Process Engineering Co-Op (January - May 2027)

Ingredion Incorporated; Bedford Park (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Mentor program

Capstone Summit

Employee discounts

Recognition program

Job summary

Ingredion Incorporated in Bedford Park, IL seeks a motivated student for a Process Engineering Co-op for January–August 2026. You will partner with senior engineers to monitor process conditions, provide engineering support, implement improvements, and help meet safety, quality, production, and cost goals.

The role applies classroom knowledge to real-world plant operations. You will assist with process studies, troubleshoot, and contribute to projects while developing documentation and reporting

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering.
• Ability to work 40 hours per week during the term (January - August 2026).
• Willingness to learn corn wet milling processes and related systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical support to maintenance and operations groups, including process studies and troubleshooting.
• Assist in capital permits, projects, and engineering studies to support plant goals.
• Manage projects up to $50k and 1–2 year duration, ensuring compliance with safety and ethics standards.
• Conduct process training and maintain up-to-date documentation for completed projects.
• Support plant safety initiatives when designing or redesigning work processes to prevent injuries.
• Stay current with new technologies and ideas to improve process efficiency.

Skills

Process engineering

Troubleshooting

Data analysis

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

About Ingredion

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.

Locations

co-op roles available in Bedford Park IL, North Kansas City MO, and Indianapolis IN

Workplace type

On Site

Ingredion has an outstanding opportunity for a motivated student to join the Ingredion Process Engineering group as a Co-Op. In this position, you will partner with senior engineers and managers to monitor process conditions, provide engineering support, implement process improvements, and assist in meeting safety, quality, production, and cost goals. You will be responsible for applying concepts learned in engineering and engineering-related classes to applications in the field.

What You Will Do

• Provide technical support to maintenance and operations groups including, process studies, troubleshooting, process optimization, and maintenance of historical data to identify, monitor and control key operating parameters
• Work on capital permits, projects, and engineering studies as assigned to support plant goals
• Manage projects of up to $50k and duration of 1-2 years in compliance with Ingredion’s ethics, safety, and engineering standards
• Conduct process training and ensuring documentation is up to date when projects are completed
• Provide technical support to the plant safety professional on facility safety initiatives when designing and/or redesigning work processes to eliminate workplace injuries and illnesses
• Keep current in discipline, assessing new technologies and ideas, developing, evaluating, and seeking approval for new concepts to improve the efficiency and the capability of the process

What You Will Bring

• Progress towards a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering
• Ability to work 40hrs per week during the term (January - August 2026)
• Ability to learn/understand the corn wet milling process, and the systems and principals involved in its operation
• Ability to tackle problems, identify improvement opportunities, implement action plans and follow-up to ensure results
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present technical information and prepare concisely written reports
• Proven analytical problem solving, multi-tasking, and time management skills
• Experience with PC Applications such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Reliable transportation required to get to and from facility each work day

Who You Are

• Can work effectively in a team environment, build consensus, and nurture relationships across levels and functions
• Demonstrate a degree of sound judgment, resourcefulness, initiative, and innovation in problem-solving
• 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
• Well-organized with leadership potential and have good communication

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 undergraduate status, must have completed at least three years of coursework with status as a junior, senior or non-graduating senior.
• If you have completed your degree, please consider other opportunities with Ingredion, posted at www.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

Pay Range: $22-31/hour

#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.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available

Yes, Within Country

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.