Network Engineer Intern

Job Description

About Company:

Perdue Foods is dedicated to becoming the most trusted name in premium proteins. This goal is achieved by creating products for consumers, retail, and foodservice customers globally, while also striving to innovate and improve the way animals are raised for food. It is an integral part of Perdue Farms, a fourth-generation, family-owned food and agricultural business.

Perdue Farms is described as deeply rooted in tradition but with a forward-thinking mindset. The company places a strong emphasis on its people, believing that success starts with them. Its culture is built upon a foundation of teamwork, integrity, and respect, where every voice is valued, and all associates are encouraged to contribute to shared goals. Perdue is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where associates feel valued, inspired, and empowered to make an impact within the company and in the communities they serve. This commitment includes promoting growth and development opportunities and prioritizing work-life balance to help team members thrive.

Job Description: Network Engineer Intern

This is a detailed description of the Network Engineer Intern position at Perdue Foods.

Summary:
The role is for a motivated and detail-oriented Network Engineer Intern within the Infrastructure & Operations team. This internship provides an opportunity for hands-on experience in the management and support of enterprise network infrastructure. The intern will collaborate closely with experienced engineers to assist in the maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of the company’s network systems.

Principal And Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
The intern’s responsibilities will include:
• Assisting with the configuration, deployment, and ongoing maintenance of network hardware, which includes routers, switches, firewalls, and wireless access points.
• Monitoring network performance and actively participating in the troubleshooting of connectivity issues.
• Supporting network documentation efforts, specifically in creating and updating diagrams, managing IP addresses, and tracking inventory.
• Participating in various network security initiatives, such as access control implementation, system patching, and vulnerability assessments.
• Engaging in a learning process to understand and apply best practices in network design, security protocols, and performance optimization techniques.

Minimum Education Requirements:
Candidates must meet the following educational criteria:
• Must be a rising sophomore, junior, or senior.
• Must be 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:
Applicants should possess:
• 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, which is considered a plus.
• Demonstrated strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• An inherent eagerness to learn and adapt effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment.

Preferred Qualifications:
Candidates who possess the following will be preferred:
• Experience utilizing network monitoring tools such as Wireshark, OpsRamp, or Solarwinds.
• Exposure to scripting or automation languages like Python, Bash, or PowerShell.
• Knowledge of cloud networking concepts across platforms like AWS, Azure, or GCP.

Environmental Factors And Physical Requirements:
The role primarily involves sedentary work, but may entail:
• Occasional movement to other offices or buildings.
• The ability to move light equipment or supplies between locations.
• Accessing files, supplies, and equipment.
• When in a plant environment, exposure may include wet and moist floors (metal and plastic grating surfaces), temperatures ranging from 28 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (with ambient and 100% humidity), handling products at 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, noise levels from 50 db. to 110 db., and exposure to all chemicals used in a poultry/food processing facility.
• Must wear and use required protective and safety equipment as directed by the Company.
• May be required to climb ladders.

Perdue Farms Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.