Application & Tech Center Co-Op

About the role

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions for food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and related industries. With more than 18,000 employees worldwide and a U.S. presence since 1929, GEA emphasizes long‑term careers, strong culture, and growth opportunities. The Application & Technology Center (ATC) Engineering Co‑op is a temporary work‑and‑learn position for students interested in food, beverage, biotechnology, and process engineering. The co‑op works alongside the Senior Biotechnologist, New Food Technical Director, and Test Center Manager, gaining hands‑on experience in pilot‑plant operations, process development, and equipment troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with equipment setup, operation, process monitoring, data collection, and technical documentation for customer test trials.
• Perform equipment cleaning, maintenance, and test preparation while ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.
• Monitor pilot‑plant equipment (bioreactors, fermenters, UHT thermal processors, vacuum mixers, dryers, membrane filtration, aseptic processes, utility systems, etc.) and make adjustments per test requirements.
• Repair, assemble, and maintain test‑station equipment as directed.
• Clean the pilot plant and its equipment to maintain good operating order.
• Prepare shipping requests, record shipments, and document inventory of consumables and safety equipment.
• Comply with internal and external QHSE requirements, including training, waste disposal, and record keeping.
• Collect and organize operating data, log conditions, and contribute to final test reports.
• Complete one or more engineering projects focused on process improvement, automation, equipment enhancement, or application data generation.
• Contribute to team efforts by completing all tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Capacity to monitor several operations/factors simultaneously.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Education and Experience

• Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, or a related field.
• Must be at the credit level of a Junior or above.

Schedule

The position lasts approximately eight months, covering one academic semester and the summer term. Flexible scheduling is available during the semester for students attending classes, with a minimum requirement of 20 hours per week. Full‑time availability is expected during the summer term.