ABOUT POET

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

CULTURE IS KING AT POET

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

JOB SUMMARY & RESPONSIBILITIES

The Process Development Engineering Intern will assist the Process Development Engineering team turning dreams and back-of-the napkin ideas into real life commercialized solutions.

The Intern must be able to effectively work in a team environment, both on-site with the engineering team and with the POET Research Center team.

This is an on-site role located at POET’s Research Center in Scotland, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Design, set up, and run trials that solve critical business issues or have the potential to progress POET’s commercial goals.
• Design/fabricate/build pilot scale testing platforms to evaluate process and technology opportunities for POET.
• Work with (and in!) a multitude of different scientific and engineering disciplines.
• Generate, compile and analyze data. Generate technical documentation and effectively communicate those results to the broader team and organization
• Develop implementation plans for continuous improvement projects.
• Travel to bioprocessing facilities for training, trial execution, and meetings.
• Foster a culture of safe behavior, feed safety, and environmental compliance at all times.
• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2026. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Junior or senior level status majoring in an accredited Engineering program.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills as well as the ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to understand the technical and day-to-day operation of a bioprocessing facility.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

A SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
• Ability to work in a team environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Up to 25% travel will be part of the norm for this position to visit the bioprocessing facilities, trial execution, attending meetings, and other site visits. At times, overnight travel may be required.
• The work environment at POET is dynamic. You should expect a balance between time spent in the office and in the bioprocessing facility, which may include some physical labor helping your team members.

GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

BENEFITS

For eligible team members

• Comprehensive benefits package: Individual and family plans for health, dental, & vision insurance, including a generous employer Health Savings Account contribution

• Quarterly Profit-Sharing Bonuses and Bi-Annual Incentive Bonuses

• Competitive pay, including shift premium pay for qualifying positions

• 401K with company match

• Paid time off and paid holidays – 40 hours available on day ONE!

• Paid Parental Leave

• Tuition reimbursement

• Attractive Relocation Assistance and Bonus Programs for qualifying positions and/or locations

OTHER PERKS

For eligible team members

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually

• Onsite fitness centers or fitness reimbursements

• Safety and cold weather gear reimbursements

• Discounted home and auto insurance

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). POET complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.