Process Engineer Co-op

Promega; Kentucky; On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Promega is seeking a Process Engineering Co-op to support day-to-day operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and capital projects within the Engineering department. You will gain hands-on experience with design, procurement, commissioning, validation of equipment, troubleshooting, and cross-functional collaboration.

This 8‑month program begins January 2027 or May 2027 with some start-date flexibility.

Qualifications

• Sophomore standing or greater studying BS Chemical, Bioprocess Engineering or equivalent with Bioprocess emphasis.
• Motivated and desire to contribute to our team.
• Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills.
• Ability to handle multiple changing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Equipment evaluation – perform process equipment trials, online or with prototype test systems.
• Equipment fabrication – design and fabricate components for test fixturing and equipment improvements.
• Project assistant – assist with GMP documentation and engineering project tasks.
• Process improvement – analyze existing manufacturing processes for continuous improvement.
• Proactive problem solving – identify issues and propose timely recommendations to management.
• Present updates at project team meetings.
• Present project work to a team of engineers.
• Uphold safety and Promega's ESI principles in daily work.
• Understand and comply with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements.

Skills

MS Office

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

BS Chemical Engineering

Bioprocess Engineering

Intro Chemical Engineering course

Job description

OUR TEAM

The Process Engineering team is made up of Process Engineers and Automation Engineers with varied industry experiences and lengths of service. Our team also includes 2 Process Engineering Co-ops each year, with their terms overlapping May through August. The Process Engineering team regularly collaborates with other internal engineering disciplines such as mechanical, electrical, industrial, and packaging.

YOUR ROLE

As a Process Engineering Co-op, your role is to support day-to-day operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and capital projects. You will gain experience with design, procurement, commissioning, validation of equipment, troubleshooting, as well as collaborate with a broad array of teams within Promega.

YOUR EXPERIENCE

We are looking for a dynamic self-starter with excellent communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work in cross-functional teams to achieve our department and company objectives. Experience in a regulated industry is a plus. A solid foundation in process engineering technical skills and problems solving are important.

JOB OBJECTIVE

Apply engineering principles and methods to tasks which support the ongoing projects and responsibilities of the Promega Engineering department.

*This Co-op will last roughly 8 months. It will start either in January 2027 or May 2027. There is some flexibility regarding start and end dates.

CORE DUTIES

1. Equipment Evaluation – Perform process equipment trials, either online or with prototype test systems.
2. Equipment Fabrication – Create designs and fabricate components as required for test fixturing and implementation of equipment improvements.
3. Project Assistant – Assist, as required, with GMP documentation and tasks associated with engineering projects.
4. Process Improvement – Investigate and analyze existing manufacturing processes for ongoing continuous improvement in the areas of reliability, cost, throughput, capability, efficiency, workflow, and overall resource utilization.
5. Proactive Problem Solving – identify equipment performance and process issues, and either resolve them or propose timely recommendations to management for resolution.
6. Present updates at various project team meetings.
7. Present project work to a team of engineers.
8. Demonstrates inclusion through their own words and actions and is accountable for a safe workspace. Acts with kindness, curiosity and respect for others.
9. Embracing and being open to incorporating Promega’s 6 Emotional & Social Intelligence (ESI) core principles in daily work.
10. Understands and complies with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements applicable to our business.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

1. Sophomore standing or greater studying BS Chemical, Bioprocess (or equivalent specialty with a Bioprocess emphasis) Engineering. Completion of an Introductory Chemical Engineering course by the start of the Co-op term.
2. Motivated and desire to contribute to our team.
3. Eager to learn.
4. Excellent organization, communication, and presentation skills.
5. Ability to handle both multiple and changing priorities.
6. Proficiency with MS Office applications (i.e., Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Previous work or lab experience. Prior engineering internship experience is a plus, but not required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Ability to work in a lab environment with chemical and biological materials.
2. Ability to observe and inspect equipment and operations for proper operation and compliance to safety and housekeeping standards.
3. Ability to work in a production environment around automated equipment.
4. Ability to use a computer/Microsoft Office applications.
5. Ability to move objects up to 20 pounds.

At Promega, we are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve and creating a culture where everyone belongs. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that employment decisions are made fairly and equitably.