rich.com if you need assistance completing this application or to otherwise participate in the application process.