Summer Engineering Intern | San Leandro, CA | $30/HR
Role Overview
A dairy manufacturing facility in San Leandro, California is seeking a Summer Engineering Intern to support Engineering and Operations teams within a fast-paced food and beverage production environment.
This internship is designed for engineering students interested in gaining hands-on experience within industrial manufacturing, process optimization, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement initiatives while learning real-world food production and safety operations.
The intern will work directly alongside engineers, operations leaders, maintenance teams, and plant personnel while contributing to manufacturing support activities and operational improvement projects.
Position Details
Position Type: Full-Time Summer Internship
Contract Duration: 10–12 Weeks
Start Date: June 1, 2026
End Date: August 1, 2026
Schedule:
- Monday–Friday
- 7:00 AM–4:00 PM
Onsite in San Leandro, California
Compensation: $30/HR
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Engineering Support
Assist engineers with daily manufacturing support activities
Observe and support equipment troubleshooting and process optimization efforts
Support continuous improvement projects focused on safety, quality, reliability, and efficiency
Participate in manufacturing process observations and operational analysis
Data Analysis & Process Improvement
Collect, analyze, and summarize production and process data
Identify trends and operational improvement opportunities
Support root cause analysis for equipment downtime and process inefficiencies
Assist with manufacturing performance reporting and documentation
Documentation & Project Support
Update SOPs, work instructions, engineering drawings, and technical documentation
Support equipment installation projects and operational upgrades
Maintain organized engineering and operational records
Assist with project coordination activities as needed
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work alongside Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Sanitation teams
Support plant safety and food safety initiatives
Participate in collaborative manufacturing and engineering activities
Follow GMPs, HACCP standards, and plant safety procedures
Learning Opportunities
Exposure to dairy processing systems including:
- Pasteurization
- Homogenization
- Filling
- Packaging
- CIP Systems
Hands-on exposure to manufacturing equipment and automation systems
Introduction to food safety and regulatory standards within dairy manufacturing
Mentorship from experienced engineers and plant leadership
Professional development in teamwork, communication, and industrial problem-solving
Requirements
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Related Engineering Fields
Must have completed at least sophomore year before internship start date
Strong interest in manufacturing, industrial operations, or food & beverage production
Basic Microsoft Office proficiency including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Willingness to work within industrial manufacturing environments
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
Effective communication skills with technical and non-technical teams
Preferred Qualifications
Coursework or internship experience related to manufacturing or process engineering
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma concepts
Exposure to automation or industrial systems
Strong interest in engineering operations and continuous improvement
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Ability to work within manufacturing environments with noise and temperature variations
Ability to walk production floors regularly
Occasional climbing of stairs or ladders required
Must follow all PPE, sanitation, and food safety requirements
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
Ideal Candidate
Motivated engineering student seeking hands-on manufacturing experience
Interested in food & beverage production operations
Strong analytical mindset and willingness to learn
Team-oriented with strong communication skills
Comfortable working in industrial production environments
Interested in process improvement, operations, and engineering systems