Engineering Intern

Description

Ready for more than just a job? Build a career with purpose.

At Lactalis in the USA, we’re committed to providing meaningful opportunities for our people to learn, grow, and thrive—whether you’re just starting your journey with us or looking to take the next step in your career. From day one, we offer the tools and support to help you succeed.

As the world leader in dairy, Lactalis is a family-owned company with over 85,000 pragmatic and ambitious professionals across the globe. Each day, we’re proud to produce award-winning dairy products that bring people together.

In the US, we proudly offer an unrivaled house of beloved brands, including Galbani® Italian cheeses and ricotta, Président® specialty cheeses and butters, Kraft® natural and grated cheeses, Breakstone’s® cottage cheese, Cracker Barrel®, Black Diamond® cheddar, and Parmalat® milk. Our yogurt portfolio includes siggi’s®, Stonyfield Organic®, Brown Cow™, Oui®, Yoplait®, Go-Gurt®, :ratio®, Green Mountain Creamery®, and Mountain High®, along with a growing family of ethnic favorites like Karoun®, Gopi®, and Arz®.

At Lactalis, we live by our core values—Ambition, Engagement, and Simplicity. We foster a workplace where innovation thrives, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and everyone’s unique background and ideas are valued.

Even if you don’t meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply. We want to hear about your PASSION, your STORY, and how your EXPERTISE can help us shape the future of dairy. 

From your PASSION to ours

Lactalis American Group, part of the Lactalis family of companies, is currently hiring a Engineering Intern based in Buffalo, NY. As an Engineering Intern, the role will provide students with practical experience in industrial engineering and manufacturing operations. As an engineering intern, you will support the plant’s strategic goals in process optimization, safety, and continuous improvement. This intern will foster professional development through collaboration, documentation, and project involvement. 

 From your EXPERTISE to ours

Key responsibilities for this position include:

Equipment & Process Evaluation

• Assist in gathering and analyzing data on machinery specifications, capacities, and plant layouts.
• Learn how to identify bottlenecks and suggest improvements to enhance production flow.

Facility Planning & Optimization

• Support the planning of equipment relocation or reconfiguration to accommodate new technologies or layout changes.
• Participate in brainstorming sessions and layout reviews with plant engineers.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (engineering, maintenance, production) to validate proposed changes.
• Develop communication skills by presenting ideas and findings to team members.

Documentation & Procurement Support

• Help draft scope of work documents and equipment specification sheets.
• Gain exposure to procurement processes for industrial equipment and materials.

Safety & Best Practices

• Learn and promote best practices in safety, quality, and operational efficiency.
• Participate in safety audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Workplace Standards

• Maintain a clean and safe work environment, following all compliance and safety protocols.
• Understand the importance of hygiene and safety in food manufacturing.

General Support

• Take on additional tasks as assigned to support plant operations and long-term goals.
• Be flexible and open to learning from various departments.

Work Conditions:

• Extended hours may be necessary depending on the project needs.
• To fulfill these responsibilities, tools such as a computer will be provided.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential duties
• This position requires physical presence at the plant site: 60% of the time will be on the floor and 40% in the office.
• Demonstrate commitment to a safe working environment that promotes the health and well-being of all employees and that will further contribute to the Company’s overall performance and success.

Requirements

From your STORY to ours

Qualified applicants will contribute the following:

Education

• Must be currently pursuing or have recently completed a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree. Majors in engineering (mechanical & industrial) and food science are favored.

Experience

Practical Exposure: Some hands-on experience through:

• School projects (e.g., engineering design, lab work, group assignments)
• Previous internships or part-time jobs (especially in manufacturing, food production, or engineering)
• Volunteer work or extracurricular activities that demonstrate relevant skills

Certifications and specific knowledge

Analytical Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and comfortable analyzing data to support decision-making.
• Able to interpret complex information and draw fact-based conclusions.

Attention to Detail:

• Highly detail-oriented with a strong concern for accuracy in all tasks.
• Open-mindedness & Adaptability:
• Willing to learn, understand, and react to new information or changing situations.

Communication & Teamwork:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to coordinate and collaborate with multiple departments.
• Effective at multi-tasking and managing several responsibilities at once.

Organizational Skills:

• Well-organized, able to prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines consistently.

Proactivity:

• Takes initiative in completing assignments and anticipating needs.

Technical Proficiency:

• Significant knowledge of current software systems, especially Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel

**This internship is expected to start in October 2025**

Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.