At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a project team to tackle real-world engineering challenges and improve production processes.
- Company: Costa Farms, a leading horticultural grower with a global presence.
- Benefits: Earn $20/hour, enjoy health benefits, and access growth opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive culture that values humility, hunger, and hustle.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a dynamic environment while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 3.0 GPA or higher, relevant coursework, and active club membership.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
Company Overview
Costa Farms is one of the world’s largest horticultural growers, with headquarters in Miami, Florida. Founded in 1961 on just 30 acres, the company now spans more than 5,000 acres worldwide, including farms in North and South Carolina, Central and South Florida, the Dominican Republic, and an office in China. Nearly 6,000 employees work across engineering, marketing, finance, human resources, and plant science departments.
Job Description
As an Engineering Intern you will work within a project team to solve real‑world challenges while gaining exposure to the Costa Production System—a lean, green approach inspired by the Japanese Toyota Production System. During the nine‑week internship you’ll participate in process improvement projects, analyze production unit performance using DMAIC methodology, and may receive a contingent offer of employment upon successful completion.
Responsibilities
- Lead process improvement projects in a manufacturing facility to increase productivity using Toyota Production System and Lean Manufacturing tools and practices.
- Study and analyze a production unit’s performance to improve efficiency following DMAIC methodology.
Qualifications
- 3.0 GPA or higher.
- Knowledge or coursework in the relevant discipline.
- Active membership in a school club or similar organization.
- Comfortable with public speaking.
- Ability to learn new technologies quickly.
Requirements
- Rising senior, graduating by the summer of the following year.
- Must be able to attend in‑person for 9 weeks at the farm in Leicester, NC.
- Include a resume and cover letter with application.
- Be a resourceful team player who manages ambiguity and adapts to diverse situations and people.
- Demonstrate humility, hunger, and hustle culture.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
Work is primarily office‑based with occasional outdoor tasks under varying weather conditions. Physical demands include sedentary work with light lifting (up to 20 pounds) and light outdoor labor as required.
Benefits
- Competitive wages: $20.00 per hour.
- 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.
- Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account, and Dependent Care benefits.
- Telemedicine and mental health services.
- Health, dental, vision, pet, and supplemental insurance (Aflac).
- Growth opportunities and challenging work environment.
- Costa Farms scholarship and employee plant discounts.
- On‑site gym, cafeteria, quiet rooms, and indoor games.
Equal Opportunity & Work Authorization
We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, military status, marital status, or veteran status, or any other group status protected by federal, state, or local law. All applicants must be work-authorized; Costa Farms will not sponsor any visa for this position.
2026 Summer Internship - Engineers in Leicester employer: Costa Farms
Costa Farms is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment for aspiring engineers. With competitive wages, comprehensive benefits, and a strong focus on employee growth through hands-on experience in process improvement projects, interns will thrive in a culture that values innovation and teamwork. Located in Leicester, NC, the internship provides unique opportunities to engage with cutting-edge production systems while enjoying access to on-site amenities like a gym and cafeteria.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 2026 Summer Internship - Engineers in Leicester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former interns at Costa Farms on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you. This can give you insider knowledge and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to engineering and process improvement. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. We want you to show off your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for horticulture and engineering during your interview. Share any relevant projects or coursework that align with Costa Farms' values. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about what we do!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Costa Farms. Let’s get you that internship!
We think you need these skills to ace 2026 Summer Internship - Engineers in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Stellar Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant coursework and any projects that align with the responsibilities of the internship. Show us your passion for engineering and how you can contribute to our team!
Tailor Your Resume:Don’t just send a generic resume! Tailor it to reflect the skills and experiences that match the internship description. Include any active memberships in clubs or organisations that showcase your teamwork and leadership abilities.
Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills:Since this internship involves process improvement, be sure to mention any experiences where you've tackled challenges or improved processes. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical skills and familiarity with methodologies like DMAIC.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Farms
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Toyota Production System and Lean Manufacturing principles. Familiarise yourself with DMAIC methodology, as these are key to the role. Being able to discuss how you've applied these concepts in your studies or projects will impress the interviewers.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Costa Farms values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated in group settings. Whether it's a school project or a club activity, highlight your ability to adapt and work well with others, especially in diverse situations.
✨Practice Public Speaking
Since comfort with public speaking is a requirement, take some time to practice articulating your thoughts clearly. You might even want to prepare a short presentation about a relevant project or experience to showcase your communication skills during the interview.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the internship and the company culture. This shows your genuine interest in Costa Farms and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you. Ask about their process improvement projects or how they support interns in their growth.
