1

Process Optimization Internship Jobs in Illinois

Project Engineer

Momence, IL ยท On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Hands-on involvement in equipment selection, facility improvements, process optimization, and production start-ups. * Opportunities to mentor engineering interns and contribute to the development of ...

Background in law or legal-adjacent work (e.g., paralegal experience, legal internships, law school ... process optimization. * Develop stronger financial operations knowledge, including budgeting ...

... business process optimization initiatives. * Building financial models, business cases, and ... Experience: 0-2 years of work experience, including internships. * Technical Skills: Proficiency in ...

Showing results 41-60

Process Optimization Internship information

What types of projects can I expect to work on during a process optimization internship?

As a Process Optimization Intern, you'll typically be involved in projects that analyze and improve operational workflows within the company. This may include mapping current processes, identifying inefficiencies, collecting and analyzing data, and proposing actionable solutions. Interns often collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as operations, engineering, and quality assurance, to gather insights and implement improvements. These hands-on projects provide valuable exposure to real-world problem-solving and can help build a foundation for a career in process improvement or operations management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a process optimization intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Optimization Intern, you need a solid understanding of process analysis, data interpretation, and problem-solving, often supported by coursework in industrial engineering, operations management, or related fields. Familiarity with tools like Microsoft Excel, process mapping software (such as Visio), and data analytics platforms is typically required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset help interns effectively collaborate with teams and identify improvement opportunities. These skills are crucial for analyzing current workflows and implementing solutions that enhance efficiency and productivity.

What is the difference between Process Optimization Internship vs Process Improvement Specialist?

AspectProcess Optimization InternshipProcess Improvement Specialist
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in engineering, business, or related fieldsBachelor's or master's in similar fields, with some certifications preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in corporate or manufacturing environmentsFull-time role in corporate, manufacturing, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in companies seeking interns to support process projectsFull-time position focused on analyzing and improving processes
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, learning-focused roleProfessional role with ongoing responsibilities

The Process Optimization Internship is an entry-level, temporary position designed for students or recent graduates gaining experience in process improvement. In contrast, a Process Improvement Specialist is a full-time professional responsible for analyzing and enhancing business processes. While both roles focus on process efficiency, the internship emphasizes learning and support, whereas the specialist role involves independent project management and strategic improvements.

What is a process optimization internship?

A Process Optimization Internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, where you assist organizations in analyzing and improving their business processes. Interns work under the guidance of experienced professionals to identify inefficiencies, suggest solutions, and sometimes help implement new strategies or technologies. This role often involves data analysis, process mapping, and collaboration with various departments to streamline operations and increase efficiency. Process Optimization Internships are common in industries like manufacturing, logistics, consulting, and finance. The goal is to gain practical experience while contributing to the organization's continuous improvement initiatives.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Optimization jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Process Optimization jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Process Optimization Internship jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Process Optimization Internship job openings:

$90K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is growing!

  • Expected Pay Range:$90K-$120K, exempt
  • Benefits Available:2026-benefits-summary.pdf

Who We Are

At Van Drunen Farms, we're not just providing ingredients; we're providing people with purpose and possibility. As a trusted partner in delivering fruit, vegetable, herb, and grain-based ingredient solutions to companies around the globe, we're striving to build a values-aligned workforce that embodies humility, integrity, passion, and excellence.

What You'll Do

  • Manage capital projects from planning through execution, including scope development, budgeting, scheduling, justification, and reporting.
  • Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Process Engineering, and Finance teams to develop project plans, ROI analyses, and project approvals.
  • Research, evaluate, and recommend equipment purchases while supporting facility modifications, equipment installations, and process improvements.
  • Coordinate contractors, internal resources, and project activities to ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget.
  • Oversee equipment start-ups and facility commissioning activities in collaboration with Production leadership.
  • Support engineering standards, project management processes, continuous improvement initiatives, and the development of interns and team members.

What You'll Bring

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent experience.
  • Two or more years of experience in a similar engineering role, with capital project management experience in a manufacturing environment.
  • Food manufacturing experience preferred.
  • Strong technical writing, presentation, communication, project management, and organizational skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook, MS Project, and 2D/3D CAD software.
  • Strong analytical, decision-making, collaboration, mentoring, and change management skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What You Can Look Forward To

  • An opportunity to lead impactful capital projects across multiple manufacturing facilities.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams focused on innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Hands-on involvement in equipment selection, facility improvements, process optimization, and production start-ups.
  • Opportunities to mentor engineering interns and contribute to the development of engineering standards and best practices.
  • A dynamic environment that encourages curiosity, learning, leadership, and professional growth.
  • Physical requirements that include standing, sitting, walking, reaching, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, and the ability to perform job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Disclaimer

  • The statements provided are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position.
  • They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, qualifications, or skills required.
  • Responsibilities and job requirements may change based on business needs.
  • Employees may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as required.

In the Van Drunen Family of Companies, commitment to excellence is in everything we do!As a global ingredient and nutritional supplement supplier to the world's best companies, we thrive on nourishing others with our products and our care for people. If you are looking to make an impact and grow with a family-friendly, values-driven company, you'll fit right in with the Van Drunen Family of Companies!

Our employees are the most valuable asset we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, creativity, innovation, unique capabilities and talent that our employees invest in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our Company's achievement as well.

The Van Drunen Family of Companies is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

If you are an individual with a disability in need of assistance or an accommodation during the application process, please contact us at recruiting@vandrunen.com.

Van Drunen Family of Companies may use artificial intelligence ("AI") in its recruitment and hiring process. To the extent AI is used, Van Drunen Family of Companies ensures that its use does not result in discrimination against applicants on the basis of any protected class.

Van Drunen Family of Companies does not accept unsolicited resumes. Any resumes, CV's, and other unsolicited assistance from search firms that do not have a submitted request and written search agreement for a position-specific requisition will be deemed the sole property of Van Drunen Family of Companies and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by our Company.

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran