Process Engineer Co-Op / Internship
Reports To: Engineering Director
Department: Operations
Location: University Park, Illinois; Liberty, Texas; Palestine, Texas; Elmendorf, Texas
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Term : Co-Op rotation, aligned with academic program or Internship
Effective Date: January 1, 2026
Revision: 1.0
1.0 Purpose of Role
The Process Engineer Co-Op/Intern supports manufacturing and operations teams by assisting with process optimization, data analysis, documentation, and continuous improvement initiatives within a specialty chemicals manufacturing environment. This role provides hands-on engineering experience while developing technical, analytical, and professional skills through real-world plant and project exposure.
2.0 Direct Reports
- None
- Essential Functions
- Assist process engineers in analyzing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, safety, quality, and cost performance.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to identify trends, deviations, and improvement opportunities.
- Support development and updating of process documentation, including PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and work instructions.
- Participate in root cause investigations for process upsets, quality deviations, and safety incidents.
- Assist with implementation of continuous improvement initiatives, including Lean, Six Sigma, or operational excellence projects.
- Support trial planning, execution, and documentation for process changes, raw material evaluations, or equipment modifications.
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, EHS, and quality teams to support day-to-day plant activities.
- Adhere to all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements during plant and laboratory activities.
- Additional Responsibilities
- Support capital or reliability projects as assigned.
- Participate in engineering meetings, safety reviews, and plant walk-downs.
- Complete special projects or analyses aligned with academic and development goals.
- Other duties as assigned .
- Currently a sophomore or junior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Enrollment in an accredited co-op or internship program through an academic institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Strong interest in manufacturing, process engineering, and industrial operations.
- Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment.
- Previous summer co-operative / internship experience a plus
- Fundamental understanding of chemical engineering principles, including material and energy balances.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel; familiarity with data analysis tools preferred.
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, PFDs, and P&IDs (training provided as needed).
- Effective written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Willingness to learn, take initiative, and accept feedback.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Organized, systematic, independent, and self-motivated.
- Ability to analyze, troubleshoot and solve problems with innovative approaches to problem solving
- Proficiency with engineering spreadsheets/calculations and other simulation/modelling software.
- Combination of office and manufacturing plant environments.
- Frequent computer use and data analysis activities.
- Regular exposure to manufacturing operations; must be able to wear required PPE (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toe shoes, etc.).
- Ability to walk manufacturing areas, climb stairs and ladders, and stand for extended periods.
- Some exposure to noise, heat, and industrial chemicals consistent with a chemical manufacturing facility
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