Job Description

About Hormel Foods

Hormel Foods Corporation, based in Austin, Minnesota, is a global branded food company with over $12 billion in annual revenue. Its brands include PLANTERS®, SKIPPY®, SPAM®, HORMEL® NATURAL CHOICE®, APPLEGATE®, WHOLLY®, HORMEL® BLACK LABEL®, COLUMBUS®, JENNIE-O® and more than 30 other beloved brands. The Company is a member of the S&P 500 Index and the S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats, was named one of the best companies to work for by U.S. News & World Report and one of America’s most responsible companies by Newsweek, was recognized by TIME magazine as one of the World’s Best Companies and has received numerous other awards and accolades for its corporate responsibility and community service efforts. For more information, visit hormelfoods.com.

Job Title

Maintenance Engineer Intern & COOP

Job Purpose

To gain real world experience by performing the duties of their full-time engineering counterparts, supervising maintenance personnel and directing the modification, improvement and installation of high-tech equipment in a manufacturing facility to maximize equipment and facility productivity at minimum cost.

Responsibilities

• Will be involved in one or more of the following assignments:
  • Learn about Enterprise Asset Management software and assist with reliability improvements
  • Update engineering information on the plant water and industrial sewer systems
  • Learn about system design and make recommendations regarding improvements which could include involvement with water-saving and energy conservation projects
  • Update plant engineering information on the plant compressed air distribution system
  • Become familiar with the design of plant air handling equipment and make recommendations to improve air balance within certain areas of the plant
  • Supervise plant maintenance employees on a relief basis

Required Qualifications

• Must graduate between December 2026 and May 2028 and major in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering field with a minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA preferred
• Demonstrated leadership, persuasive, initiative, analytical, and communication skills are necessary for success in this position
• Possess a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit
• This position will require access to and/or the utilization of a personal motor vehicle to get to and from the workplace
• Applicants must not now, or at any time in the future, require employer sponsorship for a work visa
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States for any employer
• Must be 18 years of age or older (all plant positions) 
• Must be open to relocation 

Hormel Foods does not offer sponsorship of job applicants for employment-based visas. 

About Our Internship Program

The Hormel Foods internship program is designed with your growth in mind. As an intern, you'll gain hands-on experience working on meaningful projects that support real business initiatives while developing the skills and confidence needed to launch your career.

In addition to day-to-day responsibilities, you'll have opportunities to connect with fellow interns, build your professional network, participate in development and learning sessions, and interact with leaders across the organization. You'll leave the summer with valuable experience, lasting connections, and a deeper understanding of what it's like to work for a Fortune 500 company.

We're proud to be recognized among the nation's Top 150 Internship Programs by Vault.

Duration

Our summer internship program runs 10-12 weeks and starts in late May and ends in early August.

Co-ops may be available depending on our business needs. The co-op program duration is typically 6-8 months and can run from early January through early August OR late May through early December.

Hours

This is a temporary, full-time, hourly position. Interns can expect to work approximately 40 hours per week and may be eligible for overtime based on business needs. 

Location(s) 

• Position is based out of one of our production facilities including:
  • Austin, MN
  • Dubuque, IA
  • Osceola, IA
  • Wichita, KS
  • Rochelle, IL 
  • Omaha, NE
  • Faribault, MN
  • Melrose, MN
  • Willmar, MN

Hormel Foods does not currently offer remote internship opportunities.

Compensation/Benefits

• Competitive hourly pay of $27.50 paid on a weekly basis
• Housing assistance through either a housing stipend or company-provided housing, depending on location
• Reimbursement of eligible relocation expenses
• Reimbursement for approved business-related expenses 
• Opportunity to participate in a 401(k) retirement savings plan with company match 
• Paid time off (PTO) accrual
• Hands-on experience with a Fortune 500 company 
• Professional development opportunities and networking experiences 
• Potential consideration for future internships, co-ops, or full-time employment opportunities

At Hormel we invite difference and diversity in all aspects. We offer a space of support, understanding, and community. We are committed to the journey! Learn more about our progress here: https://www.hormelfoods.com/about/inclusion-and-belonging/

Hormel Foods provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race; color; sex; gender identity; sexual orientation; religious practices and observances; national origin; pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran; or disability.