Engineer Co-op May 2027- Multiple U.S Locations

About the role

Our Engineering Co-ops have the opportunity to work in one of Cargill’s many production facilities located in communities across the United States. These facilities support a variety of Cargill’s diverse businesses, including Food North America (Edible Oils, Salt, Beef, Value Added Protein, Starches and Sweeteners, Cocoa and Chocolate), Ag and Trading North America (AGTNA), and our Specialized Portfolio (Cargill BioIndustrial, Beauty, Deicing Technology). In this role, you will gain hands-on experience leading production or maintenance teams, project groups, contractors, or technical operations teams as they execute critical initiatives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. While business processes may vary, the role is designed to provide exposure to both the technical and people-management aspects of engineering. The primary intent of the Engineering Co-op program is to give individuals meaningful experience in technical and leadership responsibilities, helping you explore and develop interest in long-term career opportunities within Cargill.

Responsibilities

Our Engineer Co-ops will gain experience in Operations Leadership and/or Maintenance & Reliability Engineering role. Potential career paths include:

• Production Management Engineers - Lead people, process, and input/product in a plant environment. Involves day-to-day direct supervision of operators and production activities, participation in daily production management meetings, and handling government regulations and compliance programs (environmental, health, safety, maintenance, and housekeeping). Responsibilities include process optimization, equipment and process reliability, capital projects, team development (hiring, scheduling, motivating, and employee relations), and handling employee relation issues.
• 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 (WWTP). Responsibilities include environmental compliance, regulatory permitting, day-to-day supervision of operators and technicians, maintenance, capital projects, and process improvement.
• Process/Project Engineering - Responsible for business case development, vendor selection, budget management, and project management for major projects involving process optimization, safety, quality, infrastructure, and energy use. Involves innovation processes, idea generation, reliability-centered design, and implementing technical initiatives from global Process Development Groups, Centers of Excellence, and Research & Development.
• Maintenance & Reliability Engineers - Engage teams to improve processes and utilize assets for minimal downtime and repair costs. Supervise specialized teams and work activities related to runtime. Lead short- and long-term planning, including weekly maintenance, capital projects, and process improvement using tools such as Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), Root Cause Analysis (RCA), 5S, and 5-Why for preventing equipment failures.

Co-ops are given the opportunity to showcase their skills and gain hands-on experience working on projects such as designing and upgrading current systems, reviewing and updating plant drawings.

Program Details

• Co-ops are typically 7-8 months in duration.
• Co-ops are paid hourly for time worked.
• Co-ops are responsible for transportation to and from work.
• Various plant locations across the U.S. – must be open to relocation.
• The plant environment is team-oriented, fast-paced, and hands-on.
• Our environment focuses on employee engagement, inclusion, and innovation.

This job involves physical activity which generally requires a moderate amount of exertion on a regular basis – involving bending, stooping, squatting, twisting, reaching, working on irregular surfaces, occasional lifting of objects weighing over 50 pounds, and frequent lifting of 10-25 pounds. The work may also involve other exertions, conditions, or exposures (e.g., heat, cold, grain dust, etc.).

Co-ops who demonstrate outstanding performance and a curiosity to learn more may be offered an internship, another co-op, or a full-time position to return the following year.

Development & Networking

• Access to comprehensive learning resources to guide your development.
• Access to volunteer and community outreach opportunities, including paid time off for volunteer activities.
• Invitation to participate in events that provide exposure to leadership, development opportunities, and networking with cross-functional interns/co-ops/associates across the U.S.
• Consistent support from the early careers team, mentors, colleagues, and your supervisor.
• Opportunities to establish relationships, acquire mentors, and build professional contacts through networking events.

Benefits

As a co-op, you’ll have access to a wide variety of programs to support you and help you succeed. Eligible programs and incentives include:

• Paid time off.
• Mental Health and Wellbeing program.
• Housing and Relocation Assistance for those that qualify.
• Minnesota-based employees: Minnesota Sick and Safe Leave accruals of one hour for every 30 worked, up to 48 hours per calendar year unless otherwise provided by law.

Pay

The expected hourly rate for this position is $25.70 - $35.50 per hour. Compensation decisions are dependent on graduation date and eligibility for full-time employment.

Community & Culture

At Cargill, you will be part of a vibrant global community with a culture that celebrates diversity. Business Resource Groups (BRGs) help embrace diversity, make the culture more inclusive, and enhance employees’ talents and perspectives. Learn more about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Cargill.

Locations

Various plant locations across the U.S. – must be open to relocation. Locations could include:

• Blair, NE
• Bloomington, IL
• Buckeye, AZ
• Cedar Rapids, IA
• Chandler, AZ
• Charlotte, NC
• Cleveland, OH
• Dalton, GA
• Dayton, OH
• Eddyville, IA
• Fayetteville, NC
• Fort Dodge, IA
• Fullerton, CA
• Gainesville, GA
• Guntersville, AL
• Hammond, IN
• Hazleton, PA
• Hutchinson, KS
• Iowa Falls, IA
• Kansas City, MO
• Lafayette, IN
• Lansing, NY
• Memphis, TN
• Milwaukee, WI
• Minneapolis, MN
• Mount Joy, PA
• Paris, IL
• Sidney, OH
• Sioux City, IA
• St. Clair, MI
• West Fargo, ND
• West Lincoln, PA
• Wichita, KS

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering (ChE), BioChemical Engineering (BChE), Mechanical Engineering (ME), Biosystems Engineering (BSE), Agricultural Engineering (AgE), Electrical Engineering (EE), Industrial Engineering (IE), Environmental Engineering, Packaging, or other related engineering discipline.
• Bachelor’s/master’s degree to be/recently completed between December 2027 – May 2030.
• Right to work in the U.S. that is not based solely on possession of a student visa or a visa sponsored by a third-party employer.
• Able to complete a 7-8 month co-op in the Spring and Summer (May-December 2027).
• Candidates must be geographically flexible and willing to relocate for a co-op/internship opportunity anywhere in the U.S.
• Proven ability to work optimally with individuals from a diverse set of backgrounds and cultures.
• Must possess a high degree of initiative and resourcefulness in completing work with limited guidance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous plant, production, co-op, or intern experience preferred.
• Overall 2.7 GPA preferred.
• Ability to relate technical knowledge to job-related duties.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and make decisions independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Leadership experience.