Process Engineering Intern

Novonesis; Franklinton (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis in Franklinton, NC is offering a Process Engineering Intern position to gain hands-on experience at a leading biotech manufacturing facility. You will work with production, quality, and engineering teams to analyze data, assist with process improvements, and support ongoing optimization projects.

You will develop engineering calculations and technical reports, collaborate across cross-functional teams, and present findings to site leadership as part of continuous improvement efforts.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Chemical, Biochemical, Biological, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA and sophomore standing or higher.
• Ability to arrange housing and transportation.

Responsibilities

• Analyze manufacturing data and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Support operations across fermentation, recovery, granulation, and finished goods areas.
• Participate in troubleshooting activities and root-cause investigations.
• Assist with process optimization projects and production trials.
• Develop engineering calculations, technical reports, and documentation.
• Collaborate with operators, engineers, quality teams, and production leaders.
• Present project findings, recommendations, and outcomes to site leadership.

Skills

Analytical and problem-solving

Manufacturing & biotech interest

Independent with project duties

Communication & collaboration

Office & industrial environment

Organization & attention to detail

GPA 3.0+

Education

Chemical/Biochemical/Biological/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering (pursuing)

Sophomore or higher

Tools

Data analysis tools

Job description

Interested in a career that matters? At Novonesis, we are using biology to transform the way the world produces food, beverages, household products, renewable fuels, and more. As a Process Engineering Intern, you will join a team of engineers and scientists at one of North America’s largest biotechnology manufacturing facilities, where innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement drive meaningful results. This is an opportunity to gain hands‑on experience while contributing to projects that improve manufacturing performance, support sustainability, and help shape the future of biotechnology. As a Process Engineering Intern, you will work closely with production, quality, and engineering teams to solve real manufacturing challenges and support continuous improvement initiatives. You will analyze data, investigate process performance, and contribute to projects that deliver measurable business value.

Key responsibilities include:

• Analyze manufacturing data and identify opportunities for process improvement.
• Support operations across fermentation, recovery, granulation, and finished goods areas.
• Participate in troubleshooting activities and root-cause investigations.
• Assist with process optimization projects and production trials.
• Develop engineering calculations, technical reports, and documentation.
• Collaborate with operators, engineers, quality teams, and production leaders.
• Present project findings, recommendations, and outcomes to site leadership.

What You’ll Need to Be Successful

We are looking for students who are currently pursuing a degree in: Chemical Engineering Biochemical Engineering Biological Engineering Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering Or a related technical discipline.

Required qualifications and competencies

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Interest in manufacturing, biotechnology, and process improvement.
• Ability to work independently while managing project responsibilities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Comfortable working in both office and industrial manufacturing environments.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA Sophomore standing or higher at the time of application.
• Ability to arrange your own housing and transportation.

Additional Skills & Interests

• Experience with engineering projects through coursework, research, or previous internships.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes, process improvement methodologies, or data analysis tools.
• Interest in biotechnology production and industrial operations.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to learn in a fast‑paced production environment.

Ways of Working / Working Conditions

Full‑time internship assignment lasting approximately 10 weeks. Located on‑site in Franklinton, North Carolina.

• Exposure to industrial manufacturing operations and equipment.
• Occasional use of required personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering production areas.
• Collaboration with cross‑functional teams including operations, engineering, and quality.

Compensation & Benefits

• Expected salary: $23/hr
• Program Dates: May 24th, 2027 to July 30th, 2027
• Position Type: Temporary position payrolled through a third‑party provider
• Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

Our purpose guides the way

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. 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.

About Novonesis

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.