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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Manufacturing Intern

💰 $18 - $25 per hour

InternshipManufacturingEngineeringOperationsSupply Chain

🎯 Role Definition

A Manufacturing Intern is a dynamic, developmental role designed to bridge the gap between academic theory and the fast-paced reality of a modern production floor. This position is not about fetching coffee; it's an immersive experience where you become an integral part of our engineering and operations team. You'll be paired with experienced mentors and given ownership of meaningful projects that directly impact efficiency, quality, and safety. This is a foundational role for aspiring engineers and operations leaders to apply their knowledge, develop practical skills, and contribute to tangible business outcomes in a real-world manufacturing environment.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Current students actively pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, Manufacturing).
  • Students enrolled in Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related technical discipline.
  • High-performing individuals from technical or vocational programs with a focus on manufacturing technology.

Advancement To:

  • Manufacturing Engineer
  • Process Engineer
  • Quality Engineer
  • Operations Supervisor

Lateral Moves:

  • Supply Chain Analyst
  • Project Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Actively support and champion continuous improvement initiatives by applying Lean Manufacturing principles (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping) to identify and eliminate waste on the shop floor.
  • Conduct detailed time studies and line balancing analyses to optimize workflow, reduce production bottlenecks, and establish accurate labor standards.
  • Provide direct, hands-on support to the production team by troubleshooting and resolving day-to-day manufacturing issues to minimize downtime and maintain output.
  • Develop, write, and update critical manufacturing documentation, including Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), detailed work instructions, and process flow diagrams to ensure consistency and quality.
  • Analyze key production metrics such as yield, scrap rates, and equipment downtime, transforming raw data into actionable insights and reports for the management team.
  • Collaborate closely with the Quality Assurance department to perform root cause analysis on product non-conformances and help implement robust corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs).
  • Utilize CAD software (like SolidWorks or AutoCAD) to design, model, and modify essential fixtures, jigs, and tooling that improve process ergonomics and assembly efficiency.
  • Assist senior engineers in the planning and execution of New Product Introduction (NPI) projects, including participating in pilot runs and process validation activities.
  • Evaluate existing manufacturing processes and equipment, proposing data-driven recommendations for improvements in safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
  • Manage a small-scale engineering project from initial concept through to implementation and final report-out, under the guidance and mentorship of a senior engineer.
  • Participate in the layout design for manufacturing cells and assembly lines to enhance material flow, reduce unnecessary motion, and improve overall operational efficiency.
  • Support the validation and qualification of new or modified manufacturing equipment by assisting with the execution of Installation Qualification (IQ), Operational Qualification (OQ), and Performance Qualification (PQ) protocols.
  • Perform statistical analysis of process data using tools like Minitab or advanced Excel to establish process capabilities and support Statistical Process Control (SPC) implementation.
  • Engage with equipment and material vendors to gather quotes, technical specifications, and information needed to support engineering projects and procurement decisions.
  • Shadow experienced engineers, technicians, and supervisors across different departments to gain a holistic understanding of the entire product lifecycle, from raw materials to finished goods.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist the Engineering team in maintaining the accuracy of Bill of Materials (BOMs) and manufacturing process routings within the company’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system.
  • Contribute to plant safety by participating in safety audits, risk assessments, and the implementation of ergonomic improvements at workstations.
  • Prepare and deliver clear, concise technical presentations and project status updates to cross-functional teams and members of the leadership group.
  • Support the maintenance department by helping to analyze equipment failure data and contributing to the development of preventative maintenance schedules.
  • Document project activities, experiments, and test results with meticulous detail to build a knowledge base for future engineering efforts.
  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • CAD Proficiency: Foundational ability to read, interpret, and ideally create 2D/3D models and drawings using software like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar platforms.
  • Lean Manufacturing Principles: Academic or practical understanding of core lean concepts such as 5S, Waste Reduction (Muda), Value Stream Mapping, and Kaizen.
  • Data Analysis: Competency in using Microsoft Excel for data manipulation, including pivot tables, formulas, and charting. Familiarity with Minitab or other statistical software is a plus.
  • Root Cause Analysis: Knowledge of structured problem-solving methodologies like 5 Whys, Fishbone (Ishikawa) diagrams, or Fault Tree Analysis.
  • Technical Documentation: Ability to write clear and concise technical documents, such as work instructions or test reports.
  • ERP System Familiarity: Basic understanding of the role of an ERP system (like SAP, Oracle) in a manufacturing environment.
  • Statistical Process Control (SPC): Foundational knowledge of control charts, process capability (Cpk/Ppk), and statistical analysis.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical & Problem-Solving: A strong aptitude for breaking down complex problems, analyzing situations, and developing logical, data-driven solutions.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey technical information to diverse audiences, from shop-floor technicians to managers.
  • Proactive & Self-Motivated: A "can-do" attitude with the initiative to seek out new challenges, ask questions, and drive projects forward with minimal supervision.
  • Team Collaboration: The ability to work effectively and build relationships within a cross-functional team environment, showing respect for others' ideas and contributions.
  • Adaptability: A high level of flexibility and willingness to learn, capable of pivoting between different tasks and projects in a dynamic manufacturing setting.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous in carrying out tasks and reviewing data to ensure accuracy and quality in all work performed.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in and actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college. Strong academic standing, typically with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Preferred Education:

  • Actively pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant engineering or technical field, having completed at least the sophomore year of study.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Industrial & Systems Engineering
  • Manufacturing Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Operations Management
  • Supply Chain Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-1 years. This is a developmental role for current students with limited or no formal professional experience.

Preferred:

  • Previous hands-on project experience through coursework or extracurricular activities (e.g., Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics club, senior design projects).
  • A natural curiosity for how things work and a demonstrated mechanical or technical aptitude.
  • Prior exposure to a manufacturing, shop, or lab environment is highly beneficial but not required.
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