Automation Intern

  • Intern
  • Sub-Department: Continuous Improvement
  • Department: Operations
  • Compensation: USD 22 - USD 24 - hourly

Company Description

Running with Sasquatch is more than just a clever marketing campaign. As a Jack Link’s team member, Running with Sasquatch means we roll up our buffalo plaid sleeves and do the hard work first. We don’t shy away from challenges. In fact, we push hard and take risks. True to our North Woods roots, we're a bunch of ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary things by driving results with innovation, creativity and a clear sense of urgency. Like our awesome protein products, we have an unwavering passion for quality, and you won’t find anything artificial here. What you see is what you get…authentic, humble and fun people who Run with Sasquatch!

Running with Sasquatch takes a team. We invite you to run with us, succeed with us, and celebrate with us. Most importantly, Feed Your Wild Side® with us on our journey to be the dominant global leader of branded protein snacks!

Jack Link's Protein Snacks is a global leader in snacking and the No. 1 meat snack manufacturer worldwide. Still family-owned and operated with headquarters in Minong, Wisconsin, Jack Link’s also has a large corporate hub in Downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, and operates a total of 11 manufacturing and distribution facilities in four countries. Jack Link’s produces high-quality, great-tasting protein snacks that feed the wild sides of consumers around the world. Jack Link's Protein Snacks family of brands includes Jack Link's, LK, World Kitchens Jerky, Bifi and Peperami.

Job Description

Come join us during the Summer of 2026 as an Automation Intern in Minong, WI. The Automation Intern will be responsible for learning and contributing to multiple projects utilizing a variety of automation technologies and platforms. These technologies are deployed for the control of automated manufacturing processes. You will have the opportunity to learn and work on projects from the design and development phase to field installation and commissioning. Essential duties and responsibilities will be completed in direct partnership with the Engineering Team.

**ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**:

  • Electrical Design and 2-D layouts – especially as it relates to facility as-builts (AutoCad Typical)
  • Project documentation and equipment design specifications
  • PLC Programming (Allen Bradley Typical)
  • HMI Application Design (Rockwell, Wonderware, and GE Intellution Typical)
  • System Site Commissioning
  • Facility Operator and Technician Training
  • Project Warranty Support
  • Network communications including communications with manufacturing equipment using VPN.
  • Perform design and engineering functions in accordance with accepted practices and company standards.
  • Prepare project scopes of work, preliminary design concepts, and cost estimates for small projects. Assist in gathering field data and preparing project specifications.
  • Develop high-quality, error-free industrial software programs in keeping with the defined project requirements.
  • Coordinate design with other members of the project team.
  • Prepare scopes of work, bills of material, specifications, cost estimates, and other necessary projects documents.
  • Prepare project correspondence as required.
  • Maintain positive client relationships on projects assigned.

To qualify for this position an individual must be able to partner with the Engineering team, work to learn each of the primary tasks and responsibilities and meet the educational requirements. The individual must have strong communication skills, be capable of maintaining customer relationships, and carry themselves in a professional manner at all times.

Qualifications

  • Pursuing a 2 year or 4 year education in Engineering, Automation technologies, Controls related field or similar. 
  • General understanding of Automation Control technologies and equipment
  • Basic understanding of manufacturing equipment and food processing systems is a plus
  • Understanding of basic electrical circuits
  • Software application experience utilizing Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office applications MS Office Suite
  • General understanding of PLC programming with troubleshooting capabilities
  • General understanding of HMI applications such as Rockwell software, GE Intellution, and/or Wonderware software applications
  • Visual Basic and Database Programming is a plus
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear.
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
  • This position must also be able to perform industrial field work which may include hazardous locations, ladders, and stairs 

Additional Information

JACK LINK’S CORE VALUES:

Company values: Be Real, Speed Matters, Stewardship, Relationship Driven, Self-Discipline, and Show Awesome Character.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to be successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job the Team Member is regularly required to sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and talk or hear. The Team Member is occasionally required to stand, walk and reach with hands and arms. The Team Member must occasionally lift and/or more up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a Team Member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The work environment is a plant/office setting with varying degrees of temperatures and noise levels. Exposure to manufacturing equipment movement and wet/slippery floors. However, the vast amount of work is conducted in a climate-controlled office. Travel may be required.

Additional Information:

The hiring range for this role is $22 to $24 per hour for a Bachelor's degree candidate and $27 per hour for a Master's degree candidate. Actual wages will vary based on several factors, including but not limited to external market data, internal equity, location, and candidate skill set and experience. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER:
Jack Link’s provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic that is protected by federal, state or local law.

E-VERIFY:
Jack Link’s is participant in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees.  For information about the E-Verify program, please visit:  http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.