Process Engineering Intern

Novonesis; Town of Wausau (WI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Novonesis is seeking a Process Engineering Intern for an on-site role in Wausau, WI. You will join production, quality, and engineering teams to tackle real manufacturing challenges and drive continuous improvement.

Students pursuing degrees in Food, Biochemical, Biological, Mechanical or Industrial Engineering with a minimum 3.0 GPA and good analytical skills will fit this 10-week internship, which includes hands-on projects and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in engineering or related technical discipline.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while managing project responsibilities.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.

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 thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Collaboration

Attention to detail

Organization

Education

Sophomore standing or higher

GPA 3.0+

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:

• Food 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 We Value

While not required, the following qualifications would be beneficial:

• 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 Wausau, WI.
• 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

Relevant Information

Program Dates: May 24th, 2027 to July 30th, 2027

Position Type: Temporary position payrolled through a third-party provider

Application Deadline: October 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. If our purpose resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

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.

Explore other openings

If this position isn’t the right fit, you may still find other opportunities with us. You’re welcome to explore open roles or create a job agent to stay connected with future opportunities at novonesis.com/Career