Application & Tech Center Co-Op

Location: Janesville

GEA Group, founded in Germany in 1881, is a global leader in engineering solutions, serving industries such as food and beverage, pharma, dairy, and more. With over 18,000 employees worldwide and a strong U.S. presence since 1929, GEA combines the heritage of a well-established company with the innovation of a forward-thinking industry leader. At GEA, we’re not just building equipment, we’re building lasting careers with an average employee tenure range from 8 + years, reflecting the strong culture, growth opportunities, and support we provide.

Responsibilities / Tasks

The Application & Technology Center (ATC) Engineering Co-op is a temporary work-and-learn opportunity for students interested in food, beverage, biotechnology, and process engineering. Working alongside the Senior Biotechnologist, New Food Technical Director, and Test Center Manager, the co-op will gain hands-on experience in pilot plant operations, process development, and equipment troubleshooting.

The co-op will support customer test trials by assisting with equipment setup, operation, process monitoring, data collection, and technical documentation. Additional responsibilities include equipment cleaning and maintenance, test preparation, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

This role is highly hands-on and requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn. The co-op will also complete one or more engineering projects focused on process improvement, automation, equipment enhancement, or application data generation, contributing to the capabilities and efficiency of the ATC.

The ideal candidate is organized, self-motivated, and interested in pursuing a career in food, beverage, biotechnology, or process engineering.

This position is expected to last approximately eight months, spanning one academic semester and the summer term. Flexible scheduling may be available during the semester for students attending classes; however, a minimum availability of 20 hours per week is required. Full-time availability is expected during the summer term.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

Completes major project to support new ideation, install an updated workflow, or an automation improvement that will enhance the ATC.

Monitor the operation of pilot plant equipment in conformance with test requirements (bioreactors, fermenters, thermal processing systems (UHT), vacuum mixers, dryers, membrane filtration, aseptic processes, special equipment, utility systems, etc.) making appropriate adjustments per test requirements

Monitor/repair/assemble test station equipment as directed

Clean pilot plant and its equipment to maintain good operating order

Assist in preparing shipping requests, recording shipments, documenting inventory of plant consumables and safety equipment

Comply with internal and external QHSE requirements (Including: Training, Waste disposal, record keeping, etc.)

Collect and organize data on operating conditions and log of operations for use in generating a final test report

Contribute to team effort by completing all tasks as may be assigned by the supervisor

Your Profile / Qualifications

Required Skills/Abilities

Good verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work in a team atmosphere

Must be able to monitor several operations/factors simultaneously

Working knowledge of MS Office products required

Must be able to maintain confidentiality

This description is not designed to cover an all-inclusive list of skills, abilities, or responsibilities required of the incumbent.  Responsibilities, skills, and abilities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Key Accountabilities

Impact on Business                         Predominantly delivers - follows defined standards.

Innovation and Change                  Predominantly proposes minor changes in existing processes or products.

Main Communication Partners     Predominantly communicates with others within the organization.

Decision-Making Powers               Predominantly supports decision-making.

Education and Experience: Enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program in Chemical Engineering, Bioprocess Engineering, Biotechnology, or related field. Must be at credit level of a Junior or above.

The typical base pay range for this position at the start of employment is expected to be between TBA per hour. GEA Group has different base pay ranges for different work locations within the United States.

At GEA, we don’t just offer jobs, we offer opportunities to thrive, grow, and make an impact.

#engineeringforthebetter

Please note: This position is based in the United States and does not offer visa or work sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

GEA Group is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment where all clients and employees feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

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