Engineering Intern - Research & Development Centre - Palmerston North (Nov 2024)

About us | Ko wai mātou 
At our Research and Development Centre in Palmerston North, we know the smallest things can make a difference, so we research and develop products that last longer, stretch further, work faster, waste less, withstand more and taste better. Bringing together world class dairy products and the deep expertise of our people we work alongside the passionate, talented and innovative food professionals who are driving dairy industry and innovation. 

About the opportunity | Te whiwhinga mahi 
We have an exciting opportunity offering summer internships to university students studying towards a Microbiology, Food Technology or Biotechnology degree, at our R&D Centre (FRDC) in Palmerston North. We offer students to get involved with real-life Fonterra projects, at the same time, gaining invaluable work experience before graduation. You will work on a defined R&D project, with a research supervisor and full support for the world-class dairy innovation site. The internship is for 13 weeks, from November to February. 

A summer internship at FRDC can provide exposure to many different parts of the dairy industry within an R&D environment. The internship on offer will provide opportunities to work alongside engineers, scientists and technologists. Our intent is to help enabling interns to decide on the career path and role that would suit them best.  

FRDC Summer Interns are held in high regard within our business, with several going onto roles or onto our Graduate Programme in subsequent years. Our Summer Internship is a great way to start your career journey with Fonterra and it can develop further once you complete your studies.  

The Project Opportunity: 
The project focuses on the control of moisture in protein powders and the potential applications of process changes to enhance product outcomes and manufacturing efficiency.  

The successful applicant will be introduced to unique processing operations and assess their ability to influence product features. Working alongside Research and Design Engineers as well as Chemists and Technologists the student will get to experience what it means to be a Research Engineer at Fonterra.  

Key tasks include: 

• A literature search and report to understand the process, product characteristics and associated product applications.   
• Calculations to predict process outcomes. 
• Experiments to validate predictions. 
• A report of findings including recommendations for proceeding to industrial application. 

About you | Ko wai Koe 
Our internships are a perfect fit for someone who has a passion for the food industry. It is a great opportunity if you enjoy problem-solving and are a quick learner who adapts to change easily.  

Other key attributes will be: 

• Completed your 2nd year of study at a New Zealand tertiary institute. 
• Confident with emerging technology and innovation. 
• Ability to work in a team and collaborate with peers. 
• Extra-curricular activities.  
• Mobile to move to Palmerston North for the summer.  

Our Story 
Whanaungatanga, our Co-operative spirit gives us all a common strength and purpose. Manaakitanga is how we care for all our people who are at the heart of what we do. We want our farmers, employees, customers and communities to thrive. Kaitiakitanga, ensures we take care of the land. We are committed to farming in a way that regenerates our farms and environment for future generations. 

Whakaohooho constantly inspires ourselves and each other with great career development opportunities and benefits. We enable flexibility and balance to suit everyone’s lifestyles and choices.   

Our Co-operative is a place where everyone can be themselves, feel empowered to do their best and are empowered to create goodness for generations. 

Sound good to you? Come join our whānau and let’s solve for better, together. You, me, us together Tᾱtou tᾱtou. 

Applications close midnight Sunday 21 July.