Maintenance Plant Engineering Intern

About Company:

Wholestone Farms is a producer-owned pork processor, comprised of 200 dedicated Midwest family farms, focused on providing customers with quality pork products they can trust, in a culture that fosters innovation and opportunity.

Established in 2018 to create and capture value in the pork supply chain, our family farmers, all live in the Midwest and have a legacy of family farming raising collectively 12M pigs per year. While our name is new to the area our facility is not, as we have been here for over 75 years, and continue the growth for the Fremont area.

As the newest and most state-of-the-art facility in the US, being a part of the Wholestone Farms family means that you are a part of a growing company that doesn’t have to worry about the politics of a large corporation. 

About the Role:

The Maintenance Plant Engineering Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the maintenance and engineering teams to ensure the efficient operation of plant equipment and systems. This position offers hands-on experience in diagnosing, troubleshooting, and repairing mechanical and electrical equipment within an industrial setting. The intern will contribute to preventive maintenance programs and assist in implementing engineering solutions that enhance plant reliability and safety. Through collaboration with experienced engineers and technicians, the intern will gain valuable insights into plant operations, maintenance strategies, and project management. Ultimately, this role aims to develop the intern's technical skills and understanding of plant engineering to prepare them for a future career in maintenance engineering.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Currently enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• Basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems used in industrial plants.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a willingness to learn in a hands-on environment.
• Ability to work safely in an industrial setting and follow established safety procedures.
• Effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous internship or practical experience in a manufacturing or industrial maintenance environment.
• Familiarity with Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) or similar software.
• Knowledge of root cause analysis and reliability-centered maintenance principles.
• Experience with CAD software or engineering design tools.
• Understanding of OSHA regulations and industrial safety standards.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in conducting routine inspections and preventive maintenance on plant machinery and equipment.
• Support troubleshooting and repair activities to minimize downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with engineering and maintenance teams to implement process improvements and safety protocols.
• Document maintenance activities, equipment performance, and repair work accurately in maintenance management systems.
• Participate in engineering projects, including equipment upgrades and installation under supervision.

Skills:

The required skills such as mechanical and electrical system knowledge are applied daily to assist in diagnosing equipment issues and performing maintenance tasks. Problem-solving skills enable the intern to identify root causes of equipment failures and contribute to effective solutions. Communication and teamwork skills are essential for coordinating with engineers, technicians, and other plant personnel to ensure smooth operations. Familiarity with maintenance management software helps in accurately documenting work and tracking maintenance schedules. Preferred skills like experience with CMMS and safety standards enhance the intern’s ability to contribute to process improvements and maintain a safe working environment.