Engineering Internship

KLN Family Brands; Perham (MN); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Full time

Job summary

KLN Family Brands/Tuffy’s Pet Foods in Perham, MN invites college juniors and seniors to an Engineering Internship for Summer 2027. You will work with the Plant Engineer and the operations teams on capital projects, plant utilities, and equipment improvements, gaining practical design and manufacturing experience.

You will develop 2D/3D CAD models, create 3D-printed components, document data, and collaborate with engineering, maintenance, and external contractors.

Qualifications

• Junior in college pursuing a degree in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Able to commit 10-12 weeks in Summer 2027.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work in a team atmosphere.
• On-site at Perham, MN facility for the summer.

Responsibilities

• Support capital projects, plant utilities, and equipment improvements under the Plant Engineer.
• Collect field data and perform engineering calculations.
• Analyze plant utility data and update records.
• Develop 2D and 3D CAD models for engineering needs.
• Design and produce 3D-printed components, prototypes, and tools.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Education

Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering (junior)

Tools

CAD (2D/3D)

3D printing

Job description

Internship

KLN Family Brands/Tuffy's Pet Foods

College Juniors and Seniors…We’re looking for you!

OurStory

KLN Family Brands is a 3 rd generation family-owned business that started in 1964 with its corporate headquarters located in Perham, MN, in the heart of MN lakes country. Together, our companies manufacture a diverse and expanding range of high-quality human and pet food products.

At KLN Family Brands, our vision is that “We are a proud people-first company. We are successful because of trust-based relationships, and first-rate products for our families and friends. We better the world by caring for others. We challenge. We grow. We inspire.”

That’s not who we are at KLN Family Brands, and that’s not what we do. We tell the story of our brand – our people, the quality & safety of our products, our tradition & trust, our bold innovation, and the way we treat our community & beyond. We do it in a genuine way because we genuinely believe we’re a pretty amazing company.

We’re looking for an Engineering Intern for the summer of 2027 that is serious about a career in manufacturing. If you are willing to learn from the best and have a desire to participate in the growth of some of the fastest growing brands in the pet food industry, you’ve stumbled upon the right job.

The Opportunity

As an Engineering Intern, you’ll work closely with our Plant Engineer and the entire operations teams.

Daily Duties and Responsibilities:

• Work under the direction of the Plant Engineer to support capital projects, plant utilities, equipment improvements, and other engineering initiatives. Responsibilities may include:
  • Collecting and documenting field data
  • Performing engineering calculations and analyses
  • Analyzing plant utility data and usage
  • Maintaining project documentation and tracking progress
  • Updating drawings and equipment records
  • Conducting vendor research
  • Providing field support
• Collaborate closely with engineering, maintenance, operations, and external contractors to support safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations, and support the completion of capital projects
• Identify operational bottlenecks and develop recommendations
• Develop 2D and 3D CAD models and designs to support engineering and manufacturing needs
• Design and produce 3D-printed components, prototypes, and tools

You Will Learn Things Like:

• Innovation and creativity
• Goal setting and KPI measurement
• Analytical and critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Oral and written communication
• Teamwork and leadership

What You’ll Need to Be Successful at KLN Family Brands/Tuffy’s Pet Foods :

• At least a Junior in college pursuing a degree in in Industrial, Manufacturing, or Mechanical Engineering
• The ability to dedicate 10-12 weeks to the internship program for the summer of 2027
• A positive attitude and willingness to learn
• The ability to work in a team atmosphere and be a great co-worker
• The ability to work on-site at our Perham, MN facility for the summer

Compensation

The starting hourly rate of pay is $17.94 and will be a percentage of industry standards based on typical full-time starting salaries, and will depend on your year in school and timeline to graduation.

Potential

Interns who demonstrate exceptional performance and a passion for our business may have the opportunity for full-time employment upon graduation.