Systems & Controls Technician Intern

Farmers Union Industries, LLC; Mitchell (SD); On-site; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Farmers Union Industries, LLC is seeking a Systems & Controls Technician Intern for Performance Pet Products in Mitchell, SD. This internship follows a progressive learning path across equipment operation, troubleshooting, electrical drawings, and automation upgrades, with on-site training and safety emphasis.

We will place 1st and 2nd year students into a hands-on program, starting with safe startup, operation, and maintenance, then advancing to PLCs, sensors, and dashboards.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a technical college program in automation, industrial controls, electrical technology, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or a related field.
• Interest in manufacturing equipment, troubleshooting, and industrial automation.
• Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge gained through coursework and/or hands-on experience.
• Willingness to begin by learning equipment operation and working directly with production teams.

Responsibilities

• Phase 1: Equipment Operation and Process Understanding.
• Phase 2: Equipment Troubleshooting.
• Phase 3: Electrical Drawings and Controls.
• Phase 4: Automation changes and upgrades.

Skills

Interest in automation

Troubleshooting

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Willingness to learn

Education

Technical college program in automation/industrial controls

Tools

PLCs

Electrical drawings

Industrial networking

Job description

Farmers Union Industries, LLC, also known as FUI, is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our current operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Please visit our website at fuillc.com to learn more!

Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, works with brands both large and small to create an assortment of canned dog and cat foods. Learn more about what we do at fuillc.com/performance-pet-products/. We are currently seeking a 1st year and 2nd year student for our brand-new Systems & Controls Technician Internship! We offer an hourly pay of $26/Hr.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, day shift

Actual working hours will be based on students’ individual class schedule

Areas of Accountability

All areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork

General Maintenance & Repairs on Automation Systems

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

This internship follows a progressive learning approach. Progression will depend on demonstrated skills, safe work practices, and plant needs.

• Phase 1: Equipment Operation and Process Understanding
  • Work alongside production operators to learn the safe startup, operation, shutdown, and cleaning requirements of plant equipment
  • Understand how equipment and production processes work together, from ingredient preparation through processing and packaging
  • Learn normal operating conditions, equipment controls, alarms, and common operating challenges
  • Perform Machine preventative maintenance (PMs)
  • Follow plant safety, food safety, sanitation, and lockout/tagout procedures
  • Build working relationships with production, maintenance, and quality teams
• Phase 2: Equipment Troubleshooting
  • Assist maintenance personnel in identifying and troubleshooting equipment performance issues
  • Learn to distinguish between mechanical, electrical, controls, and operational causes of equipment problems
  • Develop an understanding of sensors, motors, variable frequency drives, PLCs, and operator interfaces
  • Use equipment history, operator feedback, alarms, and observations to support troubleshooting
  • Document findings, repairs, and follow-up recommendations
• Phase 3: Electrical Drawings and Controls
  • Learn to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control panel layouts, and equipment manuals
  • Trace control circuits and identify electrical components with qualified personnel
  • Learn how field devices connect to PLC inputs and outputs and how those signals affect equipment operation
  • Assist with documenting wiring changes and updating drawings for review
  • Perform electrical tasks only within assigned training, authorization, and supervision requirements
• Phase 4: Automation changes and upgrades
  • Assist with installing and configuring automation changes and upgrades under supervision
  • Help connect approved equipment and PLC data to User interfaces
  • Support the development of tags, equipment displays, dashboards, alarms, and historical data collection
  • Work with plant teams to identify useful information for monitoring equipment performance and production
  • Assist with testing data accuracy, screen functionality, and alarm operation
  • Document system configurations and help prepare basic user instructions
  • Follow plant requirements for system access, backups, cybersecurity, and approval of changes
  • Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance

Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a technical college program in automation, industrial controls, electrical technology, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or a related field; internship will end upon graduation or withdrawal from program
• Interest in manufacturing equipment, troubleshooting, and industrial automation
• Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge gained through coursework and/or hands‑on experience
• Willingness to begin by learning equipment operation and working directly with production teams
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and willingness to ask questions
• Ability to follow instructions, work safely, and document work accurately
• Basic computer skills; exposure to PLCs, electrical drawings, industrial networking, or automation is helpful but not required
• Ability to perform safety sensitive position
• Ability to work in a facility that processes multiple proteins including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, rabbit, kangaroo, and egg
• Must be 18 years of age or older for insurance purposes

Physical Requirements

• Stand up to 100% of the workday
• Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds
• Frequently walk and bend at the knees and/or waist
• Frequently climb steps and/or ladders up to 10 feet and perform duties on an elevated surface
• Ability to distinguish colors (i.e., wire codes)
• Frequently bend at the waist and/or knees