Maintenance and Reliability Intern

Perdue Farms, Inc.; Bridgewater (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Networking events with fellow interns

Mentor program

Learning workshops

Travel to Perdue locations (Innovation

Housing stipend

Job summary

Perdue Foods invites you to join its Maintenance team for a 10–12 week Maintenance & Reliability Internship. You will work with maintenance and operations teams on projects supporting equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement, applying your academic knowledge to real business challenges.

You will gain exposure to preventive maintenance systems, maintenance planning, downtime reduction, and reliability optimization, with opportunities to build technical and problem-solving

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Familiarity with mechanical/electrical systems and reliability tools or maintenance practices.

Responsibilities

• Support R&M spending tracking and reporting to identify savings.
• Assist downtime analysis to spot asset performance trends and capacity improvements.
• Participate in root cause analysis and corrective actions for equipment failures.
• Contribute to preventive maintenance optimization and PM schedule updates in EAM/CMMS.
• Assist with CMMS data scrubbing for accuracy and completeness of records.
• Assist in predictive maintenance data analysis and follow-up planning.
• Collaborate with plant ops and maintenance teams on reliability projects to reduce downtime.

Skills

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Familiarity with maintenance tools

Education

GPA 3.0+

Enrollment in 2–4 year program

Industrial maintenance/engineering tech

Job description

Perdue Foods has a goal of becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins by creating products for consumers and for retail and foodservice customers around the globe while changing the way animals are raised for food. It is part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business deeply rooted in tradition yet with a forward-thinking mindset. We believe that success starts with our people, and our culture is built on a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice matters and everyone is encouraged to contribute to our shared goals. We are dedicated to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact, both within the company and in the communities we serve. From promoting growth and development to prioritizing work-life balance, we’re committed to helping our team members thrive. That's Perdue.

Summary

Join our Maintenance team and gain hands-on experience in a dynamic plant operations environment. This 10-to-12-week Maintenance & Reliability Internship offers an immersive, real-world opportunity to work alongside maintenance and operations teams on meaningful projects that support equipment performance, reliability, and continuous improvement. You will gain exposure to preventive maintenance systems, maintenance planning, downtime reduction, and reliability optimization while applying your academic knowledge to real business challenges. The internship will be tailored to your interests and experience level, providing opportunities to build technical and problem-solving skills, collaborate with experienced professionals, and gain valuable insight into a career in maintenance and reliability.

What can you expect from a Perdue internship?

• Competitive Pay
• Exciting Social, Philanthropic, and Networking Events with other Perdue Interns
• Hands-On, Real World Work Experience and a Dedicated Summer Mentor
• Learning Workshops
• Travel to Perdue Locations Such as our Innovation Center, Perdue Learning University and Live Production Farms
• Interaction with Senior Leadership
• Housing Stipend

This position has a target wage of $21.90 - $28.13 per hour, based on graduation year. Overtime may be available.

Schedule

Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

Principal Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the tracking and reporting of Repair & Maintenance (R&M) spending to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Assist in downtime analysis and reporting to determine “bad actor” assets, performance trends and identify capacity improvement opportunities.
• Participate in root cause analysis efforts to address equipment failures and propose corrective actions.
• Contribute to preventative maintenance optimization and failure mode effects analysis, including review and updating of PM schedules in EAM/CMMS.
• Assist with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) data scrubbing, ensuring accuracy and completeness of maintenance records.
• Participate in predictive maintenance technology data analysis efforts to help identify onset of failures, review recommended corrective actions, and assist with planning and scheduling of follow up actions.
• Collaborate with plant operations and maintenance teams on reliability projects that improve equipment uptime and reduce unplanned failures.

Minimum Education and Experience

• 3.0 GPA or higher.
• Must be enrolled in an accredited 2–4-year college or technical school program.
• Program of study in Industrial Maintenance, Engineering Technology, Manufacturing, Reliability Engineering, Mechatronics, or related technical field.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Familiarity with mechanical or electrical systems, reliability tools, or maintenance practices.

Physical Requirements and Environmental Factors

• Position is active. On the plant floor activities such as troubleshooting and re-design of existing systems are routine.
• May need to move equipment occasionally.
• May need to access files, supplies and equipment.
• Position requires an associate to have the ability to move throughout the complex and all facilities.
• When in a plant environment: Exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors which include metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures of 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit with both ambient and 100%humidity.
• May handle products from 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. May be exposed to noise ranges of 50 db to 110 db.
• May be exposed to all chemicals used in poultry, food, a processing facility.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment required for the job as directed by the Company.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.