Spring 2026 Process Engineering Co-Op

Job Description

Stepan Company is seeking a Co-Op student pursuing a BS in Chemical Engineering to join our Process Engineering team at our diverse Millsdale Chemical Manufacturing facility in Elwood, Illinois. As a Chemical Process Engineering Co-Op at Stepan Company, you will be embedded into an engineering team, supporting the day-to-day operations of a production area. You will have a direct impact on the organization through the execution of a variety of continuous improvement projects in which you’ll gain hands-on, real-world experience alongside our knowledgeable engineers and operators in a chemical manufacturing plant.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Kaizen projects for continuous improvement
• Support operating area with unplanned downtime improvement efforts
• Support development and implementation of additional checklists and work instructions for production areas
• Support training development
• Collaborate with cross-functional team
• Actively participate and contribute to safety programs
• Assist operations and maintenance with troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and problem solving
• Participate in process safety management activities and reviews

Qualifications

• Voracious curiosity and a whole-hearted desire to be immersed in the operations experience at a chemical manufacturing facility
• Technical knowledge in general engineering principles
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and work independently
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Demonstrated problem solving skills and attention to detail

Education

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the US on a full-time indefinite basis without the need for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
• Candidates who must have equivalent credits towards a sophomore or junior grade level.
• Candidates must be enrolled at an accredited college or university, pursuing BS in Chemical Engineering
• Spring-term candidates must be available to work full-time for a minimum of 3 months (January - April).

Compensation

• $27.00 / hr
• Minimum 30 hrs / week, Maximum 40 hrs/week
• Stepan offers a $1000/month housing stipend paid as a single lump sum.
• Candidates must secure their own housing.
• Candidates must have their own means of transportation.

LI-RV1 #LI-ONSITE

Established in 1932, Stepan Company is a major manufacturer of basic and intermediate chemicals including surfactants, polymers, as well as specialty ingredients that go into consumer, household, and institutional products such as laundry detergents, shampoos, and surface cleaners. Stepan Company currently has 22 global manufacturing locations and over 2,500 employees. We have a strong record of growth. Our growth allows us to provide meaningful career opportunities and stability to our team members. We have big goals at Stepan and know every team member will be crucial to achieving our objectives. Regardless of function, we are looking for team members who bring with them a growth mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the ability to thrive in an evolving environment.

We celebrate diversity at Stepan and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.