Process Engineering Co-Op (May/June - December 2026)

PROCESS ENGINEERING CO-OP 2026

Marshall, MN

May/June - December 2026 (9-month experience)

**Must be available full-time for the entirety of the co-op program**

At CJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors, and timeless desserts from brands like Red Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and the power of food to bring people together.

Your Co-op Experience

• Dynamic 9-Month Co-op: Dive into a hands-on experience with real-world projects that align with your studies and make a real impact.
• Take Charge of Strategic Projects: Own exciting, high-stakes initiatives with direct relevance to your coursework and gain invaluable experience that goes beyond the classroom.
• A Culture of Care: Join a company that prioritizes your health, safety, and well-being, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.
• Guidance from Industry Experts: Receive guidance from skilled, genuine, and good-natured team members who are invested in your success.
  
  

Your Impact

• Process Development & Innovation: Investigating, testing, and refining new or advanced food processing techniques to support product innovation.
• Automation & Technology: Implementing and supporting new automated process technologies and equipment for improved production efficiency.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with R&D, manufacturing, and operations engineering teams to drive process improvements, optimize performance, and implement cost-saving strategies.
• Data Collection & Analysis: Gathering and analyzing production data using basic statistical methods to make data-driven improvements in processes.
• Process & Equipment Commercialization: Supporting the development and introduction of new processes and technologies into manufacturing facilities, both internally and with co-packers.
• Cost Savings & Efficiency: Identifying and leading major cost-saving initiatives involving process methodologies and new technologies.
• Hands-on Learning: Opportunities for hands-on learning through shadowing process development engineers and potential travel to other manufacturing plants.
• Documentation & Reporting: Accurately documenting project progress, results, and insights, while preparing detailed reports to communicate findings.
• Innovation Projects: Participating in innovation projects to explore new ways of improving existing processing methods and technologies.
  
  

What You Bring

• Education: Current enrollment with junior or senior standing in undergraduate or graduate degree program majoring in Chemical, Mechanical, Industrial, or Food Engineering. GPA of 3.0 preferred. Recent graduates welcome!
• Years of Experience: 1-2 years of related experience – must have prior co-op or internship experience.
• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
• Proficient in process capability studies, Six Sigma, process mapping, and statistical control.
• Strong communication, organizational, and self-motivational skills, with the ability to work independently & in teams.
• Intermediate mathematical skills and advanced proficiency in PC applications (CAD, spreadsheets, statistical analysis).
• Familiarity with Lean practices and flexibility for a 24-hour operation.
• Ability to lead projects, present to management, and maintain a strong commitment to safety.
  

What We Offer

The compensation range for this position is $28.00 - $35.00/hr. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting wage may fall anywhere within the stated range.

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email career.search@schwans.com.