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Process Operator Internship information

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$12

$19

$26

How much do process operator internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for process operator internship in Kentucky is $19.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $22.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some typical responsibilities and learning opportunities for interns in a Process Operator Internship?

As a Process Operator Intern, you will typically assist with monitoring, controlling, and troubleshooting industrial processes under the supervision of experienced operators. Interns often support routine inspections, collect and analyze samples, and help maintain equipment logs. This role offers valuable hands-on exposure to process control systems, safety protocols, and teamwork within manufacturing or production environments. Interns also gain insight into industry regulations and have opportunities to ask questions and learn from seasoned professionals, which can be a strong foundation for future full-time roles.

What is a Process Operator Internship?

A Process Operator Internship is a hands-on training program designed for students or recent graduates interested in learning how to operate and monitor industrial equipment and processes in manufacturing or production environments. Interns work under the supervision of experienced process operators and engineers to gain practical experience in areas such as equipment operation, safety procedures, quality control, and troubleshooting. The internship helps participants understand the workflow of production facilities and prepares them for entry-level roles in industries like chemical, oil and gas, food processing, or pharmaceuticals. It also provides valuable insights into workplace safety and process optimization.

What is the difference between Process Operator Internship vs Process Operator?

AspectProcess Operator InternshipProcess Operator
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; some technical training or courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; technical certifications or vocational training often preferred
Work EnvironmentEntry-level, supervised, training-focused environment in manufacturing or processing plantsFull-time, operational environment with hands-on responsibilities in industrial settings
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by manufacturing, chemical, or energy companies for training purposesFull-time roles in similar industries, responsible for operating equipment and ensuring safety

The Process Operator Internship is a training position designed to provide hands-on experience and industry exposure, often for students or entry-level candidates. In contrast, a Process Operator is a full-time role with operational responsibilities, requiring more experience and certifications. Internships serve as a stepping stone toward becoming a full Process Operator.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Process Operator Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Process Operator Intern, you need a basic understanding of industrial processes, attention to safety protocols, and often a background in engineering or technical studies. Familiarity with process control systems, safety equipment, and data logging software is typical, and some roles may require OSHA or industry-specific safety certifications. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication help interns quickly adapt and contribute to team objectives. These skills and qualifications are essential for ensuring safe, efficient, and reliable operations in an industrial setting.
What are the most commonly searched types of Process Operator jobs in Kentucky? The most popular types of Process Operator jobs in Kentucky are:
What cities in Kentucky are hiring for Process Operator Internship jobs? Cities in Kentucky with the most Process Operator Internship job openings:
Process Operator Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Process Operator Internship job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 36% Full Time, 49% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,074 per year, or $19.3 per hour.
Process Engineer

Process Engineer

J.M. Smucker Company

Scottsville, KY

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

J.M. Smucker rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 388 rated food and drinks producers

Job description

Your Opportunity as theProcess Engineer

The Process Engineer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing production processes to improve efficiency, reduce waste, increase throughput, and improve product quality. Ensuring that products meet quality and safety standards, as well as collaborating with other departments to troubleshoot issues and implement best practices.

Location:Scottsville, KY

Work Arrangements:100% Onsite, Monday to Friday with some flexibility

In this role you will:

  • Identify and advance cost savings and process improvement opportunities.
  • Drive out defects in the process and enhance overall safety, quality and productivity by collaborating with operations teams and leadership.
  • Provide technical leadership within cross functional teams to deliver initiatives and departmental projects.
  • Evaluate ingredients, optimize formulas for quality, performance, consumer satisfaction and profitability.
  • Efficiently and successfully formulate new, and improve current, products leveraging consumer/customer and marketing feedback and sensory shelf-life results.
  • Employ effective interpersonal time and resource management skills to complete projects assignments, leading multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Build and leverage strong internal/external network to gain insight, influence and information.
  • Develop and improve process documentation.
  • Help organization stay current with applicable new technologies/ingredients.
  • Support and provide guidance to operations/engineering organizations on evaluation of new production opportunities, improving existing operations, cost-saving ideas, and troubleshooting of major problems.
  • Monitor new products trends/competitive trend and activities.

What we are looking for:

MinimumRequirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Mechanical, Chemical, or Industrial preferred
  • Manufacturing experience, preferably in food
  • Project management skills
  • Problem solving ability
  • Solid inter-personal skills
  • Ability to teach and lead others
  • Open to managing operating teams as needed (as backup or future assignment)
  • Can work off shift or weekends as needed

Additionalskills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role:

  • Engineering focused experience, this could include internship and/or co-op experience
  • Strong analytical skills to drive statistically based decision making
  • Project management experience
  • Willingness to travel for Factory Acceptance Tests (travel may include domestic or international travel, typically 1-2 times per year)

Work Environment: This job operates in a manufacturing environment. The noise level in the work environment and manufacturing sites can be high.

Physical Demands:

  • Regularly required to talk and hear.
  • Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.
  • Occasionally required to sit; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
  • Able to lift objects up to 50 pounds frequently.
  • May push and pull heavy trash carts, dough carts, portable equipment, and catch pans.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

TheRight Placefor You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in ourBasic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with usonLinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

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