QA Intern (Food Production - Summer 2027)

Who We Are

At JonnyPops, our team is empowered to make an impact at work every day from producing high-quality, innovative frozen novelties to spreading kindness one pop at a time. We look for bright and ambitious individuals who seek out challenges, thrive in fast-paced and high-growth environments, align with our core values, and get fulfilment from seeing their work transform the world around them.   

Based in Elk River, MN, JonnyPops develops, manufactures, distributes, and markets frozen novelties. Retailers from coast to coast including Target, Costco, Publix, Kroger, Cub, along with thousands of regional and local grocers make JonnyPops part of their assortment.   

Growing from a dorm room start-up in 2012, JonnyPop’s mission is to make "A Better Pop for a Better World!" JonnyPops leads the frozen novelties space in innovation and uses simple ingredients with no artificial dyes. Every pop stick includes a kind deed, spreading kindness every day.  

Joining JonnyPops is an exciting opportunity to be part of high-growth brand and have a direct impact on the company’s success. Join our team and help us make “A Better Pop, for a Better World!”  

Job Summary 

FSQA Intern will gain valuable work experience at a high-growth frozen novelty company that will set them up for success in a future role in Food Safety and Quality Assurance. The FSQA Intern will primarily focus on project-related tasks targeted at improving the overall food safety culture and mitigating food safety-related and quality-related risk within production. 

Food Safety Responsibilities 

• Understand the principles of Food Safety and Quality as it relates to food manufacturing 

• Become immersed in the food manufacturing environment with a lens of curiosity and drive to identify areas needing approvement and participate in identifying appropriate solutions 

• Assist Food Safety and Quality Team in streamlining daily tasks as needed 

• Utilize the expertise within the FSQA team to gain deeper understanding of application of Food Safety Principles and build relationships to assist in project work completion 

• Own and drive assigned projects – projects designed to be completed during internship 

Physical Demands and Work Environment    

Physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit, walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; talk and hear, and reach with hands or arms. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 30 lbs. Works comfortably in a variable temperature environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works on a manufacturing plant floor.   

Minimum Qualifications 

• Rising Senior/Graduating in 2026 or MS student    

• Preferred Majors: Industrial and Systems Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science  

• Previous experience with hazard analysis and risk assessment preferred 

• Coursework and experience in statistical analysis and process-capability studies preferred   

• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time  

• Reliable transportation required!  

• Ability to travel to Elk River, MN (where our facility is located)  

• Foundational knowledge in food safety and food hygiene preferred 

• Foundational knowledge in types of hazards in food (biological, chemical, and physical) preferred 

• Experience with Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) concepts preferred 

• Attention to detail  

• Ability to learn quickly and follow instructions, but also work independently  

Additional Requirements    

• Naturally curious, with an appreciation for ambiguity and the ability to embrace the “test and learn” mentality in pursuit of continuous improvement.    

• Alignment to our mission to spread kindness – JonnyPops is a kindness-based company 

• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm. 

JonnyPops offers a competitive benefits package which includes the following:

• Medical/Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• DCFSA
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Short & Long Term Disability
• FTO/PTO
• EAP Programs
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• Sick & Safe Leave
• 401k
• Company Sponsored Meal Plan

* Hired candidates may be eligible to receive additional compensation in the form of bonuses and/or commissions.

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