Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

About Hytrol: At Hytrol, we create material handling technology and relationships that move the world. Located in Jonesboro, Arkansas & Fort Smith, Arkansas, we are a leading material handling technology company offering a wide range of products and solutions for our customers and partners. When you join Hytrol, you join a group dedicated to pushing the limits of what is possible in material handling and improving the well-being of both ourselves and others.

Internship Overview: The Hytrol Internship program is a 10-week opportunity for you to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment. Interns work side-by-side with industry professionals on real-world projects. Participants graduate from the program having developed both professionally and personally.

• 10-week summer program: May 24 – July 30, 2027
• Average 40 hours per week @ min $20/hour
• Housing provided for out-of-town participants
• Extensive professional development opportunities

Job Summary: As a Summer Intern at Hytrol, you will work within one of our specialized engineering teams—Design, R&D, Controls, Manufacturing, or Enterprise Improvement. You will be part of a collaborative team tasked with developing, improving, and supporting material handling systems and conveyor technology that serves a wide range of industries worldwide. Through this role, you will contribute to innovative solutions that push the boundaries of material handling, enhance efficiency, and support our customers' needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design: Collaborate with design teams to develop innovative conveyor systems, material handling solutions, and custom products to meet customer needs.
• Research & Development: Engage in research activities to improve existing technologies and develop new solutions that advance the field of material handling.
• Product Testing & Validation: Conduct product testing to validate designs, ensure safety standards are met, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the product development phase.
• Project Management: Oversee project timelines, ensuring that project milestones are met on time and within budget. Coordinate with various departments such as manufacturing, sales, and customer service.
• Enterprise Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvement in engineering design, production, and performance, implementing best practices to enhance overall product quality and efficiency.
• Documentation & Reporting: Maintain detailed engineering documentation, including design specifications, technical drawings, testing results, and reports.

Engineering Specializations:

Product & Design Engineering:

• Work within a specific conveyor model family, attaining technical mastery in all design aspects.
• Collaborate with Product Engineers, Order Processors, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless design execution and support.
• Address design errors and rework issues, ensuring the accuracy and functionality of the product.

Research and Development (R&D) Engineering:

• Contribute to the development of advanced material handling equipment and technologies.
• Perform research, conduct tests, collect and analyze data, and maintain comprehensive test records.
• Collaborate on CAD designs and project management, driving innovation in conveyor technology.
• Communicate findings and design recommendations to the team for implementation.

Controls Engineering:

• Develop and configure control packages using Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and other devices for conveyors.
• Design electrical panels containing hardware to support control systems.
• Work closely with applications teams and customers to meet job-specific control requirements.
• Provide electrical and controls support for conveyor lab equipment used in testing and showings.

Manufacturing Engineering:

• Identify areas for improvement in manufacturing processes and develop strategies to improve production flow.
• Monitor material utilization and implement cost-saving projects, collaborating with manufacturing teams.
• Assist in researching equipment related to capital improvements.
• Focus on optimizing efficiency and improving operational procedures.

Enterprise Improvement Engineering:

• Partner with production teams to design processes that enhance workflow and efficiency.
• Develop specialized tools or equipment to help operators complete tasks more efficiently.
• Monitor waste and non-value-added activities. Research equipment to support capital improvement initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on reducing waste and increasing productivity.

Christy Valentine, Manager of Academic & Philanthropic Programs, oversees the Hytrol Internship Program: cvalentine@hytrol.com.