Data 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 is a fast-paced, data-driven biotech company which operates a complex business affected by hundreds of variables, and data is used every day to help drive decisions and improve outcomes. Our data comes from many areas of the business, including sensors in our bioethanol plants, commodity markets, financial systems, logistics, and other business applications.

The Data Engineering Intern will work alongside the Data Engineering team to gain hands-on experience with the systems and processes used to collect, organize, transform, and deliver data throughout the organization. This internship is intended to provide meaningful project experience while introducing the intern to enterprise data systems, tools, and development practices.

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD.

Responsibilities include:

Assist with building and maintaining data pipelines used to collect, clean, transform, and deliver data.

Write and troubleshoot SQL queries to retrieve, validate, and analyze data.

Help identify and resolve data quality issues.

Assist with automating manual or repetitive data processes.

Participate in testing and validating new or updated data solutions.

Work with Data Engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders to better understand how data is used throughout POET.Create and maintain documentation for data processes, pipelines, and systems.

Gain exposure to databases, orchestration tools, APIs, industrial data systems, and other enterprise technologies.

Contribute to one or more projects that provide measurable value to the Data Engineering team or the business.

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 Currently pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Engineering, or a related field.

Basic understanding of relational databases and SQL.Some programming or scripting experience with languages or tools such as Python, SQL, Power Shell, C#, Java, or similar technologies is preferred.

Interest in learning about data engineering, automation, databases, and enterprise technology.

Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

Ability to learn new technologies and concepts quickly.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Attention to detail and a willingness to ask questions.

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVEA strong desire to learn and develop new technical skills.

Curiosity and an interest in understanding how data and systems work.

A strong customer service mindset with a value placed on relationships.

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