AI & Data Scientist Intern at Ingredion

About Ingredion:

Join Ingredion, where innovation impacts lives worldwide! Without even realizing it, you’ve experienced our work in your favorite chocolate, your pet’s food, the paper you write on, and your everyday snacks. As a global powerhouse across more than 60 industries, we harness the potential of natural ingredients to transform lives. Whether you’re just starting your career or bringing years of experience, there's a place for you here to make a real difference. Be part of our team that values a wide range of perspectives and is committed to shaping a better world with every product we create.

Location: Westchester, IL

Workplace type: Hybrid

The AI & Data Scientist Intern will be assisting in the managing, designing, developing, and deploying of scalable and robust artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions for various business problems to enable digital transformation and innovation across various functions. This role demands a candidate with a strong background in AI/ML design, development and, architecture of AI/ML, technologies, and partnership with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

This role will collaborate with cross-functional teams to architect, design and document impactful solutions that optimize processes for the identified opportunities. This role will work with a team of AI/ML engineers, architects, consultants, and data scientists across all areas of Ingredion data science and AI, potentially including teams involved with crop science yields, factory reaction yield optimization, design of experiments in formulating new products, and demand forecasting.

What you will do:

Build prototype solutions using agentic AI frameworks to solve complex business problems to drive automated decision making such as order processing, forecasting projections, financial reconciliation, batch processing,
Analyze requirements for ML projects supporting Ingredion functional areas (demand planning, experimental ingredient formulations, manufacturing, yield management, and others) and translate them into ML solutions.
Review and advise project uses of AI/ML frameworks, tools, and platforms, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, R, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform.
Document and evolve best practices, standards, and processes for AI/ML development and deployment.
Test and validate solutions and ensure they meet the quality standards and expectations of the solution architecture and design.
Collaborate with data engineers, data scientists, business analysts, and stakeholders to understand the business needs, define the AI/ML objectives, and communicate the results and insights.
Monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of AI/ML solutions and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.
Research and evaluate the latest AI/ML techniques and algorithms and apply them to solve business problems.

What you will bring

Progression towards a Bachelor's degree or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, AI, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or related field.
Academic experience with AI/ML engineering, or related roles.
Proficient in one or more of the AI/ML programming languages
Strong knowledge and experience in AI/ML concepts, such as supervised and unsupervised learning, deep learning, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, etc.
Hands on experience with Claude, ChatGPT, MS CoPilot, Agentic Frameworks, MCP, PowerAutomate a plus
Hands-on experience in building and deploying AI/ML solutions using various frameworks, tools, and platforms, such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Experience in working with large and complex datasets, using SQL, NoSQL, or big data technologies, such as Hadoop, Spark, or Hive.
Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex AI/ML concepts and solutions to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Certification in AI/ML solutions & architecture or related fields is a plus.

To be eligible for consideration, candidates must:

Currently possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States. Ingredion does not intend to sponsor work visas with respect to this position or to provide this position as OPT or CPT.

Be a currently enrolled student in a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program. If currently enrolled in an undergrad status, must have completed at least two years of coursework with status as a sophomore, junior or non-graduating senior.

If you have completed your degree, please consider other opportunities with Ingredion, posted at ww.ingredion.com/careers.

Why Join Ingredion?

Discover why Ingredion is the ideal place to advance your career with our exception rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive. Create the future with us and enjoy:

Total Rewards Package – competitive hourly salary based on your degree program. Housing stipends offered to students relocating 51+ miles from the Ingredion work location
Internship Program Events & Activities – programming catered toward career exploration, networking, and professional development - including the annual Capstone Summit at Ingredion HQ in Westchester, IL
Intern Mentor Program – pairing with a mentor to guide development and integration in Ingredion’s culture
Involvement in Ingredion’s Business Resource Groups – the conscience of the organization and an integral part to Ingredion’s Inclusion & Belonging strategy
Employee Recognition Program – a culture of real-time appreciation, with personalized recognition rewards globally
Employee Discount Program – provides exclusive discounts on everyday products, services, and travel

Pay Range: $22-34/hour

#wayup

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Ingredion seeks to provide a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. We will not tolerate any form of discrimination based on race, color, religion, age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, handicap or disability—mental or physical—marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability resulting from military service, or any other classification protected by law (“protected classifications”). We are committed to establishing and maintaining a work environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Ingredion provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, we will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant's accommodation needs.

Ingredion uses AI-enabled tools to support parts of the recruitment process, including resume screening and interview scheduling. These tools help match candidate skills to job requirements and streamline communication. All AI-assisted decisions are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team to ensure fairness and compliance with applicable laws. By applying, you acknowledge that AI may be used to support your application journey.

Relocation Available:

This pay rate is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Final base salary will be determined based on several factors which may include but are not limited to responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data and applicable bargaining agreement (if any).

Benefits:

Full-time roles are eligible for our comprehensive benefits package which includes medical, dental and vision coverage as well as a 401(k) plan with a competitive company match .