Associate Software Engineer Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Company Information  

At Richelieu Foods, we are dedicated to a culture of belonging for everyone. Driven by our values of ownership, respect, and growth, we put people, safety, and quality above all else -- delicious pizza, outstanding service, and solid customer relationships are what happens as a result. 

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is a leading national private label and contract packing food manufacturer focused on frozen pizza. We have two manufacturing facilities located in IL and WI. We provide products to many national retailers, wholesalers, distributors, club and mass stores, as well as industrial accounts including other food manufacturers. 

Job Summary

Richelieu Foods, Inc., a leading supplier of high-quality private brand food products to the retail and food service industries, is seeking an Engineering Intern, who is working toward a career in Engineering. This role will collaborate with Operations, Quality, Safety and Engineering to define scope, design, estimates and oversight for small-scale capital projects and factory floor improvements.

Work alongside our senior Engineering team and gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced, complex food manufacturing environment. Develop practical knowledge of how engineering supports manufacturing operations by improving processes, optimizing efficiency, and driving productivity across the facility.

Please note that there is no relocation or housing assistance associated with this internship.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Drive a safety culture that prioritizes safe work practices and procedures, ensure all activities align with regulatory requirements that may apply, e.g., OSHA, EPA, USDA, state and local building and fire code regulations.
• Develop project scopes and detailed project plans.
• Manages schedules, costs and other key deliverables per the approved project plan.
• Coordinates with internal resources and third parties/vendors for the execution of projects.
• Effectively facilitates project team meetings.
• Ensures that forms and records to document project activities are maintained in a project management software database.
• Ensure that all projects are delivered safely on time, within project scope and budget.
• Assist the Engineering Team in other projects.
• All other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an ABET accredited school in one of the following fields:
• Electrical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• A minimum GPA of 3.0
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Available to work 40 hours per week onsite for approximately 10-14 weeks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferably entering junior or senior year in the fall of 2026.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer goods industry is a plus.
• Experience with AutoCAD.
• Strong project management skills.

Essential Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to communicate with cross-functional teams across all shifts.
• Must possess a continuous improvement mindset.
• Demonstrated ability to function in a team-based environment.
• Capability to manage multiple priorities with a focus on delivery of goals and metrics.

Working Conditions

• Standard Manufacturing environment with frequent exposure to hot/cold temperatures, moving mechanical parts and power industrial trucks.  

Pay and Benefits 

The following information is provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws. Compensation is based on experience, geographic locations, and other legally permitted factors. The starting hourly rate is $25.00. This position may also be eligible for overtime pay and shift differentials. 

Benefits for this role include medical, dental, and vision insurance; pre-tax spending accounts; 401K with company match; paid time off; short-term and long-term disability; and life insurance. 

Disclosures 

This job description is not intended, nor should it be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended only to be a general description of the essential functions common to positions of this type. 

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.