Process Engineering Intern

Join Ingredion where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it youve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate your pets 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 youre just starting your career or bringing years of experience theres 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 Ingredions 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 Bachelors 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 Bachelors 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 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 Ingredions culture
  • Involvement in Ingredions Business Resource Groups the conscience of the organization and an integral part to Ingredions 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 disabilitymental or physicalmarital 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 applicants 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 .