Plant Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

POET; Groton (SD); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program

Family-first culture

On-site fitness centers

Job summary

POET in Groton, SD is seeking a Plant Engineering Intern to work closely with the Plant Manager and Maintenance Manager to maximize plant efficiencies and uptime. This on-site role offers exposure to operations, maintenance planning, and data-driven process improvements.

You will assist in troubleshooting, developing preventive maintenance programs, and coordinating with vendors, while gaining hands-on experience in process optimization, environmental compliance, and safe operating procedures.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Pursuing a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Agricultural Engineering at a 4-year college.
• Willing to work at least 40 hours per week and various shifts.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office; ability to learn new programs.

Responsibilities

• Assist Plant Manager and Maintenance Manager to maximize plant efficiency and uptime.
• Troubleshoot and identify process needs; help develop maintenance programs.
• Work on projects related to maintenance, process optimization, and data analysis.
• Collaborate with maintenance dept and vendors to develop preventive maintenance.

Skills

Time management

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Adaptability

Education

Chemical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Agricultural Engineering

Tools

DCS control systems

DCS historian systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty years our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

PERKS

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• 'Family-first' culture
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

• The Plant Engineering Intern works closely with the Plant Manager and the Maintenance Manager to maximize efficiencies of plant operations while optimizing plant run time.
• The Plant Engineering Intern troubleshoots and identifies process needs to maintain production levels and assists in the development of predictive and preventative maintenance programs.
• This is an on-site role located in Groton, SD.
• Some or all of the following projects/research/initiatives relating to plant operations may be assigned throughout the duration of the internship:
• Efficiencies
• Maintenance
• Process Optimization
• Operations
• Compile & Analyze data
• Location-specific research
• Environmental Compliance
• Additional responsibilities include:
• Work with the Plant Manager and Maintenance Manager on operation/troubleshooting issues, as well as efforts to review and enhance predictive maintenance programs.
• Work with the maintenance department and outside vendors to assist in the ongoing development of the preventative maintenance program.
• The Plant Engineering Intern will determine applicable equipment, necessary tools, and required inspection frequencies.
• Work with the management team to further strengthen and develop plant operating procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality relating to projects and processes.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent, required.
• Junior or Senior-level student enrolled full-time at an accredited 4-year college/university pursuing a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Agricultural Engineering.
• Must be able to work a variety of shifts, minimum of 40 hours/week.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills, as well as the ability to adapt to change Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.
• Bonus points: familiarity or experience with DCS control and DCS historian systems
• A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
• Ability to work in a team environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds.
• Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.
• Opening valves.
• Occasionally bending, twisting and turning while lifting weight of less than fifty (50) pounds.
• Data entry while seated for greater than one (1) hour.
• Walking up to two (2) or more miles per day.
• Pushing brooms, shovels, etc.
• Working at heights, in confined spaces and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.
• Standing for extended periods of time.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Occasional travel will be part of the norm for this position.
• At times, overnight travel may be required.
• Team members will be required to adhere to all safety requirements at all times and in all work environments.
• This position is exposed to work in multiple environments, including plant, laboratory, as well as an office environment.
• The team member may be exposed to high noise levels, moving mechanical parts, dusty conditions, internal and external temperature/weather conditions, and chemicals.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.

Over the past 30 years of bioprocessing leadership, we've assembled the industry's strongest team of engineers, scientists, financial analysts and more. Along the way, we've carefully selected team members who share our core values and pride in everything we do. That's common sense—and it's led to some of the most creative bioprocessing work in the world. The people of POET make working here a challenging, exhilarating place to advance a career. They accomplish great things for millions of Americans and find great satisfaction in helping our country in so many ways.