Seed Conditioning Process Engineering Intern

Company Description

About Syngenta 

At Syngenta Seeds Field Crops, we're shaping the future of agriculture and empowering farmers to meet the ever-growing demand for food and fuel. We’re a global Ag Tech powerhouse, headquartered in the United States, with passionate, local experts collaborating with farmers to deliver solutions that create market opportunities.  We unite precision breeding, advanced biotechnology trait choice, and digital platforms for unmatched in-field performance.  Our seeds help mitigate risks such as disease, insect, weed, and extreme weather pressures, all while promoting sustainable farming practices that protect and enhance our planet. Join our mission of revolutionizing food security and transforming agriculture. 

Job Description

At Syngenta, our goal is to build the most collaborative and trustworthy team in agriculture, providing top-quality seeds and innovative crop protection solutions that improve farmers' success. We invite you to help shape the future of agriculture and play a role in safely feeding the world while caring for our planet.

Syngenta's Production & Supply Team is seeking a Seed Conditioning Process Engineering Intern in Slater, IA. This internship role will be exposed to research activities, allowing the intern to apply their academic background while developing skills in Design of Experiments, seed process design and improvement projects for seed handling and testing, data analysis, and ultimately gaining exposure to both Production & Supply plants, labs, and Research & Development at Syngenta.

As part of Syngenta's Emerging Talent Program, you will gain hands-on experience, exposure to day-to-day business operations, and opportunities to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges while developing your professional skills.

Duration: May 2027 – August 2027

Accountabilities:

• Accountability that all tasks and activities assigned are executed according to the Company’s Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures. Safety is Syngenta’s first priority.
• Develop a knowledgeable understanding of Hybrid Seed Production, with a focus on process engineering improvements and innovation within Seeds Production Research.
• Utilize innovative agriculture technologies and tools to drive efficiencies at conditioning plants and seed labs.
• Encourage an environment for creative thinking on process improvement in all aspects of Seeds Production Research.
• Lead and own responsibility for assigned projects and learn project management skills. Focus areas can comprise seed drying, handling, sorting, treating, packaging, and equipment testing for new technologies.
• Support internal trials and promote data-driven decisions through data analysis and statistics.
• Develop strong communication skills and visual management tools to promote concise and productive communication.
• Build a better understanding of the end-to-end seeds business through exposure and tours of other functions.
• Skills developed throughout the internship will culminate in a final report and presentation to key stakeholders and management of the assigned trial.
• Assist with the design and exploration of various optical tools for seed quality analysis, troubleshooting, and productivity improvements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications: 

• Requires a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Agronomy, Biology, Ag Business, Precision Agriculture, Ag Mechanized Systems, Ag Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or another closely related field of study.
• Must have a valid Driver's License.
• All applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

Desired Qualifications:

• A high level of communication (oral and/or written) is extremely important to keep the team organized and ensure high-quality project execution.
• Attention to detail and agility to adjust plans and execute accordingly.
• Independent, self-motivated, driven, and customer-focused individual able to produce high-quality data.
• Experience in Agriculture and/or Process Engineering is preferred but not required.

Additional Information

Salary for this position ranges between $20 - $45 hourly.

What We Offer: 

• A culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members. 
• ⁠Competitive wages
• Ongoing career development resources
• The opportunity to work on meaningful, innovative projects that solve problems

Syngenta is committed to creating a culture that celebrates belonging and collaboration, promotes professional development, and strives for a work-life balance that supports the team members 

Syngenta has been ranked as a top employer by Science Journal. Learn more about our team and our mission here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVCN_51GbNI 

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. 

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