Entry Level Chemical Process Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Plant Process Engineering Intern - Summer 2027
Program Duration: End of May - Early August
Location: Sioux Center, IA (on-site)

Pella Corporation is seeking motivated engineering students for our Plant Process Engineering Internship at our manufacturing facility in Sioux Center, IA.

This internship provides hands-on experience working on real manufacturing challenges and improvement opportunities. Interns collaborate with engineers, operations leaders, and production teams to improve processes, reduce waste, increase efficiency, and support manufacturing initiatives.

If you're interested in applying engineering principles in a manufacturing environment, leading meaningful projects, and gaining experience similar to that of an entry-level engineer, we'd love to connect with you.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline. Preferred majors are listed above.
• Strong academic standing
• Demonstrated leadership, teamwork, or involvement through campus organizations, work experience, athletics, volunteer activities, or other experiences
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Experience with CAD software such as Solid Edge, AutoCAD, or similar platforms preferred
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with both technical and non-technical audiences
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills
• Experience leading projects, initiatives, or team efforts from planning through execution preferred
• Ability to succeed in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

Compensation: The starting pay rate for this position is $27.90 per hour. Compensation for this role is established through Pella Corporation's internship program. Eligible participants may receive transition assistance in accordance with company policies and program guidelines.

Pella Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to workforce diversity. Pella is a Smoke Free Environment. 

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:

Pella Corporation is committed to workforce diversity. Pella is a Tobacco-Free Work Environment.  Post-offer background check and drug screen required.  Pella participates in E- Verify.  Pella will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

Pella Corporation provides a working environment free of discrimination and harassment.  Pella Corporation treats all persons equally, regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability, as each is protected under federal law. Several states in which Pella operates have laws protecting classifications of Team Members not necessarily protected under federal law. Therefore, Pella also treats all persons equally, regardless of political affiliation and belief, pregnancy, national origin, age, creed, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, mental disorder, veteran status, ancestry or handicap as each category is protected under a municipal ordinance or state law. 

As a Plant Process Engineering Intern, you will support manufacturing operations through project work focused on process improvement, problem solving, quality enhancement, and operational efficiency. Interns are given ownership of meaningful projects and work alongside experienced engineers and mentors to develop technical, professional, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities are similar to what we expect of entry-level engineers who join Pella after graduation.

As a Plant Process Engineering Intern, you may:

• Modify and improve manufacturing processes to improve quality, increase reliability, reduce costs, and eliminate waste
• Support continuous improvement initiatives using problem-solving and engineering methodologies
• Develop or enhance manufacturing processes, equipment, and tooling
• Specify, design, and procure equipment required to support manufacturing and new product initiatives
• Implement new processes from concept through production
• Analyze manufacturing data and recommend solutions that improve operational performance
• Partner with engineering, operations, maintenance, quality, and other cross-functional teams to support business objectives

Preferred Degree Areas

• Mechanical Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Industrial Technology
• Other related engineering disciplines