Intern, Manufacturing Engineer

Wheatland Tube, LLC; Rochelle (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Tuition assistance

401(k) matching

Job summary

Wheatland Tube, LLC, a division of Zekelman Industries, seeks a Manufacturing Engineering Intern in Rochelle, IL for the summer program. This on-site internship focuses on improving plant efficiency, process flow, and product quality.

You will collaborate with engineers, maintenance, and cross-functional teams while applying CAD tools and data analytics. Ideal candidates are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, with at least one year remaining before

Qualifications

• Student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering.
• B.S. in progress with at least one academic year remaining.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, especially Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• CAD/drafting experience with AutoCAD or SolidWorks is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan and design layouts for plant efficiency using CAD tools.
• Analyze workflows and material movement for optimal placement.
• Establish labor standards using time study analyses.
• Collect and analyze data to improve process effectiveness.
• Lead or assist continuous improvement projects to enhance quality and throughput.
• Develop and refine manufacturing processes and standard methods.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of yield loss.
• Maintain and enhance work instructions, routings, and blueprints.

Skills

Analytical skills

Excel

Attention to detail

Written and verbal communication

Education

Pursuing Bachelor's in Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

SolidWorks

Job description

You may not know our name, but you know our products. What we make is part the places where we live, work and play – all day, everyday.Zekelman is a family of companies — 100% domestic manufacturers — with a legacy dating back to 1877. We’re proud to be the largest independent steel pipe and tube manufacturer in North America and the leading innovator in multi-family housing development.We believe in what we build and what we build, builds the world around us. Hospitals, hotels, schools, bridges, airports and more.Come build a career you believe in.About the RoleAs a Manufacturing Engineering Intern at Wheatland Tube (a division of Zekelman Industries), you will support projects that improve operational efficiency, productivity, and product quality across the plant. Working closely with the Department Manager, Maintenance and cross-functional departments, you'll assist in facility layout planning, process flow optimization, and continuous improvement initiatives.We are seeking a student who is currently pursuing a degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field and has at least one academic year remaining before graduation following the internship. This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience with manufacturing systems, data analysis, and industrial engineering tools while building a foundation for future internship and career opportunities within Zekelman Industries.This is a full-time, on-site internship located at our state-of-the-art, automated Rochelle, IL facility. The official Zekelman internship program runs from May 24, 2027 through August 13, 2027.This role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented, eager to optimize systems, and thrives in fast-paced manufacturing environments.What You’ll DoPlan and design layouts for plant efficiency using CAD tools and drafting softwareAnalyze workflows and material movement to generate scale drawings for optimal personnel and equipment placementEstablish and support labor standards using work measurement programs and time study analysisCollect and analyze operational data to improve process effectiveness and plant layoutLead or assist in continuous improvement projects to enhance quality, throughput, and cost savingsDevelop and refine manufacturing processes, equipment functionality, and standard methodsCollaborate with cross-functional teams to identify root causes of net yield lossMaintain and enhance documentation such as work instructions, routings, and blueprintsAnalyze prime net yield and other performance indicators to support profitability initiativesConduct experiments to optimize operations and report findings to the management teamPromote and follow healthy and safe work practices in accordance with Zekelman policyPerform other duties as assignedWho You AreCurrent college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Manufacturing EngineeringStrong analytical skills with a keen attention to detailProficient in Microsoft Office, especially ExcelExcellent written and verbal communication skillsHighly organized and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environmentCAD or drafting experience a plus (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, etc.)Available to travel for the Internship Summit, hosted at a Zekelman Industries locationWhat You’ll GetZekelman Industries offers a PAID internship experience with meaningful work, professional development, and the opportunity to make a real impact. Interns also enjoy:Hands-on experience improving manufacturing operations and systemsOpportunities to work directly with operations, quality, and engineering teamsAccess to company-wide networking events, team-building activities, and learning sessionsRegular feedback and mentorship to support your technical and career developmentParticipation in a company-wide Intern SummitZekelman Industries offers competitive compensation and excellent benefits, including low-cost, high-quality medical and dental benefits. In addition, we have an amazing tuition assistance program, a bonus plan, a 401(k) plan with a generous company match, immediate vesting, and much more.M/F/D/VWe are Zekelman Industries.We manufacture superior quality tubular and related products, and provide outstanding service for our valued customers.We seek to continuously advance the skills and opportunities of our employees, utilizing the latest technology and management tools available to consistently increase profitability and the enterprise value of Zekelman Industries and of our customers.