Operations Intern (Engineering) - Vest & El Dorado Plant - Kermit, TX

Iron Oak Energy, a leading provider of proppant to the oil and gas industry with a differentiated footprint of low-cost, logistically advantaged mining and terminal assets serving all major U.S. shale basins. Iron Oak Energy Solutions, formed from the strategic combination of Covia Energy and Black Mountain Sand to create a premier frac sand mining company, delivering superior products and solutions to diversified oil and natural gas markets across North America. The combination positions Iron Oak Energy with unmatched scale, reliability, and deliverability to customers in all major oil and gas shale plays.

The Iron Oak Energy Solutions (IOES) Summer Internship Program is designed to develop future industry professionals who demonstrate alignment with our mission, values, and commitment to operational excellence

This program is designed to develop future industry professionals who demonstrate IOES’s Five Pillars of Operational Excellence: Safety, Service, People, Quality, and Cost, while contributing to projects that support business performance and operational sustainability.

This intern opportunity will provide Mechanical / Civil / Engineering students with hands-on experience in mining and industrial operations. Interns will work alongside operations leadership and technical teams to gain exposure to plant and mining processes, safety practices, quality standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.

The internship duration is approximately 10–12 weeks and includes project-based work, mentorship, and direct exposure to site operations in the Permian Basin, located in Kermit, TX.

Key Responsibilities

• Learn and adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and MSHA regulations.


• Support and promote a strong safety culture across operations.


• Gain exposure to mining and plant processes, including drilling, hauling, processing, and material handling.


• Partner with operations leadership to understand production workflows and operational performance.


• Assist with quality control activities, sampling, and data analysis.


• Support environmental compliance and regulatory practices.


• Participate in maintenance and operational improvement initiatives.


• Assist supervisors and technical staff in troubleshooting operational challenges.


• Contribute to assigned projects focused on operational efficiency, process improvement, or business outcomes.


• Participate in site inspections, reporting activities, and operational reviews.


• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including operations, maintenance, quality, and environmental.


• Present project findings and recommendations to site leadership.


• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a degree in Mining, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering


• Enrolled at an accredited college or university


• Interest in mining, industrial operations, or manufacturing environments


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills


• Effective communication and interpersonal skills


• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment


• Willingness to work in field and industrial settings.

Preferred Qualifications

• College Junior or Senior standing


• Demonstrated technical aptitude or mechanical understanding


• Prior internship, project, or field experience in operations or engineering


• Strong safety mindset and commitment to operational excellence

Work Environment

• Onsite work in a mining and industrial plant environment located in Kermit, TX


• Exposure to heavy equipment, production processes, and field conditions


• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required

Program Objectives

• Develop future operations and engineering talent


• Provide real-world industry experience


• Support operational improvement and innovation


• Identify high-potential candidates for future employment opportunities