2026 Summer Intern : R&D (TDC / Life Science)

Overview

Job Title : 2026 Summer Intern : R&D (Research & Development) TDC / Life Science

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 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 part of a global team of innovators who make, move, and sell these products-which more than 1 billion people enjoy daily.

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 be able to learn, develop, and grow your 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, and Purchase / Valhalla, NY. In some cases, Full-Time hires will be placed in satellite locations. Location preferences will be discussed in the interview process.

As an R&D Global Functions Specialist , you will participate in providing the framework surrounding these four pillars : Technical Insights, Digital solutions, Compliance or Life Sciences

Within those pillars, you could work within the following teams :

Measurement Science : You will collaborate with cross-functional partners, including product development, quality, ingredients, seasonings, and nutrition globally, and leverage analytical instruments, methodologies, and procedures to deliver solid and accurate data. Qualifications : Enrolled in BS, MS, or PhD program in Food Science, Biochemistry, Chemistry, or Materials Science.

Food Safety and Quality : You will ensure food products are safe for consumption and meet the quality standards. Qualifications : Enrolled in BS or MS Program in Food Safety, Food Science, Engineering, Microbiology or Chemistry program

Digital Solutions : Strong candidates will have a strong foundation in computer science, software engineering / application building, and data visualization and an interest in developing user-friendly, robust, and fit-for-purpose applications for R&D. Qualifications : Enrolled in BS or MS program in Computer Science, Data Analytics or associated field

Sensory and Consumer Experience : The intern will lead sensory and consumer product research to enable consumer-informed product-package-process decisions for innovation projects. Qualifications : enrolled in MS or Ph.D. program in Food Science (thesis in Sensory), Sensory, Consumer Psychology, Anthropology

Regulatory Affairs : Strong candidates will have a passion for nutrition and food policy. Interest in regulations, including working with brands to create compliant packaging and product claims. Qualifications : Enrolled in a BS program in Nutrition, Dietetics, or Food Science

Data Science & Analytics : This role is ideal for candidates with a strong technical foundation and a high level of curiosity, who is passionate about leveraging state-of-the-art modeling and simulation techniques to address real business challenges. Qualifications : enrolled a PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry.

Life Sciences : Candidates should know nutrition science, public health, sports and exercise science (including sports nutrition), epidemiology, and public health nutrition. Qualifications : enrolled in a PhD program in epidemiology, public health nutrition, or related population health sciences field or Nutrition Sciences, Life Sciences, or Sports Science

Qualifications

What we are looking for :

• Must graduate with bachelor's, master's, or PhD degree within one (1) year of internship completion.
• Eligible to work in the 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, and 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 a 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 the point of offer : Plano, TX, Valhalla, NY or Chicago, IL

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