Operations Research Internship

Job Description

About Cargill

Cargill is a global, family-owned company with a purpose to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. They provide vital products and services, connecting farmers with markets, customers with ingredients, and families with essential goods.

Cargill’s vast scale and operations impact billions of lives daily, with 160,000 colleagues working across 70 countries. They are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for employees to learn, grow, and cultivate their skills.

Operations Research Internship

This internship offers the chance to work within Cargill’s Engineering and Data Sciences function, a rapidly growing group impacting all aspects of Cargill’s operations. From grain and oilseed processing to renewable polymers and novel food ingredients, the team uses advanced techniques like simulation, optimization, and data analysis to drive efficiency and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

• You will be assigned to one or two substantive projects as the primary technical contributor, receiving leadership support from the Engineering and Data Sciences team.
• Gain immediate hands-on experience in a global agribusiness leader.
• Receive regular feedback on performance.

Learning & Development:

• Access to comprehensive learning resources for professional growth.
• Participation in events showcasing leadership, development opportunities, and networking with fellow interns.
• Opportunities for community outreach and volunteering.

Internship Details:

• 12-week duration typically.
• Paid hourly for time worked.
• Interns responsible for transportation.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical and other options depending on position and hours.
• Access to programs supporting employee well-being, including mental health resources, digital learning library, and housing/relocation assistance (for qualified candidates).
• Paid time off and Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals (for eligible employees).

Compensation:

• Expected hourly rate of $27.00 – $30.00, subject to grad date and full-time employment eligibility.

Network & Community:

• Build professional relationships, acquire mentors, and expand your network through Cargill’s global reach.
• Access to support from university recruiting staff, mentors, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Participate in a diverse and inclusive global community that celebrates diversity and fosters employee development.

Job Description

This internship is focused on Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Math, or related fields. The ideal candidate will have:

Required Qualifications:

• Enrolled in a Master’s or PhD program with a graduation date of December 2025 or later.
• Ability to complete a 12-week internship in the summer of 2025 (May/June – August).
• Willingness and ability to relocate to Wayzata, MN for the internship.
• Proven ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• High degree of initiative and resourcefulness in completing work independently.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in industries with continuous processing (food, chemicals).
• Proficiency with discrete event simulation or agent-based simulation software (AnyLogic, FlexSim).
• Experience developing and solving optimization models with Algebraic Modeling Languages (AIMMS, GAMS, AMPL), commercial solvers (CPLEX, Gurobi), and/or Optimization Platforms (Supply Chain Guru, SAP APO).
• Proficiency in programming languages (Python, Java, R).
• Experience with data gathering, cleaning, and analysis using statistical methods.
• 3.0 GPA or above on a 4.0 scale.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability/Vet.