Project Management/Engineering Intern

Job Description

Here is the detailed enriched job description:

About The Mennel Milling Company:

At The Mennel Milling Company, we believe in empowering our interns with real-world experience. This isn’t just an internship about making copies or running errands; it’s an opportunity to dive deep into meaningful projects that drive impact. You’ll gain hands-on experience in both dynamic office settings and active plant environments, working shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned engineers and project managers. Witness firsthand how your innovative ideas and dedicated efforts directly contribute to the improvement of our manufacturing processes and support our long-term growth. We foster a supportive team culture, offering dedicated mentorship, robust professional development, and valuable networking events, all designed to set you on a path to success in your future career.

Job Title: Project Management/Engineering Intern

Internship Summary:

As a Project Management/Engineering Intern, you will play a crucial role in supporting our Project Manager across the full lifecycle of various company projects. From initial concept and capital scoping to execution, implementation, and commissioning, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience. This internship offers a unique blend of office-based analytical work and practical, on-site engagement within our manufacturing facilities, directly contributing to initiatives that enhance our manufacturing processes and underpin our strategic growth objectives. This role is integral to upholding the Mission, Motto, and rigorous Food Safety and Quality Statement of The Mennel Milling Company.

Primary Work Shift:

• Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (flexible hours available based on your academic schedule)

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

To excel in this dynamic role, you will be expected to satisfactorily perform the following duties, with or without accommodation:

• Process Improvement & Collaboration: Actively collaborate with technicians and plant staff to identify, analyze, and propose concrete opportunities for process enhancement across our facilities.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Efficiently coordinate activities and communication with external contractors, internal technicians, and various cross-functional stakeholders to ensure project alignment and smooth execution.
• Data-Driven Analysis: Collect, meticulously analyze, and effectively utilize operational data to inform, propose, and facilitate the implementation of continuous improvements.
• Project Lifecycle Support: Provide comprehensive assistance in managing projects from their initial conceptualization and capital scoping phases through to final implementation and commissioning.
• Technical Documentation: Develop and maintain critical technical documents, including P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram) diagrams, detailed process flowcharts, and standard operational reports.
• Vendor Evaluation: Evaluate proposals from vendors, conducting thorough technical and economic assessments to make informed recommendations.
• Layout Optimization: Support the design and optimization of facility layouts to enhance efficiency in space utilization, material flow, equipment placement, and personnel movement.
• Cross-Functional Teamwork: Work seamlessly with diverse teams, including engineering, safety, operations, and automation, to ensure the successful delivery of all project objectives.
• Culture Contribution: Actively participate in fostering a positive workplace culture grounded in respect, inclusion, and collaborative teamwork.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support department and company goals.

Illustrative Project Examples:

During your internship, you can expect to engage in projects such as:

• Assisting with comprehensive process flow mapping and efficiency studies within our flour mills, bakery mix, and packaging facilities.
• Supporting capital project planning through detailed data collection, thorough equipment research, and accurate cost estimation.
• Developing CAD layouts for new equipment installations, utility routing, and optimizing material flow paths.
• Collaborating directly with contractors and plant personnel to identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities.
• Preparing and delivering compelling presentations on project findings and recommendations to our engineering leadership team.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Academic Pursuit: Currently a rising junior or senior actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, or Industrial preferred).
• Analytical Acumen: Demonstrated ability to define complex problems, gather and rigorously analyze data, and formulate sound, data-driven conclusions.
• Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with CAD or similar technical software is a significant plus.
• Communication Skills: Possess strong verbal, written, and presentation skills, capable of conveying technical information clearly and concisely.
• Adaptability & Safety: Comfortable and capable of working effectively in both professional office settings and active manufacturing plant environments; strict compliance with all safety procedures is mandatory.
• Cultural Alignment: Genuine interest in fostering a workplace culture characterized by mutual respect, belonging, and open expression.
• Manufacturing Experience: Previous manufacturing experience is preferred but not required.
• Travel Readiness: Ability to travel up to 25% for project-related activities.

Professional Development & Benefits:

Our internship program is designed for your growth and success:

• Dedicated Mentorship: Receive personalized guidance and training from our team of experienced engineers and project managers.
• Leadership Exposure: Gain valuable opportunities to present your findings and recommendations directly to company leadership.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Experience broad exposure to various departments, fostering a holistic understanding of our operations.
• Competitive Compensation: Receive competitive pay for your contributions.
• Networking & Team Building: Participate in engaging networking events and team outings to build professional relationships and strengthen camaraderie.
• Relocation Support: A relocation stipend is available for eligible interns.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, memos, procedures, and plans. Ability to write, complete checklists and other basic documentation and correspondence. Ability to effectively present information or data in one-on-one and small group situations to co-workers, supervisors, and managers.

Mathematical Skills:

Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

Reasoning Ability:

Must exercise solid judgment when making decisions. Must possess the ability to quickly recognize and plan for changing work duties and events.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands outlined below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job:

• Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands for maintenance tasks, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, stoop, kneel, twist, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds or more.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Regularly exposed to conditions typical of a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Exposure to moving equipment and machinery, dusty conditions, and varying temperatures (hot/humid and cold).
• Must be willing to work in all weather conditions, at heights, and in the presence of airborne particles.
• The noise level in the work environment usually requires the use of hearing protection.
• Work involves exposure to common wheat allergens.