Processing Operations Intern

Location: Lumber Bridge

Primary Purpose

As a Processing Operations Intern at Mountaire Farms, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the end-to-end production process at our Lumber Bridge, NC facility. Over the course of the summer, you will contribute to projects that focus on operational efficiency and process improvement, including continuous improvement of automation systems, yield studies, and recovery opportunities. This internship provides hands-on experience in food processing operations, data analysis, and project-based problem solving while giving you the chance to work alongside experienced operations professionals.

Project Highlights

* Automation Improvements - Assist with continuous improvement efforts related to automation installations.

* Yield Studies - Conduct data collection and analysis on product yield performance.

* Recovery Improvements - Identify opportunities for material recovery and process optimization.

* Shadow supervisors, engineers, and plant managers to gain insight into day-to-day operations and decision-making.

* Contribute to cross-functional initiatives that improve throughput, productivity, and overall plant performance.

* Assist with the documentation of best practices and standardization of processes across departments.

* Gain exposure to continuous improvement tools and methodologies, learning how small changes can lead to big operational impacts

Required Skills

* Must be currently enrolled and pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university.

* Valid Driver's license.

* Must pass the Mountaire Motor Vehicle Record check.

* Strong work ethic, punctuality, and reliability in a full-time environment.

* Effective communication skills and the ability to collaborate in a team setting.

* Critical thinking, problem-solving, and solid math skills.

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word).

* Strong attention to detail with the ability to analyze and interpret data.

* Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced processing plant environment, including exposure to cold/wet conditions and production equipment.

* Flexible and open to rotating through different areas of the plant to broaden experience.

Internship Program Requirements

* Complete assigned project identified by department mentor

* Attend weekly seminar series across different Mountaire facilities

* Other duties as assigned

* All interns must be available to travel to Delaware during the last week of the program for final presentations (August 3 to 7, 2026)

* All interns are required to complete a 10-minute presentation on their project at the conclusion of summer. Presentations will take place in Millsboro, DE at the Administrative Building during the week of August 3rd-7th

* Anticipated weekly schedule for this internship is: 8am - 5pm

* Housing available upon request