Process Engineer Co - op - 2026

Process Engineering Co-Op

Schwan's Company, a U.S. affiliate of the global lifestyle company CJ CheilJedang Corporation, is a leading U.S. manufacturer and marketer of quality foods offered through retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron®, Tony's®, Big Daddy's®, Villa Prima™ and Freschetta® pizza; Mrs. Smith's® and Edwards® desserts; and Pagoda® and Bibigo Asian-style snacks. To learn more about Schwan's, visit www.schwanscompany.com.

Your Co-op Experience:

• Dynamic 6-Month+ Co-op: Dive into a hands-on experience with real-world projects that align with your studies and make a real impact.
• Take Charge of Strategic Projects: Own exciting, high-stakes initiatives with direct relevance to your coursework and gain invaluable experience that goes beyond the classroom.
• A Culture of Care: Join a company that prioritizes your health, safety, and well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Guidance from Industry Experts: Receive guidance from skilled, genuine, and good-natured team members who are invested in your success.
• Pathway to a Thriving Career: Build your future with a leading food company where internships often pave the way to full-time roles.

Your Impact:

• Process Development & Innovation: Investigating, testing, and refining new or advanced food processing techniques to support product innovation.
• Automation & Technology: Implementing and supporting new automated process technologies and equipment for improved production efficiency.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with R&D, manufacturing, and operations engineering teams to drive process improvements, optimize performance, and implement cost-saving strategies.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Gathering and analyzing production data using basic statistical methods to make data-driven improvements in processes.
• Process & Equipment Commercialization: Supporting the development and introduction of new processes and technologies into manufacturing facilities, both internally and with co-packers.
• Cost Savings & Efficiency: Identifying and leading major cost-saving initiatives involving process methodologies and new technologies.
• Hands-on Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through shadowing process development engineers and potential travel to other manufacturing plants.
• Documentation & Reporting: Accurately documenting project progress, results, and insights, while preparing detailed reports to communicate findings.
• Innovation Projects: Participating in innovation projects to explore new ways of improving existing processing methods and technologies.

What You Bring:

• Education: Current enrollment with junior or senior standing in undergraduate or graduate degree program majoring in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Food Engineering. GPA of 3.0+ preferred. Recent graduates welcome!
• Years of Experience: 1-2 years of related experience – must have prior co-op or internship experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Proficient in process capability studies, Six Sigma, process mapping, and statistical control.
• Strong communication, organizational, and self-motivational skills, with the ability to work independently & in teams.
• Intermediate mathematical skills and advanced proficiency in PC applications (CAD, spreadsheets, statistical analysis).
• Familiarity with Lean practices and flexibility for a 24-hour operation.
• Ability to lead projects, present to management, and maintain a strong commitment to safety.