Process Engineering Co-Op

Novonesis; Blair (NE); On-site; USD 39,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis in Blair, Nebraska invites a Process Engineering Co-Op to contribute to our highly automated production environment and gain real-world engineering experience during the 7‑month on-site program.

As a student in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field with a minimum 3.0 GPA, you will work with experienced engineers to support MOC activities, operator certification content, process data analysis, and LEAN improvements.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (must be included on your resume).
• Sophomore standing or higher at the time of application.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative manufacturing environment.
• Ability to arrange your own housing and transportation.

Responsibilities

• Support MOC activities related to process, automation, and equipment improvements.
• Develop content to enhance the operator certification program.
• Utilize process data and historian tools to create user-friendly solutions for process accounting and troubleshooting.
• Assist with initiatives that streamline production and improve operational efficiency.
• Participate in continuous improvement projects utilizing LEAN manufacturing principles.
• Collaborate with engineers and technicians on real-world manufacturing challenges.

Skills

Analytical skills

Collaboration in manufacturing

Data analysis familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or related field

Job description

Interested in a career that matters? Are you passionate about sustainable innovation and eager to gain real-world engineering experience? Join Novonesis as a Process Engineering Co-Op and contribute to our Production Departments in Blair, Nebraska. As part of our 2027 Co-Op Program, you will work alongside experienced process engineers and technicians, supporting highly automated manufacturing processes while developing skills that will help you grow both personally and professionally. Novonesis offers meaningful projects, networking opportunities, and hands‑on exposure to continuous improvement and LEAN manufacturing practices.

The Role & Your Impact

In this role, you will help drive operational excellence across the production environment.

• Supporting Management of Change (MOC) activities related to process, automation, and equipment improvements.
• Developing technical content to enhance the operator certification program.
• Utilizing process data and historian tools to create user-friendly solutions for process accounting and troubleshooting.
• Assisting with initiatives that streamline production and improve operational efficiency.
• Participating in continuous improvement projects utilizing LEAN manufacturing principles.
• Collaborating with engineers and technicians on real-world manufacturing challenges.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's degree program in Chemical Engineering, Biological Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA (must be included on your resume).
• Sophomore standing or higher at the time of application.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative manufacturing environment.
• Ability to arrange your own housing and transportation.

Additional Skills & Interests We Value

• Previous internship experience.
• Laboratory experience.
• Participation in engineering, technical, or student organizations.
• Interest in manufacturing, process optimization, automation, and continuous improvement.
• Familiarity with data analysis and process improvement methodologies.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

• Full-time Co-Op assignment lasting 7 months.
• Located on-site in Blair, Nebraska.
• Work performed in a manufacturing and production environment.
• Regular interaction with engineers, technicians, and production personnel.
• Exposure to automated processing equipment and industrial operations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected salary: $28/hr

Relevant Information

• Program Dates: January 4th, 2027 to August 1st, 2027
• Position Type: Temporary position payrolled through a third-party provider
• Application Deadline: September 17, 2026

In Novonesis, we know that solutions rooted in biology can help solve humanity’s biggest challenges. Since we began more than a century ago, this has been our guide. It’s how we've gotten so far. And it’s how we’ll impact the future. Now, more than ever, the world needs change. And with biosolutions, the possibilities for transformation are endless.

Opportunities for everyone

We are committed to an inclusive recruitment process and equal opportunity for all applicants. Therefore we ask you to apply without a cover letter or photo and instead include a few sentences in your CV explaining your motivation for applying. We make all employment decisions based on business needs and welcome candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.

Choose a career that matters - and never miss an opportunity to make a difference.

In 2024, Chr. Hansen and Novozymes joined forces to form Novonesis. We are 10,000 people worldwide whose expertise spans more than 30 different industries. All around the world our biosolutions already create value for thousands of customers and benefit the planet. Our biosolutions enable feeding and fueling the world more sustainably, from healthy and sustainable nutrition to biofuel. Our biosolutions also reduce the use of fossil-based resources, chemicals, energy and water. And this is just the beginning.