R&D Engineering Intern

Louis Dreyfus Company is a leading merchant and processor of agricultural goods. Our activities span the entire value chain from farm to fork, across a broad range of business lines, we leverage our global reach and extensive asset network to serve our customers and consumers around the world. Structured as a matrix organization of six geographical regions and ten platforms, Louis Dreyfus Company is active in over 100 countries and employs approximately 18,000 people globally.

Overall Purpose and Objective of Position

This position is that of a Research & Development Engineering Intern to work with the Research & Development team on various lab-scale and pilot plant-scale operations. Plenty of hands-on work with operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting pilot plant and laboratory process equipment. 

Primary Responsibilities/Essential Functions

Main responsibilities:  

• Set up, operate, and accurately record pilot process operations 
• Run basic analytical chemistry tests and measurements 
• Perform routine CIP (clean-in-place) and COP (clean-out-of-place) procedures of process equipment 
• Understand and execute tasks as directed and as laid out in standard operating procedures 
• Carry out basic troubleshooting of equipment in assigned areas 
• Keep order and hygiene in all areas 
• Practice LDC’s safety standards at all times  

Role requirements: 

• A genuine desire to work in plant-based ingredients and food space 
• Capacity to work independently within defined experimental frame  
• Excellent hands-on skills and proven problem-solving mindset 
• Great capacity to learn quickly and perform in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to solve complex problems and make decisions with a data-driven approach and a goal-oriented mentality 
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to contribute effectively as an individual and collaborate as part of a team 
• Demonstrated communication skills to provide feedback for continuous process improvement purposes  
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• Commitment to safety, health, and environment (SHE) 

Company Conformance Statements

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with co-workers, Company business associates and the general public.
• Work together in a cooperative spirit to serve the best interests of the Company.
• Operate in a fully responsible manner and comply with the law and Company policy.

Equipment Used

• Typical office equipment: PC, printer/scanner.
• Basic laboratory equipment

Working Conditions

• Interacts closely with personnel in other departments and Company locations.
• Interacts closely with middle and senior management personnel.
• Extensions of regular working hours are occasionally necessary to complete time-sensitive projects or to respond to emergencies.

Employee Supervision

• No supervisory responsibilities. 

Decision Making/Accountability

• Handle and report issues or questions as directed by Livermore facility Management.  Prioritizes personal workload throughout the day to ensure meeting of deadlines.

Education/Professional Certifications/Licenses

Basic qualification:

• Pursing bachelor’s degree in chemical or food engineering or relevant field.

Experience

Basic qualification:

• Hands on experience in a pilot or manufacturing environment preferred but not required.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities (including any physical demands)

Basic qualifications:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with spreadsheet and word-processing software (e.g., Excel, Word, Powerpoint).
• Strong organization abilities.
• Excellent attendance.
• Ability to work with people at all levels of the organization 
• Strong documentation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks to meet strict monthly deadlines.
• Proactively approaches job duties and potential problems.
• Detail oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Basic laboratory ettiquete & skills.

What We Offer

We provide a dynamic and stimulating international environment, which will stretch and develop your abilities and channel your skills and expertise with outstanding career development opportunities in one of the largest and most solid private companies in the world.

- Comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental and vision care coverage, flexible spending account plans, employee assistance program, life insurance and disability coverage
- 401k with Company Match
- Family Friendly Benefits including childbirth and parental leave, fertility and family building benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Paid Holidays
- Flexible work available (not applicable to all roles)

Diversity & Inclusion

LDC is driven by a set of shared values and high ethical standards, with diversity and inclusion being part of our DNA. LDC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion.

LDC encourages diversity, supports local communities and environmental initiatives. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Equal employment opportunity (EEO)

Louis Dreyfus Company 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.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Sustainability

Sustainable value is at the heart of our purpose as a company.

We are passionate about creating fair and sustainable value, both for our business and for other value chain stakeholders: our people, our business partners, the communities we touch and the environment around us