Job Description

Are you a passionate and creative culinary or food science student with a knack for product development? Pilot Company is seeking a Deli Team Innovation Intern to join our team in Knoxville, Tennessee, for the summer of 2026. This is a unique opportunity to help us deliver "food that goes the distance" by contributing to projects within our cold case and hot sandwiches categories.

In this role, you will be an integral part of the innovation and development team, supporting projects from beginning to end. Your fresh perspective and new approaches to item development will have direct impact on Pilot Company initiatives. This is an ideal position for a creative, big-picture strategic thinker who can move quickly and is eager to enhance our current development and stage gate processes.

What You’ll Do

Your responsibilities may include:

• Support the full development cycle: Follow the written stage gate process to bring a product or service from concept to a final presentation to the category team.
• Conduct research: Work with the innovation team to conduct online research, competitive shopping, and vendor discussions to identify trends and understand customer needs.
• Develop prototypes: Work with the product developer and R&D Chef to source ingredients, create concepts, and build products, ensuring they can be replicated at the store level.
• Test and analyze: Work with the innovation and insights teams to schedule and execute Central Location Tests (CLTs).
• Provide strategic insights: Bring new ways of thinking and fresh ideas that will enhance our current development and stage gate processes.

Qualifications

• Education: A student in the later years of a 2- or 4-year program in Culinary Arts, Food Science, or Product Development.
• Technical Skills: Basic culinary skills, knowledge of food science and process development are essential. You should be comfortable with the Microsoft Suite.
• Soft Skills: Strong collaboration, written and verbal communication, and problem-solving skills. We are looking for someone who is comfortable working both on a team and autonomously, has the flexibility to pivot, and is a big-picture strategic thinker who can connect the dots.

Additional Information

This is a full-time, onsite internship, running from June 1-August 6, 2026. You’ll be working alongside our team in our Knoxville headquarters, where you’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and experience the full scope of life at Pilot Company.

Our culture is built on four core virtues: Driven, Reliable, Authentic, and Welcoming. As an intern, you will see these values in action every day. You'll be part of a team that is driven to deliver "food that goes the distance", reliable in its commitment to quality and consistency, authentic in its communication, and welcoming to new ideas and perspectives.

If you're ready to take on a challenging and rewarding internship with a leading company, please submit your application. The interview process will include a screening with a recruiter, followed by a 30-minute interview with the team leader, and an interview with two additional members of the deli innovation team. We look forward to hearing from you!