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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    R&D Product Development Intern

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    Posted: 12.15.25

    R&D Product Development Intern

    Mondelēz International

    • Student Employment & Internships

    About Mondelēz International

    Mondelēz International is a world leader in snacking, committed to leading the future of how the world snacks. The company produces beloved household favorites including Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, Ritz, Wheat Thins and Triscuit crackers, Clif bars, and Swedish Fish and Sour Patch Kids confectionery products. Since its establishment, Mondelēz has been committed to developing the next generation of Makers and Bakers through innovation in product design, process development, quality, nutrition, and food safety. The company’s Research & Development teams work tirelessly to turn great ideas into brilliant brands, ensuring a consistent, delightful consumer experience.

    Please see the Mondelēz FutureLab Tenant Directory for more information. Mondelēz FutureLab – Research Park

    About the Role

    Mondelēz FutureLab has an opening for an intern to join the Research & Development (R&D) Product Development team. This is a unique opportunity to invent and develop a new snack with a multidisciplinary team of student interns. The ideal candidate demonstrates a desire to work in the food industry and is interested in growing their problem-solving, innovation, and analytical skills in a real-life research and development environment. Leadership, innovative thinking, and a strong desire to learn are critical for success.

    You will achieve this through using rapid innovation techniques including Extended Reality, genAI, simulation, and pilot processing plant; receiving mentorship from world-class technical Mondelēz colleagues from around the globe; taking your innovative product idea and pitching shark tank style to Mondelēz R&D leaders; and building a compelling enough story to be in with a chance for a trip to one of Mondelēz locations to help shape the future of snacking.

    During the placement, you will be expected to plan and execute projects at various scales and depending on the scope may encompass hands-on practical work (e.g., benchtop and pilot plant, potentially within FutureLab, potentially within university facilities, or potentially at Mondelēz facilities at other locations).

    Job Requirements

    • Must be a full-time enrolled student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at the time of employment.
    • Graduation date of May 2027 or later.
    • This role starts Spring 2026 (10-15 hours per week) with the opportunity to extend into Summer 2026 based on performance.

    Qualifications

    • Pursuing a BS in combined degrees e.g., Computer Science + Philosophy, Computer Science & Music, Business + Data Science, Computer Science + Crop Sciences. Pursuing a BS in Philosophy, Consumer Science, Computer Science, Material Science, Music/Music Science, Food Science, Physiology, Psychiatry, Statistics, or Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
    • Problem-solving
    • Time management
    • Drive for results
    • Functional/technical skills
    • Interpersonal savvy
    • Able to travel if required

    To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest to Michelle Firrell, Site Director, Mondelēz FutureLab, at michelle.firrell@MDLZ.com