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 Supervisor

Requirements:
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs), and all site Safety and Food Safety requirements.

• Support daily Quality and Food Safety operations, including routine checks, data collection, and documentation.

• Assist with laboratory testing and sample analysis (e.g., micro, physical, or chemical) to verify compliance with product specifications.

• Participate in traceability, sanitation, sensory, and foreign material control projects to strengthen preventive programs.

• Conduct 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 documents.

• Maintain laboratory and quality records, including product testing results, retain samples, and calibration logs.

• Assist with equipment verification and calibration under supervision of QA staff.

• Participate in customer audit preparation and internal audit readiness activities.

• Help monitor and maintain laboratory inventory (reagents, supplies, PPE, etc.).

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Production, Maintenance, and Sanitation teams to improve quality awareness and problem-solving.

• Perform other project and support activities as assigned to enhance Food Safety and Quality System performance.

Qualifications:
• To 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 discipline

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Strong organizational and time-management skills

• Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills

• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow written procedures

• Able to work independently and as part of a team

• Able to collect, analyze, summarize data and make recommendations

• Curious and willing to learn in a regulated environment

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

• Comfortable asking questions and escalating concerns appropriately

• Comfortable working in a manufacturing environment (PPE, production floor exposure)

• Exercise good judgment, integrity and respect for food safety culture

Work 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