Engineering Intern

Ensign-Bickford Aerospace & Defense; Aurora (MO); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Mentorship and feedback

Lunch & Learn sessions with senior/els

Job summary

AFB International is seeking a highly motivated Engineering Intern to join our Aurora, MO manufacturing operations team for a 12‑week summer program. You will work closely with experienced professionals to support process improvement and key engineering projects.

As an intern, you’ll gain hands-on experience with lean manufacturing, Kaizen, and process flow mapping while contributing to real-world initiatives and mentorship from senior leaders.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Completion of sophomore year or higher by the internship start date.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with statistical analysis tools is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze production and process data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
• Conduct root cause analyses and support implementation of corrective actions.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on process efficiency and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects.
• Assist in tracking and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs).

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Self-motivated

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, or Electrical Engineering

Sophomore year completed

GPA 3.0 or higher

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

PowerPoint

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

About Us

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide.

About Us At Ensign-Bickford Industries (EBI), innovation and excellence drive everything we do. As a global leader across multiple industries, we’re committed to developing top-tier talent for the future. AFB International, part of the EBI family, is a global leader in palatant manufacturing for the pet food industry, dedicated to enhancing the taste and nutrition of pet foods worldwide. Through our structured internship program, we invest in the next generation of engineers and innovators by providing real-world experience and professional development opportunities.

Internship Program Overview

Our 12-week summer internship offers more than just a project — it's a launchpad for your career. Interns at AFB are given the opportunity to work on meaningful assignments that make a direct impact on our business. You'll gain hands‑on experience with lean manufacturing, process optimization, and continuous improvement methodologies such as Kaizen and process flow mapping.

Position Summary

AFB International is seeking a highly motivated Engineering Intern to join our manufacturing operations team at our Aurora, MO facility. As an intern, you will work closely with experienced professionals to support process improvement efforts and contribute to key engineering and operational excellence projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Collect and analyze production and process data to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Conduct root cause analyses and support implementation of corrective actions
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams on process efficiency and quality improvement initiatives
• Participate in Kaizen events and continuous improvement projects
• Assist in tracking and reporting key performance indicators (KPIs)

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical Engineering, or a related field
• Completion of sophomore year or higher by the internship start date
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with statistical analysis tools is a plus

Program Benefits

• Real‑world projects with measurable business outcomes
• Dedicated mentorship and performance feedback
• Lunch & Learn sessions with senior leaders and executives
• Social and networking events with peers and professionals
• Exposure to leadership at all levels of the organization
• Competitive compensation, including housing allowance

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.

For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents.

Headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, USA, AFB has offices and production facilities strategically positioned around the globe in the United States, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands, China, and Australia. Our organization is comprised of a variety of departments including research & development, manufacturing & operations, quality assurance and sales & marketing. AFB is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc., a privately‑held, family‑owned, professionally managed technical business that traces its roots back more than 175 years.

Above all else, AFB International values its employees, its customers, the animals they serve and the communities in which we do business.

AFB's global headquarters instituted a dog‑friendly workplace, and the benefits have far exceeded our expectations! The biggest changes we have noticed around the office are: Having dogs here makes us move! Now we have a reason to get up and take a walk outside for some fresh air. It’s amazing how we don’t do this when we are alone but leave it to Fido to make us get up and get in a little exercise. Having dogs here makes us talk! Who needs an icebreaker when you see fellow colleagues walking their beloved pooch? How can you walk by a wagging tail? The dogs make you stop and say hi. Many relationships have been strengthened by having dogs at work. Having dogs here makes us happy! In a fast‑paced workplace, it’s easy to get lost in the daily grind. It’s amazing how many colleagues swing by the office of someone with a pet just to get some fur therapy. They put a smile on your face and remind you to not sweat the small stuff.