Engineering Intern

Tenneco; Blacksburg (VA); On-site; USD 19,286 - 30,307; Part time

Job summary

Tenneco in Blacksburg, Virginia is seeking an Engineering Intern to support process improvements and SOP standardization in a high-volume manufacturing environment. You will gain hands‑on experience with production processes, data analysis, and continuous improvement under experienced engineers.

The role offers flexible scheduling (10–20 hours weekly during school terms) and opportunities to advance into CI projects while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• Completed sophomore year preferred
• Strong interest in manufacturing and process improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities

Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, updating, and standardizing SOPs for production lines (Auto Lines, IROX, Material Prep)
• Support process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends and performance gaps
• Participate in root cause analysis (5-Why, Fishbone, 8D support)
• Assist with continuous improvement projects, including 5S, layout improvements, and workflow optimization
• Provide daily production support, including troubleshooting and problem‑solving with supervisors and engineers
• Observe and document processes to ensure compliance with standard work
• Support implementation of lean manufacturing principles
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS teams
• Participate in and support safety initiatives, ensuring adherence to plant safety policies

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving mindset

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Location: Tenneco – Blacksburg, Virginia
Department: Engineering / Operations

Position Summary

The Engineering Intern will support the Blacksburg facility by assisting with process improvements, standardization, and daily engineering activities in a high-volume, unionized manufacturing environment. This role provides hands‑on experience in production processes, data analysis, and continuous improvement, with a strong focus on developing and sustaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in developing, updating, and standardizing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for production lines (Auto Lines, IROX, Material Prep)
• Support process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, reduce waste, and improve quality
• Collect and analyze production data to identify trends and performance gaps
• Participate in root cause analysis (5-Why, Fishbone, 8D support)
• Assist with continuous improvement (CI) projects, including 5S, layout improvements, and workflow optimization
• Provide daily production support, including troubleshooting and problem‑solving with supervisors and engineers
• Observe and document processes to ensure compliance with standard work
• Support implementation of lean manufacturing principles
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and EHS teams
• Participate in and support safety initiatives, ensuring adherence to plant safety policies

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, or related field
• Completed sophomore year preferred
• Strong interest in manufacturing and process improvement
• Basic knowledge of lean manufacturing and problem‑solving tools preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Strong analytical and organizational skills
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities

Key Competencies

• Attention to detail
• Problem‑solving mindset
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Initiative and accountability
• Strong interpersonal skills

Working Conditions

• Manufacturing plant environment with regular time spent on the production floor
• Exposure to noise, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
• Required use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses and steel‑toe shoes

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach as needed
• Frequent use of a computer and standard office equipment

Schedule & Compensation

• Flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments
• Typically 10–20 hours per week during the school term
• Opportunity for increased hours during breaks or summer
• Competitive hourly rate based on academic level

Learning Opportunities

• Hands‑on experience in a high-volume automotive manufacturing environment
• Exposure to lean manufacturing, CI tools, and real‑time problem solving
• Opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers and plant leadership