Manufacturing Engineer Intern

Summary:

The Manufacturing Engineering Intern supports the Manufacturing Engineering Department by leading a cradle and crate process standardization project across Central States manufacturing locations. This role focuses on analyzing current manufacturing processes, developing standardized work procedures, and improving operational efficiency.

The intern will perform time studies, cost analysis, process mapping, and plant layout evaluation to support the development of a standardized cradle and crate building process. The project supports operational efficiency, cost reduction, and increased manufacturing capacity.

Core Functions:

Process Analysis

• Observe cradle and crate manufacturing processes.
• Conduct time studies and process measurements.
• Document current manufacturing workflows.
• Identify non-value-added activities.
• Collect production and demand data across plants.

Lean Manufacturing Implementation

• Apply Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Support Kaizen improvement activities.
• Develop standardized work instructions.
• Create visual work instructions and process documentation.
• Identify waste reduction opportunities.

Cost Analysis

• Perform make-versus-buy cost analysis.
• Analyze labor and material costs.
• Evaluate production demand by location.
• Support financial modeling of process alternatives.

Process Design & Improvement

• Develop improved cradle and crate manufacturing processes.
• Evaluate automation opportunities including cobots.
• Develop plant layout recommendations.
• Support equipment selection and installation if required.
• Assist in implementation planning.

Project Documentation & Presentation

• Prepare engineering documentation.
• Develop process flow diagrams.
• Create standard work documentation.
• Present project findings to Engineering leadership.
• Deliver final project recommendations.

Duties, responsibilities, and activities are not limited to the list above and may change at any time with or without notice.

Key Measures of Success:

• Completion of cradle and crate process documentation.
• Development of standardized work instructions.
• Completion of make-versus-buy cost analysis.
• Delivery of process improvement proposal.
• Implementation readiness of final solution.
• Measurable labor or efficiency improvements identified.
• Consistently exhibits and displays the company's values of "Own It. Can Do. Act in Love."
• Own It- Commitment to customer, company, and each other.
• Can Do- Team Player, Open to Change, & Pursuing continuous improvement.
• Act in Love- Treating others with humility, respectfulness, kindness, honesty, patience, and self-control.

Education & Experience:

Minimum Required

• Junior or Senior pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Basic understanding of manufacturing processes.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.

Preferred

• Coursework in Lean Manufacturing.
• Experience with time studies.
• Exposure to manufacturing environments.
• Knowledge of process improvement tools.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

Work is performed in an office environment. This role will routinely utilize standard office equipment to perform the core functions listed in this job description. This position requires the ability to occasionally lift office products and supplies as well as communicate verbally and electronically. The work is primarily sedentary and requires extensive reading to perform the core functions listed in this job description. While performing the core function of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and stand.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform core functions.

Travel

Minimal travel; site visits as needed.