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Process Engineering Intern

IFF · Madison, WI · Full time

Posted Sep 15, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a project where you used data to improve a process.

What they are checking: Whether they have real problem-solving experience they can bring to plant projects.

Tell me about a time you worked with people who had more experience than you.

What they are checking: Whether they can learn from experienced engineers and operators while adding value.

Which of IFF's values, like integrity or innovation, matters most to you, and why?

What they are checking: Whether they connect personally with the values the posting asks interns to follow.

What would you do

IFF makes food ingredients. How might food safety rules affect a process change?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that changes in food plants must protect safety and quality.

An operator tells you your idea won't work on the floor. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Whether they listen to operators and treat their input as valuable.

About the work

What do you know about Six Sigma, and how would you use DMAIC on a manufacturing problem?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the method this internship uses for project work.

How would you find the bottleneck in a production line?

What they are checking: Whether they can analyze flow and find where capacity is limited.

How would you approach a capital project you were assigned, like adding new equipment?

What they are checking: Whether they can think about cost, timeline and safety for a capital project.

Which tools have you used, like Excel, Minitab, MATLAB or AutoCAD?

What they are checking: Whether they bring skills that help with analysis and design work.

How would you present your project results at the end of the summer?

What they are checking: Whether they can share findings clearly with business leaders.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at IFF from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by IFF.

Job Summary Manufacturing Technology Co-Op, Spring/Summer/Fall 2027, Madison, WI International Flavors and Fragrances (IFF) is an industry leader in taste, scent and nutrition. IFF is seeking innovative, collaborative college students to participate in our Spring/Summer or Summer/Fall 2027 student co-op program at our Health & Biosciences site in Madison, Wisconsin. IFF co-ops will have the opportunity to gain hands-on working experience while strengthening their professional skillset. Responsibilities & Duties: • Leading projects through investigation, scope, design, and implementation phases to provide safety and capacity improvements. • Building data visualization dashboards in plant historian. • Providing capital project support and assist in commissioning and start-up activities during plant shutdown. • Providing support to engineers in executing plant trials and production/maintenance troubleshooting • Comply with all company policies including, but not limited to: Quality, Safety, Food Safety, Environmental, GMPs, Dietary Supplements, and HACCP-HARPC • Adhere to all quality systems including: ISO 22000 Food Safety, FAMI-QS and NSF Dietary Supplements with an understanding of IFF Corporate Quality policies and procedures. • Ability to work safely and comply with all corporate/site EHS guidelines and policies During this internship you will gain experience in core engineering competencies. Expected development areas include: • Problem solving • Data analysis and visualization • Project leadership • Capital project exposure • Process Hazard Analysis and Process Safety Management exposure Job Requirements • Available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for either the Spring and Summer of 2027 or the Summer and Fall of 2027. • Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering • Ability to work safely and comply with all corporate/site EHS guidelines and policies Preferred Skills: • Strong interpersonal and communication skills both verbal and written. • Proficiency in Microsoft Office. • Ability to work and complete projects independently, as well as within a team environment. Work Conditions: • Frequent interaction in manufacturing plant environments (prolonged standing, walking, work at heights, temperature extremes, etc) We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability. Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more

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