Operations Engineering Intern, Spring 2027 - Lexington, KY

The J.M. Smucker Company; Lexington (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Leadership networking

Professional development

Intern networking events

Paid corporate holidays

Job summary

The J. M. Smucker Co. is offering an Operations Engineering Internship in Lexington, KY. You will work on the plant floor with manufacturing technicians to learn processes, collect data, and drive process improvements while managing projects from scope to verification.

This on-site, 100% in-person internship provides hands-on experience, mentorship, and exposure to cross-functional teams within a Fortune 500 company. Housing stipend may be available for relocating interns.

Qualifications

• Rising junior or senior in engineering program (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial preferred).
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Willingness to work in both office and plant environments and follow safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with technicians to identify process improvements.
• Coordinate activities of contractors and hourly technicians.
• Prepare standard reports and documentation to communicate results.
• Manage projects from scope development to verification.

Skills

Problem solving

Data analysis

Plant operations

Safety awareness

Inclusion & Diversity

Education

Engineering student (ME/EE/CHE/IE)

Job description

Your Opportunity as an Operations Engineering Intern

As an intern within Operations, you will work with operating technicians and salaried employees to collect data and learn the manufacturing process to create process improvement opportunities, complete and manage projects, and effectively document and communicate results.

Location: Lexington, KY

Work Arrangements: On-site, 100% in-person expectation

In this role you will:

• Work closely with manufacturing technicians on the plant floor to develop process improvement areas and understand manufacturing processes
• Coordinate activities of contractors, hourly technicians, and other resources
• Prepare standard reports and documentation to communicate results
• Manage projects holistically from scope development, capital appropriation, implementation, commissioning, and verification
• Collect, analyze, and utilize data to execute improvements while interfacing with salaried employees and technicians to deliver effective initiatives

What we are looking for:

Minimum Requirements:

• A rising junior or senior standing in school with requisite educational experience in engineering – Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial engineering is preferred.
• A well-rounded skill set including the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions
• Must be able to work in both an office and plant environment and comply with all safety procedures
• A passion to help in our Inclusion, Diversity & Equity journey – working toward a thriving community where everyone feels mutual respect, a sense of belonging and can express their whole selves

Why Choose the J.M. Smucker Company’s Internship Program?

Are you seeking an exceptional internship experience at a Fortune 500 company?

At Smucker, we are dedicated to providing a world-class, award‑winning internship that offers you the opportunity to:

• Learn:Unlock your potential in a collaborative and supportive environment where you are treated like a true peer and challenged to be your best.
• Grow:Benefit from hands‑on training with a dedicated mentor and connect with peers and leaders throughout the company.
• Lead:Contribute to high‑profile projects that support our Company’s growing categories like snacks, coffee and pet food.

Additional Perks:

• Unique opportunities to network and interact with company leadership
• Customized professional development sessions
• Networking events and social outings with fellow interns
• A competitive compensation package, including paid corporate holidays
• Compensation range: $22 - $27/hr
• **Actual hourly rate is determined based upon the year of college that will be completed at the start of the internship*
• A housing stipend for interns relocating for the program

Experience an internship where you can learn, grow, and lead — all while being part of something special at Smucker.

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together.

Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together.

Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live.

We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success.

Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose

At Smucker, we're passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong.

With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Learn more about working at Smucker

Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company.

Learn more about our hiring process

The J. M. Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.