Process Engineering Intern

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Cedar Rapids, IA

Workplace type: On Site

We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious student to join our Grind/Utilities Team for summer 2026! As the Process Engineer Intern, you will be responsible for optimizing manufacturing processes within the corn wet milling and refining operations at Ingredion’s Cedar Rapids facility. This role focuses on improving safety, efficiency, yield, and product quality through data-driven analysis, technical problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. The engineer will support day-to-day operations, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and contribute to capital projects.

What you will do:

• Being responsible for personal safety as well as the safety of any contractors working on projects with a goal of completing projects with zero safety or environmental incidents
• Managing small capital projects for concept, design, estimating, proposal submittal, purchasing, installation, start-up, commissioning, documentation, training, and closure while continuously supporting improvements and initiatives to better the projects
• Identifying growth and cost savings projects to give directly to the productivity and costs associated with manufacturing
• Building an environment conducive to teamwork with other employees
• Being able to produce and give effective presentations

What you will bring:

• Progress towards a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with all levels of the plant personnel.
• Desire to learn quickly and apply skills/knowledge gained
• Interpersonal, verbal and written technical communication skills, e.g. making presentations and writing technical data/reports
• Reliable transportation required to get to and from facility each work day

Who you are:

• Eager to explore careers in the food & beverage industry
• Have proven the ability to work as a team member with a variety of people at all levels within the organization
• Ability to deliver results in a very significant and energizing environment through multi-tasking, critical thinking, problem solving skills, and having an analytical mind
• Are a self-starter with a strong work ethic that values high levels of integrity and authenticity with a dedicated and creative personality that wants to succeed

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

• Currently possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. Ingredion does not intend to sponsor work visas with respect to this position or to provide this position as OPT or CPT.
• Be a currently enrolled student in a Bachelor’s degree program. If currently enrolled in an undergrad status, must have completed at least two years of coursework with status as a sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior.
• If you have completed your degree, please consider other opportunities with Ingredion, posted at ww.ingredion.com/careers.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exception rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

• Total Rewards Package – competitive hourly salary based on your degree program. Housing stipends offered to students relocating 51+ miles from the Ingredion work location
• Internship Program Events & Activities – programming catered toward career exploration, networking, and professional development - including the annual Capstone Summit at Ingredion HQ in Westchester, IL
• Intern Mentor Program – pairing with a mentor to guide development and integration in Ingredion’s culture
• Involvement in Ingredion’s Business Resource Groups – the conscience of the organization and an integral part to Ingredion’s Inclusion & Belonging strategy
• Employee Recognition Program – a culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
• Employee Discount Program – provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

#wayup

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Relocation Available:

No

This pay rate is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match .