Plant Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

POET; Mitchell (SD); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellness program for the whole person

Family-first culture

On-site fitness centers or fitness Re

Job summary

POET is seeking a Plant Engineering Intern in Mitchell, South Dakota. The role supports plant operations, maintenance programs, and data analysis to maximize efficiency and run time.

You will work closely with the Plant Manager and Maintenance Manager on process optimization and environmental compliance. The internship emphasizes hands-on experience across maintenance, operations, and data-driven improvements, with opportunities to contribute to predictive maintenance and safety initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• Pursuing a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Agricultural Engineering at an accredited 4-year college/university.
• Willingness to work varied shifts, minimum 40 hours/week.
• Strong organizational, time management, and communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and capacity to learn new programs.
• Bonus: familiarity with DCS control and DCS historian systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist Plant Manager and Maintenance Manager to maximize plant efficiencies.
• Contribute to development of predictive and preventive maintenance programs.
• Support process optimization, data analysis, and operations improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with maintenance and external vendors on ongoing maintenance efforts.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Pursuing a degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Agricultural Engineering

Tools

DCS control

DCS historian

Microsoft Office

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.

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.

Role

This is an on-site role located in Mitchell, 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.
• Maintain and advance the food safety and quality of POET’s products and processes to deliver a best-in-class culture of quality.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

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

• This role has some physical requirements that our team members will need to be able to perform, such as:
  • 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.