Manufacturing Internship Program 2027

Ferrara Candy Co.; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group outings and activities

Mentorship and leadership sessions

Final presentation to senior leaders

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking Manufacturing Interns for a 10–12 week summer program in the Chicago area. Interns will experience multiple aspects of Manufacturing Operations including Production, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Maintenance, Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, Inventory, and more!

During the internship, you'll gain leadership skills through projects, mentorship, and exposure to leadership, with a final presentation to senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Current junior/3rd year engineering student focusing on Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Available for a 10–12 week summer internship in 2027.
• Willing to relocate to multiple locations during rotational assignments.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example and collaborate with production employees.
• Aim to exceed production goals while maintaining safety.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and learning opportunities.

Skills

Agile thinker

Manufacturing experience

Leadership

Empathy and collaboration

Education

Junior year engineering student

Job description

At Ferrara, Ferrero, Fox's Burton's, and The Fine Biscuits Company, we're loved by people of all generations for the joy we bring—and that joy is crafted by our people. Join us and explore a whole world to discover, where your passion will find its place.

Today, Ferrara is the #1 sugar confectioner in the U.S, with global sales in more than 40 countries. Ferrara boasts a passionate team of over 9,000 employees around the world who deliver and create hundreds of iconic and beloved products.

In the U.S., more than 67 million households annually enjoy our popular brands like NERDS®, Brach's®, Jelly Belly®, SweeTARTS®, Laffy Taffy®, and Trolli®. In Brazil, Dori has become a household name with snacking products that include brands such as Dori, Gomets, Pettiz, and Yogurte 100. And, in France, Carambar & Co have earned generations of loyal customers through the timeless appeal of iconic candy and chocolate brands such as Carambar, Lutti, Krema, Poulain, Vichy and Terry's. A privately held company, Ferrara Group is headquartered in Chicago. Ferrara boasts a network of over 30 locations in North America, South America, Europe and Asia Pacific that includes manufacturing, distribution, sales, and R&D facilities.

Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

Want to make an impact?

We're looking for current juniors interested in internships within our Manufacturing Plants! Manufacturing Interns will have the opportunity to experience multiple aspects of Manufacturing Operations, including Production, Quality, Continuous Improvement, Maintenance, Engineering, Environmental Health & Safety, Inventory Supply, and more! During the 10-week internship in the summer of 2027, interns will gain experience in a manufacturing environment and hone leadership skills through projects, mentorship, exposure to leadership, and a final presentation.

There is a potential opportunity for full time offers following this internship which would require flexibility to relocate to multiple locations during your rotational assignments in the Manufacturing Leadership Program.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead by example - be a collaborative, team-player who builds a strong rapport with production employees
• Aim to not only meet but exceed production goals
• Focus on safety and always strive to leave things better than they were

Skills that will make you successful

• Agile thinker
• Previous manufacturing experience is a plus
• Demonstrated leadership abilities through on-campus activities
• Empathy and collaboration skills

Experiences that will support your success

Current Junior/3rd year majoring in Engineering with a focus in Manufacturing, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering

What We Offer

At Ferrara, our 10-12-week summer program provides meaningful, hands-on experience through real assignments and projects that make an impact. Interns receive competitive pay, mentorship, and professional development opportunities, including leadership sessions and a final presentation to senior leaders. Our manufacturing interns gain valuable, on-the-floor experience in a fast-paced environment, building technical and leadership skills while contributing to the teams that bring our iconic brands to life. Beyond work, you'll enjoy perks such as group outings and activities around the Chicagoland area.

Compensation

The pay rate for this role is$28/hr.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees, employment decisions and opportunities at Ferrara will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil union status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, military or veteran status, disability, handicap, genetic information, pregnancy (childbirth or related medical condition), or on any other basis prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment, including selection, job assignment, compensation, discipline, termination, and access to benefits and training.