Mechanical Engineering Intern - Summer

ABOUT POETAt 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-five 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.

CULTURE IS KING AT POETWe’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  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!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES POET Design & Construction (PDC) supports the POET mission by providing high quality, timely and cost-conscious engineering, procurement and construction services. We provide this support through value-added design and technology innovation from a knowledgeable, hard-working staff. We work closely as a multi-disciplinary team, in a dynamic, fast-paced, ever-changing environment delivering the best product in the industry.

The Mechanical Engineering Intern will assist the Mechanical Engineering team with design, implementation, and specification of plant process systems and associated tasks. The Mechanical Engineering Intern will work under close guidance of the Mechanical Engineers to complete assignments and develop knowledge and skills.

This is an on-site role located at POET’s corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD.

Responsibilities include:

Assist with mechanical engineering and drafting tasks supervision of Mechanical Engineers, including, but not limited to:

HVAC and Ventilation Plumbing Process  Piping Equipment Layout Specifying equipment

Procurement

Contract Administration Complete data analysis of mechanical design.

Assist with on-site commissioning and start-up activities.

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

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 status majoring in an Engineering program, preferably Mechanical Engineering.

Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills, as well as the ability to adapt to change.

Ability to understand the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.

Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVEA high level of personal integrity

Interpersonal skills – the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization

Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills

The ability to embrace and promote change

An innovative mindset

The ability to think objectively

Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty

The ability to work in a team environment WORK ENVIRONMENT Up to 25% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, attend meetings, and other site visits. At times, overnight travel may be required.

The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor, helping your team members.

Specif…