Plant Engineering Intern - Summer

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.

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.

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

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 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

• 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.

• 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

• 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