Engineering Co-Op/ Summer Internship

Feed Energy Company; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Feed Energy Company is seeking a Plant Engineering Co-op/Intern to join the Plant Engineering Team and support manufacturing operations, capital projects, and process improvements. The role provides hands-on exposure to chemical and mechanical systems, automation, and project execution in a real-world plant setting.

You will collaborate with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and EHS teams to solve practical challenges, while gaining valuable experience in DeltaV DCS, instrumentation, and

Qualifications

• Currently a junior or senior pursuing an engineering degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Agricultural, Industrial, Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
• Demonstrates strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking abilities.
• Shows interest in manufacturing, process engineering, project engineering, automation, or plant operations.

Responsibilities

• Assist with engineering projects aimed at improving safety, reliability, quality, capacity, and efficiency.
• Support planning, execution, and implementation of capital improvement projects.
• Participate in field investigations, equipment inspections, and engineering studies.
• Perform engineering calculations, equipment evaluations, and technical analyses.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, procedures, PFDs/P&IDs, and drawings.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Interest in manufacturing

Education

Junior or senior in Engineering (Chemical/Mechanical/Industrial/Electrical/CS)

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

Description

The Plant Engineering Co-op/ Inter will work directly with Feed Energy's Plant Engineering Team to support manufacturing operations, capital projects, process improvements, equipment reliability initiatives, and continuous improvement efforts.

This role provides hands-on exposure to process engineering, project engineering, mechanical systems, automation, process controls, operations support, and capital project execution. The successful candidate will work alongside Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, and Environmental Health & Safety teams to solve practical business challenges while developing valuable industry experience.

In addition to traditional plant engineering responsibilities, the position may provide exposure to industrial automation systems, including DeltaV Distributed Control Systems (DCS), instrumentation, control strategies, and process optimization initiatives that support operational excellence across Feed Energy's facilities.

About Feed Energy

Feed Energy works at the intersection of feed, fuel, and agriculture, building a nearly four-decade legacy of stewardship across multiple industries. We support how America nourishes its people and powers its economy. Our team is committed to innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth as we continue to expand our impact in the circular and low-carbon economy.

Engineering plays a critical role in supporting the safety, reliability, efficiency, and growth of our operations. We are seeking a motivated and hands-on engineering student who is eager to apply classroom knowledge in a real-world manufacturing environment.

Requirements

What You Will Do:

• Support engineering projects focused on improving safety, reliability, quality, capacity, and operational efficiency.
• Assist with the planning, execution, and implementation of capital improvement projects.
• Participate in field investigations, equipment inspections, and engineering studies.
• Perform engineering calculations, equipment evaluations, and technical analyses.
• Develop and maintain engineering documentation, operating procedures, process flow diagrams, and technical drawings.
• Support commissioning and startup activities for new equipment installations and process modifications.
• Participate in continuous improvement activities and root cause investigations.
• Assist with asset reliability and preventive maintenance improvement programs.
• Support automation and process control projects, including opportunities to work with DeltaV Distributed Control Systems (DCS).
• Assist with process monitoring, data collection, and control system improvement initiatives.
• Participate in troubleshooting, testing, and commissioning activities related to automation and control systems.
• Support the implementation and optimization of plant control strategies to improve safety, reliability, and operational performance.
• Prepare technical reports, project updates, and engineering presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve project and operational objectives.

What You Need:

• Junior or senior in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Computer science.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
• Interest in manufacturing, process engineering, project engineering, automation, or plant operations.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and industrial plant environments.
• Exposure to AutoCAD, Solid works or similar software