Quality and Food Safety Intern/Co-Op

Company Overview: IRCA is a leading international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry and gelato markets, serving independent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients. The Company, headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, the global Private Equity firm, in July 2022, and has a strong track record of growth over the last decade. IRCA has made 2 bolt-on acquisitions in the areas of candied fruits (Cesarin) and pistachio ingredients (Anastasi) in 2022, and recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target’s business focuses on high value add specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment, with a portfolio that incorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées. This transformative deal would create a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry, with 22 manufacturing facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam and a combined €1 billion of revenues (2022). Job Overview:  The Quality Assurance Intern/Co-op will play an active role in strengthening Food Safety and Quality (FSQ) systems within IRCA’s manufacturing network. Working under the guidance of site QA leadership, the intern/co-op will apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges by supporting process validation, sanitation optimization, foreign material control, and audit readiness initiatives. The position offers hands-on experience in quality systems management, regulatory compliance, and problem-solving within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This role is ideal for a student pursuing a technical degree who is eager to learn, collaborate cross-functionally, and contribute meaningful improvements that enhance product quality, operational efficiency, and customer trust. Reports to: Quality Assurance Manager and Quality Assurance SupervisorRequirementsAdhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and all site Safety and Food Safety requirementsSupport daily Quality and Food Safety operations, including routine checks, data collection, and documentationAssist with laboratory testing and sample analysis (e.g., micro, physical, or chemical) to verify compliance with product specificationsParticipate in traceability, sanitation, sensory, and foreign material control projects to strengthen preventive programsConduct or assist with work center audits (GMP, 5S, sanitation) and support the rollout of digital audit tools (e.g., Intelex)Support root cause analysis for non-conformances and aid in implementing corrective and preventive actions (CAPA)Help update and organize Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs), and training documentsMaintain laboratory and quality records, including product testing results, retain samples, and calibration logsAssist with equipment verification and calibration under supervision of QA staffParticipate in customer audit preparation and internal audit readiness activitiesHelp monitor and maintain laboratory inventory (reagents, supplies, PPE, etc.)Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to improve quality awareness and problem-solvingPerform other project and support activities as assigned to enhance Food Safety and Quality System performanceQualificationsTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s or Doctoral degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemical Engineering, or a related disciplineExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong organizational and time-management skillsStrong critical thinking and problem solving skillsStrong attention to detail and ability to follow written proceduresAble to work independently and as part of a teamAble to collect, analyze, summarize data and make recommendationsCurious and willing to learn in a regulated environmentProficient in Microsoft Office applicationsComfortable asking questions and escalating concerns appropriatelyComfortable working in a manufacturing environment (PPE, production floor exposure)Exercise good judgment, integrity and respect for food safety cultureWork Environment:This position requires exposures to a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions, handling of certain hazardous chemicals and exposure to common microbiological organisms. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.