Engineering Automation Internship Summer 2027

Peco Foods, Inc.; West Point (MS); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Peco Foods, Inc. offers an Engineering Automation Internship of 10–12 weeks, late May to early August, in a poultry processing facility. You will work alongside experienced professionals on automation projects, gaining hands-on experience with control systems and manufacturing technologies.

This role emphasizes practical skills, teamwork, and a pathway to future opportunities in modern manufacturing. You will explore industrial automation, support plant operations, and develop problem-solving

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled full-time in college.
• Pursuing a degree in mechanical, electrical, mechatronics, industrial, or automation engineering.
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and teamwork abilities.
• Interest in automation and manufacturing technologies.

Responsibilities

• Assist with engineering and automation projects in a poultry processing facility.
• Learn PLCs, sensors, robotics, and automated systems.
• Analyze processes, troubleshoot equipment, and suggest improvements.
• Present recommendations to plant leadership.
• Work across shifts in a real-world production environment.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Industrial Engineering

Automation Engineering

Engineering Technology

Tools

PLC systems

Sensors

Robotics

Automation hardware

Job description

Internship Duration: 10–12 Weeks | Late May – Early August

Interested in exploring a career in engineering, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing? Peco Foods' Summer Internship Program offers college students hands-on experience with engineering and automation systems in a poultry processing facility.

As an Engineering Automation Intern, you'll work alongside experienced professionals, explore industrial equipment and automated systems, and contribute to projects that improve efficiency, reliability, and plant performance. You'll gain practical technical skills, apply classroom knowledge, and explore career opportunities in modern manufacturing.

What You'll Experience

• Gain hands-on engineering experience by exploring how automated equipment, control systems, and manufacturing technologies support plant operations.

• Explore industrial automation through exposure to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, robotics, and other automated systems.

• Develop technical and problem-solving skills by assisting with equipment troubleshooting, process evaluations, data analysis, and performance improvements.

• Make a meaningful impact by contributing to an engineering or automation improvement project and presenting recommendations to plant leadership.

• Understand manufacturing operations by learning how equipment reliability, automation, safety, and continuous improvement drive plant performance.

• Grow professionally through coaching, feedback, and collaboration with experienced engineering and manufacturing professionals.

• Experience a real-world production environment through assignments that may involve varying shifts, extended periods of standing or walking, and other physically active tasks.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for motivated, technically minded college students who are eager to learn, take initiative, and gain practical engineering experience.

Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled full-time in college during the semester preceding the internship.

• Upcoming sophomore, junior, senior, or grad student in good academic standing.

• Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.

• Effective communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.

• Computer proficiency, technical aptitude, and an interest in automation and manufacturing technologies.

• Attention to detail, initiative, and a willingness to learn.

Start Building Your Future with Peco Foods!

At Peco Foods, we believe some of the most valuable learning happens through experience. Our Summer Internship Program offers the opportunity to build practical skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain valuable insight into careers in engineering, automation, and advanced manufacturing.