Ready to apply your engineering skills to real-world automation and advanced manufacturing opportunities? Join KENT WORLDWIDE™ as a Division Engineer Intern within our Consumer Brands for Summer 2027! In this hands-on role based in Columbus, Mississippi, you'll support projects involving automation, equipment optimization, process improvement, and manufacturing technology while working alongside experienced engineering and operations professionals. You'll gain valuable experience contributing to initiatives that drive efficiency, reliability, and performance across our operations. Bring your curiosity. Explore new technologies. Build experience that will set you apart after graduation!
- This position is designed and intended to be performed in Columbus, MS.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support automation, process improvement, and engineering projects that enhance safety, product quality, operational efficiency, and sustainability.
- Collaborate with Production, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering teams to identify opportunities for automation, equipment upgrades, and process optimization.
- Assist with troubleshooting production equipment, packaging systems, and automated processes using root cause analysis and problem-solving techniques.
- Gain hands-on exposure to manufacturing technology, controls systems, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Monitor equipment and process performance data to identify opportunities for increased throughput, reduced downtime, and improved reliability.
- Support the installation, startup, testing, and optimization of new equipment, automation systems, and process improvements.
- Assist in developing and updating standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, technical documentation, and maintenance records.
- Collect, analyze, and interpret operational data to support engineering recommendations, project evaluations, and business decisions.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
- Interest in automation, robotics, manufacturing systems, controls, continuous improvement, or industrial technology preferred.
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective verbal, written, and technical communication abilities.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
- Previous internship, co-op, engineering project, robotics team, manufacturing, or industrial experience is a plus.
TRAVEL
- Limited travel (up to 10%) may be required for training and business support activities.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
While our facility is air-conditioned, some projects and learning opportunities may take place in production or warehouse areas. Safety is always our top priority, and these experiences provide valuable exposure to the manufacturing environment and day-to-day operations.
Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Robotics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Effective verbal, written, and technical communication abilities
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications
- Interest in automation, robotics, manufacturing systems, controls, continuous improvement, or industrial technology
- Previous internship, co-op, engineering project, robotics team, manufacturing, or industrial experience
What We Do
KENT Corporation (now KENT WORLDWIDE) is a family-owned, diversified parent company whose operating businesses span corn wet milling, animal feed and nutrition, pet care, and food and beverage products. It manufactures and markets agricultural specialty ingredients and consumer products for food, industrial, food-service, and pet-care markets. The corporation also provides management and administrative services to its operating companies, which serve customers in the United States, Canada, and worldwide.
