Research, Development & Quality Internships
About Barilla
At Barilla, we believe that every great journey begins with passion and a bold vision. From our humble beginnings in 1877 in a small shop in Parma, Italy, we’ve blossomed into a global leader in the food industry, guided by our commitment to progress and excellence.
Today, Barilla is an international group present in more than 100 countries and we are proud to be recognized as the world’s top food company by reputation. With 22 beloved brands in our portfolio, we are world leader for pasta, the number one choice for ready-made sauces in Europe, leader for bakery products in Italy, and for crispbread across Scandinavia with Wasa.
Our success story is written by a passionate team of almost 9,000 dedicated employees across 30 plants and offices worldwide, all united by a shared mission to nourish the future with purpose and passion.
Are you ready to add your unique flavor to our journey?
Job Description
Barilla Group is looking for students or fresh graduates with scientific backgrounds for different internships starting in September 2026 in our Global Research, Development & Quality team, either in Parma Headquarters or in one of our italian Plants in Rubbiano (PR) and Cremona.
Job Purpose
The 6-months internship aims at giving you exposure and training on the day-by-day assignments, as well as the opportunity to contribute to specific projects of the team you will be assigned to.
You will have the opportunity to learn about the RD&Q processes, working within a very fast-paced environment and get a hands-on experience. As an active member of RD&Q teams, this experience will also give you the chance to develop your talent in a professional and multicultural working environment of a global company, where you will gain valuable insights, skills and competencies that will help you build your expertise.
There will be several opportunities in different areas of RD&Q.
Based in the Parma Headquarter:
• Global Technical Regulatory
• Global Pasta and Condiments Packaging Development
Based in the Cremona Plant:
• Process & Technology Innovation - Bakery
Based in the Rubbiano Sughi Plant:
• Process & Technology Development Condiments
Requirements
We are looking for talented students and new graduates with the willingness to face new challenges in the food industry, keen to learn how to manage technical projects in the RD&Q area, working in team and interacting with different stakeholders.
• Recently graduated (or are about to) in any of the following scientific fields: Food Science and Technology / Food Safety and Food Risk Management / Engineering (Food, Chemical, or similar) / Biology / Chemistry / Food Law
• Enjoy learning and being part of a cross functional team
• Strong interpersonal skills
• English Fluent. Italian language knowledge required, especially for internships in the Plants.
• A genuine passion for food and a hands-on approach — you're not afraid to roll up your sleeves and dive into the culinary world
What we offer
• Internship allowance
• Flexible ways of working
• Free access to our company canteen
• First-hand experience supporting live projects, as the fastest way to learn
• Personal tutoring and constant support from your team to develop your personal and professional skills
• Access to our on-site shop where you can pick up our products at a generously discounted price
• A unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of the number one pasta company leader in the world!
Application process
1. Online Application: complete the online application providing us with your CV and a motivational letter by June 12th
2. Test: if your application has passed the first screening, then you will be contacted by the recruiter in order to take a numerical and behavioral test.
3. First Interview: if the result of the test is good, then you will be contacted by the recruiter for a video call to assess the basic requirements of the position.
4. Online Assessment Centre: end-round candidates will be invited to an online Assessment Centre via Microsoft Teams. This step might include cases studies, group exercises and a panel of interviewers, to probe better into problem solving, presentation and teamwork skills. The online assessments will take place in the last week of July.
5. Final alignment: individual interview with the tutor of one specific internship project.
Starting date: September 2026
Are you our secret ingredient?
At Barilla, we are committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diversity in all its forms is valued and embraced. Our employment policies and practices are designed to ensure equal employment opportunities for all, regardless of age, race, color, citizenship, faith, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or characteristics of expression, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, medical condition, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our commitment to equal employment stems from our unwavering belief that it is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a fundamental driver of innovation and business success.