Internship Duration: 10–12 Weeks | Late May – Early August
Interested in exploring a career in engineering, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing? Peco Foods' Summer Internship Program offers college students hands-on experience with engineering and automation systems in a poultry processing facility.
As an Engineering Automation Intern, you'll work alongside experienced professionals, explore industrial equipment and automated systems, and contribute to projects that improve efficiency, reliability, and plant performance. You'll gain practical technical skills, apply classroom knowledge, and explore career opportunities in modern manufacturing.
What You'll Experience
Throughout the internship, you'll work closely with engineering, maintenance, and production teams while following company safety, food safety, and operational procedures.
- Gain hands-on engineering experience by exploring how automated equipment, control systems, and manufacturing technologies support plant operations.
- Explore industrial automation through exposure to programmable logic controllers (PLCs), sensors, robotics, and other automated systems.
- Develop technical and problem-solving skills by assisting with equipment troubleshooting, process evaluations, data analysis, and performance improvements.
- Make a meaningful impact by contributing to an engineering or automation improvement project and presenting recommendations to plant leadership.
- Understand manufacturing operations by learning how equipment reliability, automation, safety, and continuous improvement drive plant performance.
- Grow professionally through coaching, feedback, and collaboration with experienced engineering and manufacturing professionals.
- Experience a real-world production environment through assignments that may involve varying shifts, extended periods of standing or walking, and other physically active tasks.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for motivated, technically minded college students who are eager to learn, take initiative, and gain practical engineering experience.
Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled full-time in college during the semester preceding the internship.
- Upcoming sophomore, junior, senior, or grad student in good academic standing.
- Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field.
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Effective communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.
- Computer proficiency, technical aptitude, and an interest in automation and manufacturing technologies.
- Attention to detail, initiative, and a willingness to learn.
Start Building Your Future with Peco Foods!
At Peco Foods, we believe some of the most valuable learning happens through experience. Our Summer Internship Program offers the opportunity to build practical skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and gain valuable insight into careers in engineering, automation, and advanced manufacturing.
Ready to gain real-world experience, make an impact, and take the next step toward your future career? Apply today!
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis 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 enrolled full-time in college during the semester preceding the internship
- Upcoming sophomore, junior, senior, or graduate student
- Good academic standing
- Pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Automation Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Effective communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
- Computer proficiency and technical aptitude
- Interest in automation and manufacturing technologies
- Attention to detail, initiative, and willingness to learn
What We Do
Peco Foods is a fourth-generation, family-owned poultry processing company headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It operates an integrated poultry business, supplying retail, restaurant/foodservice, and international customers with fresh and frozen chicken products. Its offerings include par-fried and breaded items, marinated chicken, wings, and bone-in and boneless cuts. The company emphasizes quality, consistency, innovation, customer service, and responsible production across its operations in the Southeast.
