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Process Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

Primient · Decatur, IL · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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 lab or project where you collected data and used it to improve a process.

What they are checking: Whether they can connect experiments to real process improvements, as this role mixes lab and plant work.

Tell me about a time you had to learn from someone with much more practical experience than you.

What they are checking: Whether they respect operators and technicians and learn from them on the floor.

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

What they are checking: Whether they can share findings clearly with a recommendation, not just a list of activities.

Why are you interested in process engineering in food and industrial ingredients?

What they are checking: Whether they have real interest in this industry, which predicts engagement and future hiring.

What would you do

What would you do if you saw something unsafe in the plant during your internship?

What they are checking: Whether they would stop and speak up, since safety improvements are a stated focus of the role.

If your summer project stalls because you cannot get the data you need, what do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they find creative ways to keep moving and ask for help instead of waiting.

About the work

Walk me through a simple material balance on a process with one input stream and two outputs.

What they are checking: Whether they have solid basic chemical engineering skills they can apply on the plant floor.

How would you update a piping and instrumentation diagram to match what is really in the field?

What they are checking: Whether they understand P&IDs and the value of keeping technical documents accurate.

What do you think is different about working on a lab-scale experiment versus a full plant?

What they are checking: Whether they understand scale-up issues like mixing, heat transfer and the cost of mistakes at scale.

Which software have you used for engineering calculations or data analysis?

What they are checking: Whether they can use tools like Excel, MATLAB or Python to support process analysis.

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The full job description

As published by Primient.

Process Engineering Intern - Summer 2027 | Primient About Primient Primient is a century old company with an entrepreneurial spirit. We are a leading producer of food and industrial ingredients made from plant-based, renewable sources. We deliver value through deep technical, commercial, and operational excellence that is backed by our long-standing corn wet milling heritage. Wherever we are in the process, from field to customer, our priorities are focused on ensuring we produce the safest, highest quality products through practices that uphold both our responsibility and commitments to the challenge and drive for excellence, our people and our planet. We are a privately held company with locations across the US, Mexico, Poland, and Brazil. W e’re investing in our plants and people to unlock our potential in the industrial and food sectors. Guided by our values of Safety, Excellence, Integrity, and Growth, we’re focused on growing our business, our reputation, and the career of every teammate. Role Description: The Process Engineer Intern will have the opportunity to contribute to process optimization and safety improvements within a manufacturing environment. This hands-on role involves both lab-scale and plant-scale work, providing a comprehensive view of the engineering lifecycle. The intern will work on projects aimed at improving efficiency, updating technical documentation, and enhancing safety measures. Additional housing stipend from $1,500 to $3,000 depending on work and candidate's location. Key Projects & Responsibilities: • Conduct lab-scale and plant-scale testing for ion exchange and malic crystallization optimization. • Update Process & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) to reflect current plant configurations. • Identify and implement safety improvements within the facility. • Assist in the automation of crude solution filtration processes. Skills & Qualifications: • Pursuing an engineering degree (Chemical, Mechanical, or a related field). • Curious, self-motivated, and eager to learn. • Strong communication skills, including the ability to ask questions and seek clarification. • Able to work effectively in a team environment. Total Rewards Starting pay of $24.00/hr + overtime with opportunity to advance with our pay for skill system. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards package that our U.S. colleagues and their families can count on, which includes : • Competitive Pay ​ • Multiple Healthcare plan choices ​ • Dental and vision insurance ​ • A 401(k) plan with company and matching contributions ​ • Short- and Long-Term Disability ​ • Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Insurance plans ​ • Paid holidays & vacation ​ • Floating days off ​ • Parental leave for new parents ​ • Employee resource groups ​ • Learning & development programs ​ • Fun culture where you have an opportunity in shaping our future Career Path & Culture Primient is committed to a workplace that is all in – ensuring everyone has the opportunity to develop and shape a career that matters in an open culture which embraces equity, diversity and belonging. We challenge old ways of thinking; and encourage employee voices to be a guiding force for ongoing learning. ​ ​ Primient supports a culture of inclusion that respects individual strengths, views, and experiences. We believe our differences make better decisions, drive excellence, and deliver better business results. Primient employees experience autonomy and accountability in their role. Here, employees control their destiny as there is opportunity for career growth and pathways outside the norm. Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging We are believers in the power of difference. We strive to represent the communities in which we operate and to provide an inclusive, welcoming environment for all. We want Primient to be a place where every employee feels they belong and knows they are seen, heard, valued and safe to speak up. Our aspiration is to unlock the full potential in diverse perspectives, while offering everyone an equal chance to grow, Primient is an equal opportunity employer, committed to the strength of an inclusive workforce . California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") The Company is committed to complying with the California Consumer Privacy Act (“CCPA”) and all data privacy and laws in the jurisdictions in which it recruits and hires employees. We collect the following categories of personal information for the purpose of hiring the best qualified applicants and to comply with applicable employment laws: Name and contact information; Job preference and work availability; Social Security Number and/or other identification information; Education and qualifications; Employment history and experience; Military service; Reference and background check information, including relevant criminal history and credit history; Social media information; Pre-employment test results; Post-offer medical examination information and results, including drug test results; Voluntary self-disclosure information regarding minority, veteran, and disability status; and Information provided by you during the hiring process.

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