Mechanical Engineering Intern - Equipment Reliability

Fuji Vegetable Oil is seeking a motivated and hands-on Mechanical Engineering Intern to support our Engineering and Maintenance teams within a fast-paced food manufacturing environment. This internship provides practical exposure to industrial maintenance, reliability engineering, continuous improvement initiatives, and food processing operations. The intern will work closely with engineers, maintenance technicians, and operations personnel to assist with equipment reliability efforts, analyze maintenance data, support troubleshooting activities, and contribute to engineering projects that improve plant performance and reduce downtime. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in manufacturing, maintenance engineering, reliability engineering, or industrial operations careers. Essential ResponsibilitiesAssist with equipment reliability and preventive maintenance improvement projectsCollect and analyze maintenance and downtime data from plant systemsSupport root cause failure analysis (RCFA) investigations for equipment failuresParticipate in inspections of pumps, motors, conveyors, gearboxes, piping systems, valves, heat exchangers, boilers, and process equipmentHelp develop and update preventive maintenance procedures and equipment documentationAssist with tracking key reliability metrics including downtime, MTBF, and maintenance costsSupport engineering projects involving equipment upgrades, modifications, and installationsWork alongside maintenance personnel to identify recurring mechanical issues and recommend improvementsCreate and revise technical drawings, spreadsheets, and reports using engineering software toolsAssist with spare parts identification and inventory optimization effortsParticipate in plant safety initiatives and comply with all GMP, food safety, and safety requirementsObserve and support troubleshooting activities during plant operations and shutdowns Preferred Learning Opportunities Interns may gain exposure to:Reliability engineering principlesPredictive and preventive maintenance programsCMMS systems (SAP or similar)Food processing equipment and utilitiesIndustrial safety and process safety practicesContinuous improvement methodologiesCapital project execution QualificationsCurrently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited universityJunior or Senior standing preferredStrong mechanical aptitude and interest in industrial equipmentBasic understanding of mechanical systems, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processesProficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPointFamiliarity with AutoCAD or SolidWorks is a plusStrong communication and problem-solving skillsAbility to work in an industrial plant environment, including climbing stairs and walking production areas Preferred CharacteristicsSelf-motivated and eager to learnStrong attention to detailComfortable working with both engineers and skilled trades personnelInterested in manufacturing, reliability, or maintenance engineering careersHands-on mindset with practical troubleshooting ability Work EnvironmentIndustrial food manufacturing environmentExposure to noise, heat, moving mechanical equipment, and production operationsRequired use of PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed shoes ScheduleFull-time during the summer internship period or part-time/co-op during academic semestersFlexible scheduling may be available based on school requirements CompensationPaid internshipCompensation based on experience and academic level Potential Career Path Successful interns may be considered for future co-op opportunities or full-time engineering positions following graduation. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Fuji Vegetable Oil, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all applicants and team members. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.