PLANT OPERATIONS INTERN

KENT; Muscatine (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Housing

Paid Internship

Hands-On Learning

Community Events

Build Skills

Job summary

KENT Nutrition in Muscatine, IA is offering a Summer 2027 Plant Operations Internship designed to apply classroom learning to real manufacturing challenges. You will support plant operations, participate in process improvement initiatives, and work on technical projects that boost efficiency, quality and performance alongside experienced professionals.

The role exposes you to engineering, maintenance, production, quality and safety teams; interns develop skills across multiple areas and gain

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural Engineering, or Agricultural Systems Technology.
• Internship or co-op experiences in an operational environment are plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support process and equipment improvements enhancing safety, efficiency, and quality.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams across engineering, maintenance, production, quality and operations.
• Develop understanding of feed manufacturing processes and troubleshoot operational challenges.
• Analyze downtime and performance data to identify improvements and partner with leadership to implement solutions.
• Evaluate processes and conduct cost-saving analyses to boost efficiency and performance.
• Assist in developing and promoting quality and safety procedures for a safe, high-performing environment.

Skills

Process Improvement

Data Analysis

Cross-Functional Teams

Quality & Safety

Education

Bachelor's degree (relevant field)

Job description

Ready to apply what you're learning in the classroom to real-world manufacturing and production challenges? Join KENT Nutrition, a member of the KENT WORLDWIDE family of companies, as a Plant Operations Intern for Summer 2027! In this hands-on role, you'll support plant operations, process improvement initiatives, and technical projects that help drive efficiency, quality, and performance across our facilities. You'll work alongside experienced professionals, gain exposure to multiple areas of the business, and develop skills that will set you apart after graduation.

• Paid Housing | Paid Internship | Hands-On Learning | Community Events | Build Skills. Make Connections. Launch Your Career.
• This opportunity is designed and intended to be performed in Muscatine, IA.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and support projects focused on process and equipment improvements that enhance safety, efficiency, sustainability, product quality, and overall plant performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gain exposure to engineering, maintenance, production, quality, and operations while contributing to real business initiatives.
• Work alongside plant operations professionals to develop an understanding of feed manufacturing processes and production systems while helping troubleshoot and resolve operational challenges.
• Analyze equipment downtime and performance data to identify improvement opportunities, then partner with plant leadership and maintenance teams to develop practical solutions.
• Evaluate operational processes and conduct cost-saving analyses to support efficiency improvements and business performance goals.
• Help develop, maintain, and promote quality and safety procedures that support a safe, efficient, and high-performing work environment.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Feed Science and Management, Mechanical, Industrial, Agricultural Engineering, or Agricultural Systems Technology
• Internship or co-op experiences in an operational environment a plus, but not required.

TRAVEL

• Flexible - 65% Muscatine, 35% Plants

Equal Opportunity Employer
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