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Process Operator Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Eng I, Process Eng

Longview, WA ยท On-site

$75.23K - $152.38K/yr

Process engineers provide technical assistance to the operating departments to help drive and ... Work experience in the paper industry or similar industry through an internship or co-op preferred

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

Business Process Analysis Internship Country: Italy Chi siamo? Santander Italia fa parte del solido ... operative; * analisi di dati e KPI utili al monitoraggio delle performance di processo ...

Process Engineer

Youngwood, PA ยท On-site

$60K - $95K/yr

Develop training material and implement/oversee process-related training of operators * Document ... May supervise interns or co-op students. QUALIFICATIONS: * BS in relevant engineering field ...

Develop training material and implement/oversee process-related training of operators * Document ... May supervise interns or co-op students. QUALIFICATIONS: * BS in relevant engineering field ...

Contribute to process documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and reports * Support ... Internship, co-op, or academic project experience in polymer or chemical manufacturing

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Process Operator Internship information

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How much do process operator internship jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator internship in the United States is $22.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Operator Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Operator Intern, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, attention to safety protocols, and often a background in engineering or technical studies. Familiarity with process control systems, safety equipment, and data logging software is typical, and some roles may require OSHA or industry-specific safety certifications. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help interns quickly adapt and contribute to team objectives. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in an industrial setting.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for interns in a Process Operator Internship?

As a Process Operator Intern, you will typically assist with monitoring, controlling, and troubleshooting industrial processes under the supervision of experienced operators. Interns often support routine inspections, collect and analyze samples, and help maintain equipment logs. This role offers valuable hands-on exposure to process control systems, safety protocols, and teamwork within manufacturing or production environments. Interns also gain insight into industry regulations and have opportunities to ask questions and learn from seasoned professionals, which can be a strong foundation for future full-time roles.

What is a Process Operator Internship?

A Process Operator Internship is a hands-on training program designed for students or recent graduates interested in learning how to operate and monitor industrial equipment and processes in manufacturing or production environments. Interns work under the supervision of experienced process operators and engineers to gain practical experience in areas such as equipment operation, safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting. The internship helps participants understand the workflow of production facilities and prepares them for entry-level roles in industries like chemical, oil and gas, food processing, or pharmaceuticals. It also provides valuable insights into workplace safety and process optimization.

What is the difference between Process Operator Internship vs Process Operator?

AspectProcess Operator InternshipProcess Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some technical training or courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, training-focused environment in manufacturing or processing plantsFull-time, operational environment with hands-on responsibilities in industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by manufacturing, chemical, or energy companies for training purposesFull-time roles in similar industries, responsible for operating equipment and ensuring safety

The Process Operator Internship is a training position designed to provide hands-on experience and industry exposure, often for students or entry-level candidates. In contrast, a Process Operator is a full-time role with operational responsibilities, requiring more experience and certifications. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a full Process Operator.

What cities are hiring for Process Operator Internship jobs? Cities with the most Process Operator Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Process Operator Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Process Operator Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Process Operator Internship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 10% Full Time, 84% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,141 per year, or $22.2 per hour.
Eng I, Process Eng

Eng I, Process Eng

Westrock

Longview, WA โ€ข On-site

$75.23K - $152.38K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

General Information
Job ID
ATR59189
Posting Job Title
Process Engineer
Locations
WA Longview Mill
Employment Type
Full Time
Date Posted
20-Mar-2026
Relocation Support
Yes
Description & Requirements
Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.
The Opportunity:
Process Engineers are responsible for understanding, optimizing and managing from the technical perspective a process operating area and its assets. This job opportunity involves all of the process engineer traditional bodies of work, including solving problems regarding process reliability, waste reduction, operating efficiency, product quality, effective use of raw materials, and equipment efficiency for the operating area. Process engineers provide technical assistance to the operating departments to help drive and achieve the mill's goals and objectives for production schedule adherence, cost, and product quality in safe, environmentally sound, and sustainable manner.
How you will impact Smurfit Westrock:
  • Use material balances to identify process problems with transmitters and other equipment
  • Serve as the owner and subject matter expert for the process area historian; PI-AF and Vision, including monitoring views, operating graphics, and pertinent process efficiency calculations.
  • Ensuring that all data and documentation is accurate and up to date.
  • Update and develop as needed process models and forecasting tools. This includes modeling change to predict future outcomes.
  • Perform daily checks of production output and contributing factors
  • Determine and implement process changes and/or trials to improve operating efficiency and performance and minimize variation
  • Partner with operations, E&I, and Process Control Engineers to understand all processes and how teams and individuals are involved and impacted at each step
  • Provide operators, other managers, and salaried employees with analytical support and problem-solving related to operating processes
  • Drive continuous process improvement within an operating area through the coordination and management of raw material and other process trials (e.g., using an ingredient or process aid/chemical)
  • Develop Process Book pages to capture insight into processes and equipment, including the creation of new PI tags (e.g., flow, pressure, temperature, and mode on the equipment)
  • Troubleshoot unit operations, including pumps, control valves, heat exchangers, and reactor performance.
  • Track and analyze data related to any trials, changes and continual production information to inform recommendations and decisions
  • Gather and cleanse production and process data and perform statistical/analytical tests to uncover important variables and their impacts
  • Generate production reporting, create process monitoring reports, and perform daily troubleshooting of the process

What you need:
  • Bachelor's degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or related engineering degree required.
  • Experience in process and continuous engineering in a paper mill or related manufacturing environment determines the level we bring you in.
  • VBA training preferred
  • Work experience in the paper industry or similar industry through an internship or co-op preferred
  • Proficient computer skills including experience Microsoft Office - Excel (including script and VBA macros), Outlook, PowerPoint, Word.
  • Excellent problem-solving ability.
  • Ability to communicate effectively across all departments.
  • Regularly communicate process-related data to operations and management in an easily consumable manner.
  • Deliver presentations to operations team and leadership providing an executive-level summary of Process Excellence projects.

Compensation Offered
  • Pay (or pay range): $75,225 - $152,375 DOE (Junior, Intermediate, Senior levels)
  • Bonus/Commission Eligible: Yearly Short-Term Incentive Program (STIP) Bonus based off metrics

Benefits Offered
Smurfit Westrock offers a variety of benefits and group health insurance options, the premium costs of which are currently shared by employees and WestRock (e.g., health, dental, vision, disability, flexible spending account, HSA, life insurance, paid time off, employee assistance program, matching 401K).
What we offer:
  • Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
  • Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
  • An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
  • A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
The salary range for this position is $69,375.00 - $115,625.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at Smurfit Westrock External Careers and the application window is expected to close by 30-Jun-2026.