Maintenance Intern

Red Star Yeast Company LLC; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 24,796 - 34,440; Full time

Job summary

Lesaffre’s Cedar Rapids, IA facility is seeking a Maintenance Intern to support electrical equipment and control instruments across the plant. You will assist in installations and modifications under the Electrical/Instrumentation Supervisor, ensuring safe, reliable operations.

The role includes daily rounds, preventive maintenance, PLC-based troubleshooting, and collaboration with mechanical maintenance teams.

Qualifications

• Apprenticeship or pursuing an Associate’s degree in Industrial Maintenance or related field.
• Ability to diagnose hard-to-find electrical problems using test equipment.
• Able to read PLC logic and electrical diagrams/schematics, and reference manuals.
• Willingness to use a computer daily and operate common tools.

Responsibilities

• Perform maintenance and repair of plant electrical equipment and control instruments.
• Assist in installation of electrical modifications and equipment additions.
• Conduct daily plant rounds to check critical instruments.
• Perform weekly preventive maintenance on assigned equipment with supervisor guidance.
• Troubleshoot equipment using PLC interface software.
• Log daily activities and reports in the WO database.

Skills

Electrical testing

PLC logic reading

Electrical diagrams reading

Computer literacy

Tools usage

Education

Associate's Degree in Industrial Maintenance (in progress)

Apprenticeship or equivalent work experience

Tools

PLC interface software

Job description

Who we are:

Lesaffre is a key global player in the fermentation of microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) for baking, taste, healthcare and industrial biotechnology. This story began more than 170 years ago in northern France, and, thanks to our pioneer spirit and our innovative approach, we are constantly developing.

Lesaffre's global presence includes 11,000 employees from 96 nationalities and a 3-billion euro turnover. We work with customers, partners and researchers to develop essential nutrients and bio actives that strengthen human health, optimize animal well-being and improve plant nutrition.

This role is within our Red Star Yeast team. Red Star delivers a range of high-performing yeast and related products that empower bakers and food manufacturers to create consistent, flavorful, and high-quality baked goods. Backed by Lesaffre and Archer Daniels Midland and supported by modern manufacturing facilities in Cedar Rapids, IA and Dothan, AL, our team blends global expertise with local reliability to bring trusted, innovative yeast solutions to the U.S. and Canadian markets.

What you bring to the table:

As a Maintenance Intern you'll maintain and repair any and all plant electrical equipment and control instruments. You'll also assist in the construction and installation of plant electrical modifications or equipment additions as assigned by the Electrical/Instrumentation Supervisor.

What you’ll do as a Maintenance Intern:

• Demonstrates an unwavering commitment to Lesaffre's safety-first culture by strictly following all safety protocols and participating in required safety programs
• Responsible for the upkeep and repair of all plant motors, motor control centers, control panels, VFD units, air conditioning units, refrigeration units, office and plant lighting, transformers, motor controls, capacitor bank systems, and other equipment as assigned.
• Responsible for the calibration, maintenance, and repair of all plant instruments including but not limited to, pH probes, conductivity probes, flow meters, pressure transmitters, level transmitters, and oxygen probes
• Perform daily rounds throughout the plant and check critical instruments for proper operation
• Perform weekly preventive maintenance on assigned equipment as scheduled by the E/I Maintenance Supervisor or his designee when absent
• Fill out report sheets on PM task that have been assigned
• Work on electrical upgrade projects and equipment modifications that may involve the construction of control panels, running of reasonable conduit routes, and pulling conductors
• Troubleshoot equipment with the use of PLC interface software
• Assist other technicians with inspections of the plant equipment and make necessary repairs as requested
• Log daily activities and Worker Order (WO) reports on WO database
• Communicate progress on assigned duties and general topics through various software programs including but not limited to, MAPCON and MS Outlook
• Assist the mechanical maintenance department and technicians as needed
• Make mechanical decisions, repairs, and adjustments when necessary
• Other duties as assigned

Required qualifications:

• Apprenticeship, working toward an Associate’s Degree in Industrial Maintenance (or related field) or equivalent work experience
• Must understand be able to use complicated test equipment for diagnosis of hard-to-find problems with electrical circuits and equipment
• Must be able to read and understand PLC logic and electrical diagrams or schematicsMust be able to read equipment manuals and use the troubleshooting guides found within to solve problems
• Must be willing and able to use a computer on a daily basis
• Must be willing and able to use tools
• Required to be trained on and able to operate forklifts, man lifts, production equipment and power tools
• Able to handle critical decision making responsibilities and deal with mental stress from occasional extended worked hours

Lesaffre provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.