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Plant Engineer Intern Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Operations Engineering Interns

Topeka, KS · On-site

$14.25 - $18.75/hr

Hostess Brands Your Opportunity as an Operations Engineering Intern As an intern within Operations ... plant floor to develop process improvement areas and understand manufacturing processes ...

... and local plant logistics. Our Programming: * With comprehensive learning resources at your ... As an intern, you'll have access to a wide variety of programs to support you and help you succeed.

... and local plant logistics. Our Programming: * With comprehensive learning resources at your ... As an intern, you'll have access to a wide variety of programs to support you and help you succeed

... an active plant environment (water/wastewater, industrial) • Experience on construction projects in excess of $50M • Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineering Intern (EI) • Certified ...

Plant Engineer Intern information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a plant engineer intern?

To thrive as a Plant Engineer Intern, you need a solid understanding of engineering principles, technical coursework in mechanical or electrical engineering, and enrollment in or completion of a relevant degree program. Familiarity with CAD software, maintenance management systems, and basic safety protocols is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help interns navigate complex projects and collaborate with plant teams. These skills are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, minimizing downtime, and supporting safe, reliable plant operations.

What does a plant engineer intern do?

A Plant Engineer Intern supports the engineering team in maintaining and improving the operations of a manufacturing or industrial facility. Their tasks often include assisting with equipment maintenance, process optimization, troubleshooting machinery issues, and working on projects to enhance safety and efficiency. Interns may also collect and analyze data, help implement new technologies, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations. This internship provides hands-on experience and exposure to the day-to-day challenges faced by plant engineers.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a plant engineer intern expect during their internship?

As a Plant Engineer Intern, you can expect to be involved in a range of hands-on projects that support plant operations, such as assisting with equipment maintenance, conducting process improvement studies, and helping implement safety protocols. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced engineers, production staff, and maintenance teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize manufacturing processes. This role offers valuable exposure to plant systems and machinery, providing a strong foundation for future engineering roles. You’ll also have opportunities to present findings and recommendations, which helps build communication and project management skills.

What is the difference between Plant Engineer Intern vs Mechanical Engineering Intern?

AspectPlant Engineer InternMechanical Engineering Intern
Required CredentialsEnrolled in engineering program, basic knowledge of plant systemsEnrolled in mechanical engineering program, foundational engineering coursework
Work EnvironmentIndustrial plants, manufacturing facilitiesDesign offices, manufacturing plants, labs
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturing, energy, utilitiesAutomotive, aerospace, manufacturing
Common Search & ComparisonFocuses on plant operations and systemsFocuses on mechanical design and analysis

The main difference between a Plant Engineer Intern and a Mechanical Engineering Intern lies in their focus areas. Plant Engineer Interns typically work within manufacturing or utility plants, concentrating on plant operations, systems, and maintenance. Mechanical Engineering Interns often work in design, research, or product development environments, focusing on mechanical systems and components. Both roles require engineering coursework, but their work environments and specific responsibilities differ based on industry needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Plant Engineer jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Plant Engineer jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Plant Engineer Intern jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Plant Engineer Intern job openings:

2026 Summer Intern: Manufacturing (Manufacturing Engineering)

Spirit AeroSystems

Wichita, KS • On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Spirit AeroSystems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

42nd of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Overview
Flight begins at Spirit AeroSystems, where our products are taking off somewhere around the world every minute of every day. We design and build large structural parts for the world's premier commercial aircraft (think Boeing and Airbus), as well as top Defense and other cutting-edge programs.
Spirit AeroSystems is a global company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas with a diverse work force spread across three continents. Our Summer Internship Program has been rated a US Top 100 Internship Program, and this is based on our program focusing on meaningful projects/work, intern professional development, social activities, career shadowing opportunities, mentoring support, and our history of offering interns full time positions. At Spirit AeroSystems we are focused on inventing, designing, and building what's best in aerospace and we welcome you to consider joining us in this endeavor!
Responsibilities
Responsibilities:
Flight begins with you at Spirit AeroSystems, a place where you can explore your interests and grow your career by working on impactful projects. As an Engineering intern, you can expect to:
Manufacturing Engineering
  • Acquire hands-on experience in fabricating and assembling parts according to engineering specifications.
  • Collaborate on machining, composite, sheet metal, and rapid response planning projects.
  • Manage configuration control to ensure adherence to specific customer requirements, overseeing operations and parts for designated units.
  • Develop expertise in areas such as composites, electrical/electronics, machining, sheet metal, systems, and structures.
  • Partner with engineering, manufacturing, and supply teams to formulate and execute manufacturing and tooling strategies.
  • Contribute to the adoption and implementation of advanced manufacturing technologies, enhancing processes to align with type design requirements.
  • Apply process engineering principles and methodologies to optimize manufacturing operations.

Also, should you be selected as a 2026 Spirit AeroSystems Summer Intern, you will have exposure to several activities including:
  • Multiple Manufacturing Plant Tours
  • Professional development workshops
  • Project Expo (An opportunity to present an intern project for Executive Leaders)
  • Social/Networking Events

Qualifications
Requirements:
  • You must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)
  • You must be enrolled full time in a university degree program aligned to the area of internship.
  • You must be a current sophomore, junior, senior or graduate student in good academic standing.

Spirit AeroSystems is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy, age, disability, veteran status or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.

What Spirit AeroSystems employees say

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