Summer Hourly Intern - Engineering

About the role

This internship will support engineering initiatives focused on infrastructure improvements, equipment modernization, and automation opportunities across manufacturing operations. Working closely with Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, and Production teams, the intern will evaluate current systems, analyze performance data, and contribute to projects that improve efficiency, reliability, safety, and operational performance. Project assignments may vary based on business needs and the intern’s area of study but will provide hands-on experience in engineering problem-solving and continuous improvement within a manufacturing environment.

Project Highlights

• Support engineering projects that drive infrastructure improvements, equipment modernization, and automation across manufacturing operations.
• Contribute to initiatives that improve departmental productivity, operational efficiency, and process reliability.
• Work directly with experienced engineers, providing opportunities for mentorship and leadership development within the Engineering team.
• Gain hands-on exposure to real-world engineering challenges in the poultry manufacturing industry.
• Develop practical solutions and recommendations that support continuous improvement, innovation, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Completes assigned tasks identified by department mentor.
• Attends semi-monthly seminar series.
• Completes and presents summer project presentation.
• Completes internship evaluations at weeks 5 and 10.
• Follows all company safety policies, standard operating procedure (SOP) regulations, as well as supports the Goal Zero mission statement.

Qualifications

• Must be currently enrolled and pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Agricultural, Civil, Manufacturing, or a related Engineering discipline.
• Experience with AutoCAD or similar computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with an interest in manufacturing, automation, and process improvement.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills with the ability to work in a team-oriented environment.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented individual with a commitment to safety and continuous improvement.
• Valid Driver’s license.
• Must pass the Mountaire Motor Vehicle Record check.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.

Internship Program Requirements

• Complete assigned project identified by department mentor.
• Attend weekly seminar series across different Mountaire facilities.
• Available to travel to Delaware during the last week of the program or final presentations (August 2–6, 2027).
• 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 2–6.
• Must complete a mid-way evaluation (week 5) along with a final evaluation (week 10).

About Us

Mountaire Farms is an agricultural food production and processing company providing work for over 10,000 people at facilities in Arkansas, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Now the fourth largest chicken company in the United States, we are still family owned and fully committed to giving back to the communities where we do business. At Mountaire Farms, our culture is what defines us. It sets us apart from our competition and reinforces what we stand for. Supporting each other, uplifting each other, and helping each other succeed — that’s the Mountaire way! Our vision is to provide growth, stability, and opportunities for our people, our customers, and our communities by profitably delivering wholesome quality chicken.

Benefits

• Eight paid holidays
• Medical plans with free onsite Health and Wellness Centers
• Dental and Vision Programs
• Employee Assistance Program for you and your family
• Retirement Planning with 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Employee Discounted Chicken Sales
• Employee Discounts with partners (Car Purchase, Phone Plans, & Shopping)
• Tuition Reimbursement and many exciting career development programs