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 Responsibilities

• Assist with equipment reliability and preventive maintenance improvement projects
• Collect and analyze maintenance and downtime data from plant systems
• Support root cause failure analysis (RCFA) investigations for equipment failures
• Participate in inspections of pumps, motors, conveyors, gearboxes, piping systems, valves, heat exchangers, boilers, and process equipment
• Help develop and update preventive maintenance procedures and equipment documentation
• Assist with tracking key reliability metrics including downtime, MTBF, and maintenance costs
• Support engineering projects involving equipment upgrades, modifications, and installations
• Work alongside maintenance personnel to identify recurring mechanical issues and recommend improvements
• Create and revise technical drawings, spreadsheets, and reports using engineering software tools
• Assist with spare parts identification and inventory optimization efforts
• Participate in plant safety initiatives and comply with all GMP, food safety, and safety requirements
• Observe and support troubleshooting activities during plant operations and shutdowns

• Reliability engineering principles
• Predictive and preventive maintenance programs
• CMMS systems (SAP or similar)
• Food processing equipment and utilities
• Industrial safety and process safety practices
• Continuous improvement methodologies
• Capital project execution

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from an accredited university
• Junior or Senior standing preferred
• Strong mechanical aptitude and interest in industrial equipment
• Basic understanding of mechanical systems, thermodynamics, and manufacturing processes
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or SolidWorks is a plus
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work in an industrial plant environment, including climbing stairs and walking production areas

• Self-motivated and eager to learn
• Strong attention to detail
• Comfortable working with both engineers and skilled trades personnel
• Interested in manufacturing, reliability, or maintenance engineering careers
• Hands-on mindset with practical troubleshooting ability

• Industrial food manufacturing environment
• Exposure to noise, heat, moving mechanical equipment, and production operations
• Required use of PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, and steel-toed shoes

• Full-time during the summer internship period or part-time/co-op during academic semesters
• Flexible scheduling may be available based on school requirements

• Paid internship
• Compensation based on experience and academic level