Chemical Engineering Intern

Chemical Engineering Internship - Paper Mill Division

Location Valparaiso, IN

Duration: 10 to 12+ Weeks (May 2026 – August 2026)

Division: Paper Mill

Summary: Make a Direct Impact

Join our Paper Mill Division in Valparaiso, Indiana for a dynamic internship experience focused on continuous improvement and product quality. This role is designed to immerse you in our complex manufacturing processes, allowing you to apply classroom knowledge directly to real-world challenges.

You will contribute to product development and quality assurance through rigorous testing and insightful data analysis. The ultimate goal is to leverage your chemical engineering knowledge to identify and implement process enhancements that improve both efficiency and the end product. You will be paired with a dedicated local champion who will provide mentorship, guidance, and support throughout the entire program.

Key Responsibilities & Learning Opportunities

This internship offers hands-on experience in a fast-paced industrial environment where safety is the top priority.

• Process Optimization: Continuously assess product quality metrics and operational efficiencies to identify areas for improvement.
• Problem Resolution: Collaborate with process, maintenance, and plant engineering teams to troubleshoot and resolve complex operating problems.
• Data Analysis: Conduct statistical studies and quickly analyze operational data to support objective decision-making and process review.
• Documentation & Compliance: Update and maintain critical Process Safety Information (PSI), including P&ID’s, PFD’s, and Safe Operating Limit Documentation (SOL’s).
• Procedure Development: Assist in writing and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and training manuals.
• Engineering Support: Provide essential engineering support to various departments as required.
• Project Presentation: Deliver periodic updates and a final comprehensive presentation to the department, summarizing key learnings and project outcomes.

Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Education: Currently enrolled in a degree program related to Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, or Paper Science.
• Skills: Demonstrated ability to be self-reliant, self-directed, and committed to project execution. Must possess excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Mindset: A strong spirit of curiosity and a proactive willingness to learn, grow, and influence others in a team setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a manufacturing or heavy industrial environment is a plus.

Workplace Environment & Requirements

• Mathematical/Reasoning: Ability to understand and utilize algebraic formulas and simple conversions, along with the capacity to apply common sense to execute written, oral, or graphic instructions in standardized situations.
• Work Environment: Role takes place in a manufacturing setting, requiring attention to safety protocols due to exposure to moving mechanical parts, loud noises, chemicals, electrical currents, and extreme temperatures.
• Physical Requirements: The ability to perform tasks that may involve climbing, standing, walking, reaching, and occasionally lifting in excess of 50 pounds (heavy lifting).

Performance will be measured based on the established goals and successful project deliverables outlined in the internship program overview.

Unpack your Career

We innovate to create packaging solutions that protect and deliver the products people need.

It’s what we do.

Doing it in a sustainable, responsible way. 

That’s who we are.

Our entrepreneurial spirit and focus on doing the right thing has always guided us, and we’re seeking visionaries and innovators to design, manufacture, sell, and transport our packaging at Pratt Industries.

Feel what it’s like to make a lasting contribution to the environment, and build a future with the Pratt team.

Sustainable careers start here

Pratt Industries is America’s 5th largest corrugated packaging company and the world’s largest, privately-held producer of 100% recycled containerboard, with more than 9000 highly-skilled, green-collar employees dedicated to the environment and sustainability. Pratt Industries was founded in the USA more than 30 years ago and, since then, has shown dramatic growth with sophisticated manufacturing facilities in more than 27 states. The company operates several of the most modern, cost effective paper mills in the country, as well as a series of sheet and box plants strategically placed throughout the United States offering a wide range of creative packaging solutions. Pratt Industries is committed to recycling and the environment by harvesting the urban forest.