Network Engineer Intern

Job Description

About Company

Perdue Foods is a prominent part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business. Its core mission is to become the most trusted name in premium proteins, producing goods for consumers and for retail and foodservice clients globally, while also aiming to transform how animals are raised for food.

The company’s culture is deeply rooted in tradition yet embraces a forward-thinking mindset. It emphasizes that success starts with its people, building its foundation on teamwork, integrity, and respect. Perdue fosters an environment where every voice is heard, and everyone is encouraged to contribute to shared goals. They are committed to creating a supportive, inclusive environment where associates feel valued and inspired to make an impact within the company and in their communities. Perdue prioritizes promoting growth and development and maintaining a healthy work-life balance, dedicated to helping team members thrive.

Job Description

Job Title: Network Engineer Intern

Summary:
Perdue Foods is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Network Engineer Intern to join its Infrastructure & Operations team. This internship provides invaluable hands-on experience in the management and support of enterprise network infrastructure. The intern will work closely with experienced engineers, contributing to the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of the company’s network systems.

Principal and Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The intern’s responsibilities will include:
• Assisting in the configuration, deployment, and maintenance of network hardware, such as routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Monitoring network performance and actively troubleshooting connectivity issues.
• Supporting network documentation efforts, including creating diagrams, managing IP addresses, and tracking inventory.
• Participating in network security initiatives, which involve access control, patching, and vulnerability assessments.
• Learning and applying industry best practices in network design, security, and performance optimization.

Minimum Education:
• Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university in a relevant field of study.
• Must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Experience Requirements:
• A basic understanding of fundamental networking concepts, including TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, and VPNs.
• Familiarity with networking equipment from vendors like Cisco, Juniper, or similar is considered a plus.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• A strong eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with network monitoring tools such as Wireshark, OpsRamp, or Solarwinds.
• Exposure to scripting or automation using languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
• Knowledge of cloud networking platforms, including AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Environmental Factors and Physical Requirements:
• The position is primarily sedentary but may require occasional movement to other offices or buildings.
• The ability to move light equipment or supplies from one place to another may be necessary.
• Requires accessing files, supplies, and equipment.
• When working in a plant environment, exposure primarily consists of wet and moist floors, including metal and plastic grating surfaces.
• May be exposed to temperatures ranging from 28 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with both ambient and 100% humidity.
• May handle product at temperatures between 25 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
• May be exposed to noise levels ranging from 50 dB to 110 dB.
• Potential exposure to all chemicals used in poultry and food processing facilities.
• Must wear and use protective and safety equipment as required and directed by the Company.
• May need to climb ladders.