Process Engineering Intern - Summer 2026

Who are Lesaffre and Red Star Yeast?

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing!

Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3-billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being and improve plant nutrition.

This Internship is within our Red Star team. The Red Star Yeast production facility in Cedar Rapids is a joint venture of Lesaffre and Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM). The company is in the business of manufacturing, marketing, selling and distributing yeast and related products primarily in the U.S. and Canada. Red Star Yeast Company, LLC, part of the global Lesaffre group, operates yeast manufacturing plants in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Dothan, Alabama.

Our Core Values: Passion, respect, trust, entrepreneurship, and humility

What this Internship offers:

As a Process Engineering Intern, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact on our operations, working alongside our talented team of process engineers, maintenance engineers, and project managers.

Throughout your internship, you'll provide operational support to our Compressed Yeast and Nutritional departments, tackling a variety of capital and continuous improvement projects. Collaborating cross-functionally, you'll identify solutions to reduce recurring process disruptions and equipment failures.

Reporting directly to our Production Manager, you'll gain hands-on experience translating business needs into actionable plans. And on occasion, you may also receive work direction from our Technical Manager and department Superintendents, broadening your perspective on the inner workings of our manufacturing facility.

Beyond the day-to-day work, you'll also learn to navigate our site-specific rules and regulations, developing a well-rounded understanding of our operations. If you're an aspiring engineer eager to apply your skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, this internship will provide an unmatched journey of professional development.

Required qualifications:

• Must be currently pursuing or have already received a degree in Chemical Engineering
• Proficient in applying advanced mathematical concepts and engineering principles
• Ability to read technical drawings and prioritize/organize tasks
• Computer proficient and able to work with limited supervision
• Strong communication and customer service skills
• Mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting abilities
• Technical writing and data analysis skills

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.