2026 Summer Intern : R&D (Undergrad and Grad)

Overview

Job Title : 2026 Summer Intern : R&D (Research & Development) Intern

PepsiCo is a playground for curious people. We invite thinkers, doers, and changemakers to champion innovation, take calculated risks, and challenge the status quo. From executives to leaders on the frontline, we're excited about the future. We take chances. Together, we dare to make the world a better place.

Our associates are the magic ingredient. Each of them plays an integral role in helping create deep connections between people and our products. Think about your last group celebration : Chances are, one of our iconic brands was by your side. At PepsiCo, you're invited to be a part of a global team of innovators who make, move, and sell these products-which are enjoyed by more than 1 billion people a day.

A career at PepsiCo means working in a culture where everyone's invited. Here, you can dare to be yourself. No matter who you are or where you're from, you can influence the people around you and the world at large. By showing up, you'll have the opportunity to learn, develop, and grow our unique skill sets at work. Our supportive teams can fuel your professional goals to make a global impact.

Join us. Dare for Better.

Responsibilities

Functional Description :

At PepsiCo we place R&D Full- Time hires primarily in the two headquarters locations : Plano, TX; Purchase / Valhalla, NY (New York). In some cases, Full-Time hires will be placed in satellite locations. Location preferences will be discussed in the interview process.

As a R&D Engineer (product or process engineer), you will collaborate with cross functional teams comprising technical experts within the R&D function, as well as business unit leaders to design, execute, and launch new innovative products across PepsiCo's portfolio. You will play a critical role in the innovation lifecycle by providing your insight and technical expertise from ideation through product launch.

As an R&D Food Scientist, you will participate in the product development process including new idea generation, prototype development, and product optimization and production start-up across a diverse portfolio of beverage and snack product categories.

As a R&D Global Functions Specialist, you will participate in providing the framework surrounding these four pillars : Compliance, R&D Data and Systems, and Technology Ventures and Global PMO. Within those pillars you could work within the following teams : Quality, Sensory, Food Safety, Data Intelligence and Management Analytics, External Innovation, Scientific Affairs, Regulatory Affairs, Product Crisis & Incident Management, Supplier Quality Assurance, Nutrition Science, or Microbiology.

Qualifications

What we are looking for :

• Currently pursuing an Engineering, Food Science, Agriculture, or related degree
• Must graduate with bachelor's or master's degree within one (1) year of internship completion
• Eligible to work in United States without work authorization sponsorship
• Demonstrated ability to translate business objectives into strategic and tactical project goals and objectives
• Proven ability to make significant technical scientific advances utilizing internal and / or external resources
• Demonstrated understanding of how to incorporate business needs into technical decisions
• Ability and interest to work in laboratory, pilot plant and manufacturing scale environments
• Familiarity with data science preferred
• Proven ability to manage multiple assignments / tasks
• Effective communication skills (oral and written)
• Willingness to travel
• Actual working location will be determined at point of offer : Plano or Valhalla

Minimum Qualifications :

The expected compensation hourly pay ranges for hires into our 2026 campus intern openings is $21.60 - $55.40 hourly

EEO Statement

Our Company will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and all other applicable laws, including but not limited to, San Francisco Police Code Sections 4901-4919, commonly referred to as the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance; and Chapter XVII, Article 9 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code, commonly referred to as the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

PepsiCo is an Equal Opportunity Employer : Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity / Age

If you'd like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant under the law, please download the available EEO is the Law & EEO is the Law Supplement documents. View PepsiCo EEO Policy.

Please view our Pay Transparency Statement