Process Engineer - Internship

Second Nature Brands is on a mission to grow from $500M to $1B over the next 4 years through an aggressive combination of M&A and organic growth .

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: A Process Engineer Intern supports the improvement of existing products and manufacturing processes, value engineering initiatives, and technology development to enable new product launches and cost efficiencies. This role collaborates cross-functionally with Safety, Quality, Production, Maintenance, and Logistics to drive process optimization and product excellence. The intern assists in identifying quality issues, uncovering cost-saving opportunities, and contributing to continuous improvement efforts across processing operations—gaining hands-on experience throughout all areas of food manufacturing.

DURATION: 3 Months (Est. from approximately 6/22 - 9/18, dates are flexible)

Goals

• Develop and implement process improvement projects to enhance efficiency, quality, and reliability.
• Create, update, and standardize technical documentation to support operations and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with production teams and leadership to identify and eliminate process defects, improving productivity, safety, and product quality.
• Identify and advance cost-saving initiatives and process optimization opportunities.
• Support and provide technical guidance to operations and engineering teams in evaluating new production opportunities, improving existing processes, troubleshooting complex issues, and reducing costs.
• Assist with the selection, installation, and start-up of new equipment; serve as a technical resource and support training for operators and staff.
• Own and manage small-scale capital projects from planning through execution.
• Support the integration of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) practices to enhance equipment reliability and operator engagement.
  
  

Daily Responsabilites

• Complete assigned project tasks accurately and on schedule, maintaining a high standard of quality aligned with team and stakeholder expectations.
• Proactively communicate key findings, risks, and potential roadblocks to your supervisor in a timely manner.
• Provide consistent and transparent progress updates on assigned deliverables to ensure alignment and accountability. Effectively manage and prioritize workload to meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing
  
  

Projects

• Vision system training
• Oiler/Salter verification
• Processing equipment upgrades
• Case packing automation project
  
  

Trianing Plan

• Shadow Technical Engineering Manager and Maintenance Technicians
  
  

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled or have a recent undergraduate degree in Engineering. Preference for Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial & Systems Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to work safely around food allergens such as tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, and soy.
• Stand, bend, reach, and kneel, for extended periods frequently.
• Standing for 8-10 hours.
• Walk up and down stairs frequently.
• Ability to periodically lift, up to 50 pounds.
• Able to work with and around cleaning chemicals and may perform some cleaning duties.
• Able to work in areas of extreme temperatures (hot/cold) periodically.
• Wear proper PPE (personal protective equipment) provided by the company.
  
  

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, you will work near moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment can be high and employees may be required to wear personal protective equipment. This is an indoor food manufacturing setting.
• Exposure to food production areas, cleaning chemicals, and varying temperatures.
• This position is based out of the Sahale Snacks facility in Tukwila, WA.
  
  

Additional Notes

• This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.
  
  

Regular working hours are Monday through Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm, with weekday or weekend overtime as needed.

This is a Temporary Internship planned for 3 months. Not eligible for benefits.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. Second Nature Brands is a leading U.S. manufacturer of premium, and better-for-you snacking and treat products. Our brands include Kar's®, Second Nature®, Sanders ®, Brownie Brittle®, Sahale Snacks®, and Voortman®. Check out our website at http://www.secondnaturebrandsus.com to see how Second Nature Brands is creating snacks and treats that make lives better, naturally.

Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 4:30pm (schedule subject to change based on business need)