Milling and Material Handling Engineer Intern

The Design & Construction team supports the POET mission by providing high quality, timely and cost-conscious engineering, procurement and construction services. We provide this support through value-added design and technology innovation from a knowledgeable, hard-working staff. We work closely as a multi-disciplinary team, in a dynamic, fast-paced, ever-changing environment delivering the best product in the industry.

The Milling and Material Handling Engineering Intern will assist the Milling and Material Handling Engineering team with design, implementation, and specification of plant process systems and associated tasks and will work under close guidance of the Milling and Material Handling Engineers and Designers to complete assignments and develop knowledge and skills. 

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Assisting with Milling and Material Handling engineering and designer tasks, including, but not limited to:

  • Grain and DDGS conveying system engineering design and layout

  • Using AutoCAD and other CAD software to create basic 3D models, multi-view drawings and for drafting of material handling equipment, transitions, and layout drawings.

  • Tearing down and rebuilding POET Load Toad railcar loading units and perform removal and installation activities at bioprocessing sites.

  • Specifying equipment and instrumentation

  • Procurement

  • Contract Administration and contractor/vendor communication activities.

  • Coordination with other engineering disciplines (Structural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering) to achieve project goals.

• Completing data analysis of Milling and Material Handling system design.

• Assisting with on-site commissioning and start-up activities of grain conveying, hammer milling, dust collection, pneumatic transfer systems, truck and bulk weigh scales, grain probes and other material handling equipment.

• Fostering a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance.

• Maintaining a team environment and championing POET in the community

• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skill may be put to a lot of other uses!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• Junior or senior-level student majoring in an Engineering program, preferably Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Milling Science or related discipline.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced design and construction environment.

• Effective communication both in writing and in person.

• Ability to understand the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.

• Experience with hand tools and power tools and excellent mechanical ability.

• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability of learning new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• A high level of personal integrity

• Interpersonal skills – the ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization

• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills

• The ability to embrace and promote change

• An innovative mindset

• The ability to think objectively

• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty

• The ability to work in a team environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Up to 50% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, for meetings and site visits. At times overnight travel may be required.

• The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and at the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members.

• Specific physical requirements may include:

  • Sitting for approximately 90% of the time while working on a personal computer.

  • Occasionally lifting weight up to sixty (60) pounds or less.

  • Climbing several flights of stairs and ladders.

  • Working at overhead heights, for example, 130 feet high on catwalks above grain bins.

  • Occasionally bending, twisting, and turning while lifting weights of less than fifty (50) pounds.

  • Walking two (2) or more miles per day.

  • Working at heights, in confined spaces, and outdoors at temperatures up to +100 degrees (spring/summer weather).

  • Standing for extended periods of time.

  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as hard-hat, steel-toed boots, safety glasses, ear plugs, gloves, etc.

  • Working in environments with grain, grain dust, DDGS dust, etc.