Engineer Co-op

Job Description

About Cargill

Cargill is a global leader in agriculture, food, and industrial applications. With over 155,000 employees worldwide, Cargill leverages its expertise and resources to connect farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and people and animals with the food they need to thrive. The company utilizes new technologies, dynamic insights, and over 154 years of experience to make a meaningful impact on the global food system.

Engineering Co-op at Cargill

Cargill offers a competitive and rewarding Engineering Co-op program for students pursuing engineering degrees. This program provides real-world experience, learning from the best, and the chance to see how your work directly impacts the world.

The Engineering Co-op program is designed to prepare you for your career journey. You’ll be welcomed into a community committed to providing you with a safe environment to learn, grow, and cultivate your skills. Cargill’s expansive learning resources, well-respected leaders, and carefully curated development courses equip you to confidently solve tomorrow’s global issues.

As an Engineering Co-op, you’ll work in one of Cargill’s many production facilities located across the United States. You’ll gain experience in Operations Leadership and/or Maintenance & Reliability Engineering, laying the groundwork for a successful career in any of these areas:

• Production Management Engineers: Lead people, processes, and input/product in a plant environment. You will supervise operators, participate in production management meetings, and learn to manage government regulations and compliance programs.
• Environmental Engineers: Work with teams, processes, and assets related to refrigeration, steam, freshwater distribution, hot water, compressed air systems, and large-scale wastewater treatment plants. You’ll supervise operators and technicians, manage daily work and planning activities, and contribute to environmental compliance and permitting programs.
• Process/Project Engineering: Take on responsibilities like business case development, vendor selection, budget management, and project management for major projects. You’ll be involved in process optimization, safety, quality, infrastructure, and energy use initiatives.
• Maintenance & Reliability Engineers: Engage teams to improve processes and utilize assets to ensure downtime and repair costs are minimal. You’ll supervise specialized teams, lead short- and long-term planning activities, and use tools like Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5S, and 5-Why to prevent equipment failures.

Co-op Program Details

The Engineering Co-op program lasts 7-8 months and is offered in the Summer and Fall (May – December 2025). You’ll be paid hourly for time worked, and relocation assistance is available. While transportation to and from work is your responsibility, Cargill offers various plant locations across the U.S., allowing for flexibility and exposure to different environments. The program provides:

• Hands-on Experience: Showcase your skills and gain valuable experience working on various projects, from designing and upgrading current systems to reviewing and updating plant drawings.
• Team-oriented Environment: Work in a fast-paced, hands-on setting that emphasizes employee engagement, inclusion, and innovation.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with cross-functional interns and co-ops across the U.S. through organized events and networking opportunities.
• Career Development: Gain valuable experience, develop leadership skills, and build professional contacts for a successful future.
• Mentorship and Support: Receive guidance from university recruiting staff, mentors, colleagues, and your supervisor throughout the co-op.
• Community Involvement: Participate in volunteer and community outreach opportunities and enjoy paid time off for volunteering.

The program offers opportunities for high-performing co-ops to secure a second internship/co-op or full-time position the following year.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be considered for the Engineering Co-op program, you must:

• Be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Currently be pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (ChE), BioChemical Engineering (BChE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Biosystems Engineering (BSE), Agricultural Engineering (AgE), Mining Engineering (MinE), Electrical Engineering (EE), Industrial Engineering (IE), Environmental Engineering, Packaging, or other related engineering discipline.
• Be able to complete the 7-8 month co-op in the Summer and Fall (May – December 2025).
• Be willing to relocate for the co-op opportunity anywhere in the U.S.
• Possess a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness.
• Be comfortable working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

Preferred Qualifications

While not mandatory, the following qualifications enhance your candidacy:

• Previous plant, production, co-op, or intern experience.
• Overall GPA of 2.7 or higher.
• Ability to relate technical knowledge to job-related duties.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Leadership experience.

For more information, please visit the Cargill website and apply online.

This detailed breakdown provides a comprehensive overview of the Engineering Co-op program at Cargill, highlighting the benefits, requirements, and opportunities available to aspiring engineers seeking valuable experience and career development.