Mechanical Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

POET Design & Construction (PDC) 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 Mechanical Engineering Intern will assist the Mechanical Engineering team with design, implementation, and specification of plant process systems and associated tasks. The Mechanical Engineering Intern will work under close guidance of the Mechanical Engineers to complete assignments and develop knowledge and skills. 

This is an on-site role located at POET’s corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Assist with mechanical engineering and drafting tasks supervision of Mechanical Engineers, including, but not limited to:

  • HVAC and Ventilation

  • Plumbing

  • Process Piping

  • Equipment Layout

  • Specifying equipment

  • Procurement

  • Contract Administration

• Complete data analysis of mechanical design.

• Assist with on-site commissioning and start-up activities.

• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times.

• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community

• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills 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.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Junior or senior level status majoring in an Engineering program, preferably Mechanical Engineering.

• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills, as well as the ability to adapt to change.

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

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

• 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

• Up to 25% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, attend meetings, and other 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.

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

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

  • Working at heights, in confined spaces, and at temperatures from -20 to +100 degrees.

  • Standing for extended periods of time.

  • Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

  • Using hand and power tools.

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.