Internship Downstream Process Development Scientist Jobs in Kankakee, IL

Job Description: Junior Process Engineer 
Location: Manteno, Illinois
Company Overview
Gotion Inc. is based in Silicon Valley, CA and is currently building a manufacturing facility in Manteno, IL, with R&D centers in Ohio, China, Japan, and Europe. We innovate next-generation electric vehicle and energy storage technologies (lithium batteries and related systems) with the aim to accelerate electrified transportation and achieve sustainable development.
Gotion is a career destination-we are not simply filling roles, but building a global green energy future together. Every employee is highly valued and plays a vital role in the continued growth of our organization.
Position Summary
The Junior Process Engineer supports process development, optimization, and stabilization for lithium battery cell manufacturing. Working under the guidance of senior process engineers, this role assists with production ramp-up, documentation, data analysis, and on-site problem-solving in a high-volume manufacturing environment.
This position is ideal for early-career engineers seeking hands-on experience in battery manufacturing processes, quality systems, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Job Responsibilities
   Support the manufacturing team in selecting and understanding process flows, equipment integration, and technical requirements for cell production lines
   Assist senior engineers during production trial runs, equipment installation, debugging, and validation activities
   Support capacity ramp-up efforts by monitoring process stability, yield, and key production metrics
   Assist in compiling, maintaining, and reviewing process documentation, including: 
o    Process flowcharts
o    Process standards
o    Work instructions
   Learn and support control of critical process parameters and key control points
   Support investigation and resolution of on-site process issues in the cell production line
   Assist in tracking and updating quality or process issue lists to help prevent recurrence
   Collect data and support structured problem-solving activities under guidance
   Assist in evaluating new equipment, materials, or process technologies introduced to the cell production line
   Support small process experiments, data collection, and basic statistical analysis
   Help summarize findings and contribute to experiment or improvement reports
   Support training activities for production line employees related to process awareness and standard work
   Work collaboratively with production, quality, equipment engineering, and manufacturing teams during daily operations
Requirements
Required Qualifications
   Bachelor's degree in Electrochemistry, Materials Science, Materials Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field
   0-2 years of relevant engineering experience (internships, co-ops, or academic project experience acceptable)
   Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, data analysis, and problem-solving methodologies
   Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and documentation accuracy
   Willingness to work in a factory or manufacturing environment
Preferred Qualifications
   Basic familiarity with lithium-ion battery principles and cell manufacturing processes
   Exposure to quality systems such as IATF 16949 or general process control methods
   Introductory knowledge of tools such as: 
o    Control Plans, PFMEA, SPC
o    APQP, MSA, or PPAP
   Academic or internship exposure to Six Sigma, 8D, or structured problem-solving tools
Core Competencies
   Process Learning & Analysis: Ability to understand manufacturing processes and analyze data with guidance
   Problem-Solving Support: Applies structured thinking to help identify and address process issues
   Team Collaboration: Works well with engineers, operators, and cross-functional partners
   Documentation & Organization: Strong written communication and procedural discipline
   Adaptability: Able to learn quickly in a fast-paced, ramp-up manufacturing environment
Growth & Development
This role provides structured training, hands-on manufacturing exposure, and mentorship from experienced process engineers. Successful incumbents may progress into a Process Engineer role as technical expertise, independence, and business impact grow.