Process Engineering Intern

Plantible•Eldorado, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a Process Engineering Intern who combines analytical rigor with hands-on curiosity - someone who loves data as much as they love getting their boots dirty. Based on site at our Ranchito facility, you will own a defined process improvement project, focused on optimizing throughput or yield and supporting scale-up initiatives from R&D to commercial operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high-impact startup environment—working shoulder to shoulder with operators, scientists, and engineers to continuously improve our production process from cultivation to packaging. This is a paid, part-time summer internship (hourly, non-exempt) lasting approximately 10–12 weeks, from late May/early June through August. Interns are expected to work approximately 20–25 hours per week, with some flexibility based on project needs and academic schedules. Compensation is $20/hour.

Requirements

Planned B.S. or M.S. in Process, Chemical, Mechanical, or Bioprocess Engineering (or related discipline).
Familiarity with PFD/P&IDs, H&M balances.
Understanding of sanitary design, food safety (HACCP, FSMA), and equipment standards (USDA, FDA).
Strong communication skills; comfortable bridging R&D and plant operations.
A proactive, “get-it-done” attitude with the flexibility to work on-site at Ranchito as projects demand.

Responsibilities

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement:
Analyze plant and process data to identify inefficiencies in yield, throughput, and resource utilization.
Design, and support implementation, and validation of process improvements in collaboration with operations, maintenance, and controls teams.
Develop models, SOPs, and documentation to institutionalize process knowledge.
Contribute to and promote a data-driven, continuous improvement mindset across the plant.
Technology Transfer
Support the translation of R&D findings into scalable manufacturing processes through documentation, analysis, and trial support
Develop detailed process documentation including PFDs, P&IDs, and mass/energy balances.
Collaborate with pilot and R&D teams to support design and execution scale-up trials.
Support commissioning, validation, and troubleshooting of new process lines and equipment.
Work at the commercial facility working on process improvements to drive yield, throughput, and resource utilization.
Develop and communicate process designs using process flow diagrams, P&IDs, process narratives, and volume and mass balances.
Monitor operations and project progression, resolve any issues that arise, and coordinate team activities to maintain the approved schedule.
Transfer any new processes to the operations team through proper documentation and training.
Update management team and other project engineers on project progress and requirements regularly in written reports and presentations.
Track project milestones, document progress, and escalate risks or changes to the engineering lead as needed.