Job Description
Be the Force Behind Smarter, Safer Manufacturing
At Verdant Specialty Solutions, we’re not just producing specialty chemicals — we’re driving continuous improvement through engineering, innovation, and operational excellence. We are seeking a Process Engineer Co-Op / Intern to join our University Park, Illinois facility and support our manufacturing and operations teams.
This opportunity is designed for students seeking either a co-op or internship experience and offers hands-on exposure to real plant operations, process optimization, and engineering problem-solving in a specialty chemicals environment.
What you’ll do:
- Support process engineers in analyzing manufacturing processes to improve efficiency, safety, quality, and cost performance
- Collect, analyze, and interpret process data to identify trends, deviations, and improvement opportunities
- Assist with development and updates of process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, SOPs, and work instructions
- Participate in root cause investigations for process upsets, quality deviations, and safety incidents
- Support continuous improvement initiatives including Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence projects
- Assist with trial planning, execution, and documentation for process changes, raw material evaluations, and equipment modifications
- Collaborate with operations, maintenance, EHS, and quality teams to support plant activities
- Participate in plant walk-downs, safety reviews, and engineering meetings
- Support capital and reliability projects as assigned
- Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements
What we’re looking for:
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Sophomore or junior standing enrolled in an accredited co-op or internship program
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Strong interest in manufacturing, process engineering, and industrial operations
- Previous internship or co-op experience preferred
- Ability to work on-site in a manufacturing environment
What sets you apart:
- Fundamental understanding of chemical engineering principles including material and energy balances
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with data analysis tools
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, PFDs, and P&IDs
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-based environment
- Self-motivated with strong organizational and time-management skills
- Curiosity and willingness to learn through hands-on plant experience
- Ability to troubleshoot and solve problems using innovative approaches
- Exposure to engineering calculations, spreadsheets, or modeling tools preferred
Why you’ll love it here:
- Hands-on experience in a real chemical manufacturing environment
- Exposure to plant operations, engineering projects, and cross-functional teams
- Opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world process challenges
- Mentorship from experienced engineers and operations leaders
Join a company that’s redefining what it means to be “green” in the specialty chemicals industry. Verdant combines decades of technical expertise with a culture of collaboration and growth, giving you the platform to make a measurable impact from day one.
Verdant Specialty Solutions is a dynamic, innovation-driven specialty chemicals company with a global footprint. Born from the McIntyre Group of the 1970s and relaunched in 2021, Verdant combines the agility of a small business with the safety, reliability, and scale of a larger organization, offering personal attention backed by industry-leading manufacturing and technical capabilities. With over 375 product offerings, nine strategic sites across the U.S. and Europe, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, compliance, and customer-centric solutions, Verdant brings functional chemistry to life safely, reliably, and responsibly.
Ready to build your engineering career from the ground up? Apply today and let’s win together!
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