Systems & Controls Technician Intern

Farmers Union Industries, LLC, also known as FUI, is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our current operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Please visit our website at fuillc.com to learn more!

Performance Pet, located in Mitchell, SD, works with brands both large and small to create an assortment of canned dog and cat foods. Learn more about what we do at fuillc.com/performance-pet-products/. We are currently seeking a 1st year and 2nd year student for our brand-new Systems & Controls Technician Internship! We offer an hourly pay of $26/Hr.

Schedule

Monday-Friday, day shift

Actual working hours will be based on students’ individual class schedule

Areas of Accountability

All areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork

General Maintenance & Repairs on Automation Systems

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

This internship follows a progressive learning approach. Progression will depend on demonstrated skills, safe work practices, and plant needs.

Phase 1: Equipment Operation and Process Understanding

Work alongside production operators to learn the safe startup, operation, shutdown, and cleaning requirements of plant equipment

Understand how equipment and production processes work together, from ingredient preparation through processing and packaging

Learn normal operating conditions, equipment controls, alarms, and common operating challenges

Perform Machine preventative maintenance (PMs)

Follow plant safety, food safety, sanitation, and lockout/tagout procedures

Build working relationships with production, maintenance, and quality teams

Phase 2: Equipment Troubleshooting

Assist maintenance personnel in identifying and troubleshooting equipment performance issues

Learn to distinguish between mechanical, electrical, controls, and operational causes of equipment problems

Develop an understanding of sensors, motors, variable frequency drives, PLCs, and operator interfaces

Use equipment history, operator feedback, alarms, and observations to support troubleshooting

Document findings, repairs, and follow-up recommendations

Phase 3: Electrical Drawings and Controls

Learn to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, control panel layouts, and equipment manuals

Trace control circuits and identify electrical components with qualified personnel

Learn how field devices connect to PLC inputs and outputs and how those signals affect equipment operation

Assist with documenting wiring changes and updating drawings for review

Perform electrical tasks only within assigned training, authorization, and supervision requirements

Phase 4: Automation changes and upgrades

Assist with installing and configuring automation changes and upgrades under supervision

Help connect approved equipment and PLC data to User interfaces

Support the development of tags, equipment displays, dashboards, alarms, and historical data collection

Work with plant teams to identify useful information for monitoring equipment performance and production

Assist with testing data accuracy, screen functionality, and alarm operation

Document system configurations and help prepare basic user instructions

Follow plant requirements for system access, backups, cybersecurity, and approval of changes

Maintain regular and predictable on-site attendance

Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.

Qualifications

Currently enrolled in a technical college program in automation, industrial controls, electrical technology, mechatronics, industrial maintenance, or a related field; internship will end upon graduation or withdrawal from program

Interest in manufacturing equipment, troubleshooting, and industrial automation

Basic electrical and mechanical knowledge gained through coursework and/or hands-on experience

Willingness to begin by learning equipment operation and working directly with production teams

Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and willingness to ask questions

Ability to follow instructions, work safely, and document work accurately

Basic computer skills; exposure to PLCs, electrical drawings, industrial networking, or automation is helpful but not required

Ability to perform safety sensitive position

Ability to work in a facility that processes multiple proteins including beef, pork, chicken, turkey, fish, lamb, rabbit, kangaroo, and egg

Must be 18 years of age or older for insurance purposes

Physical Requirements

Stand up to 100% of the workday

Occasionally lift up to 50 pounds

Frequently walk and bend at the knees and/or waist

Frequently climb steps and/or ladders up to 10 feet and perform duties on an elevated surface

Ability to distinguish colors (i.e., wire codes)

Frequently bend at the waist and/or knees