Manufacturing Engineering Intern

Methode Electronics Inc.; Rolling Meadows (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) with company contribution

Educational assistance

Job summary

Methode Electronics Inc. is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Intern to support production improvements at our Power Solutions Group in the United States.

The role provides hands-on experience in a manufacturing environment, performing time studies, observing processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will work with manufacturing engineers and production personnel to boost productivity, reduce waste, and enhance overall manufacturing performance while learning lean and

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related field.
• Rising junior, senior or graduate student preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Excel and MS Office.
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Detail-oriented and able to document processes accurately.
• Able to work collaboratively with engineering teams and operators.
• Interest in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Conduct time studies to evaluate cycle times, labor utilization, and efficiency.
• Observe and document manufacturing processes, including assembly and machining.
• Analyze workflows to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with developing and updating standard work instructions and process docs.
• Collect and analyze production data to support CI initiatives.
• Support projects to reduce waste, improve throughput, and optimize labor utilization.
• Collaborate with engineers, supervisors, and operators to address challenges.
• Assist with evaluating workstation layouts, tooling, and equipment usage.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing findings and progress.
• Perform other duties and support additional engineering projects as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Position Summary

The Manufacturing Engineering Intern will support manufacturing engineering initiatives at Methode Electronics’ Power Solutions Group, focusing on improving production processes, operational efficiency, and product quality. This role will provide hands‑on experience in a manufacturing environment, including conducting time studies, analyzing production workflows, documenting processes, and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. Interns will work closely with manufacturing engineers and production personnel to support projects that improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance overall manufacturing performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct time studies to evaluate production cycle times, labor utilization, and operational efficiency.
• Observe and document manufacturing processes, including assembly and machining operations.
• Analyze production workflows to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Assist with developing and updating standard work instructions, process documentation, and manufacturing procedures.
• Collect and analyze production data to support continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support projects focused on reducing waste, improving throughput, and optimizing labor utilization.
• Collaborate with manufacturing engineers, production supervisors, and operators to understand production challenges and recommend solutions.
• Assist with evaluating workstation layouts, tooling, and equipment utilization.
• Prepare reports and presentations summarizing findings, project progress, and recommendations.
• Perform other duties and support additional engineering projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• This is an ITAR‑regulated facility. Candidates must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR, including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and other protected individuals, such as qualifying refugees and asylees.
• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related engineering field. Rising junior, senior, or graduate student preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to collect, organize, and interpret data and communicate findings effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Attention to detail and the ability to document processes accurately.
• Ability to work collaboratively with engineering teams and production personnel.
• Interest in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, process optimization, and industrial operations.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Frequent hand motion and repetitive tasks including using a computer for typing. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will occasionally do immediate reaching and overhead reaching to perform various duties, frequent standing for varied amounts of time to perform various duties, frequent walking for varied amounts of time to perform various duties. Squat or bend to perform various duties. Occasionally climb stairs.

Benefits and Perks

Methode offers U.S. employees comprehensive benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Hearing, Life and Disability insurance, educational assistance, and paid time off benefits. Voluntary benefit plans include Accident, Hospital Indemnity, and Pet Insurance coverage. Employees also have access to valuable discount programs that can contribute to lowering costs off certain technology, automotive, and home appliance products. In addition, Methode provides an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and participation in the Company’s 401(k) plan, which includes a company contribution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Methode Electronics is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: EEO Poster, if you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e‑mail [e-mail] or call [phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

About Methode

Methode Electronics is a leading developer of custom-engineered and application-specific products and solutions utilizing the latest technologies. From magnetic signature sensing of mechanical and electrical properties to the revolutionary solid-state touch sensitive switches used in today's appliances and automobiles, Methode's extensive toolbox of technical solutions help our customers differentiate their products.

Our Design & Manufacturing

Our regional design and customer support centers, coupled with manufacturing campuses in the Americas, Europe, and Asia allow Methode to bring a total business solution to customers worldwide. We leverage the talents of our over 5,000 employees to serve a diversified group of customers in four market areas: User Interfaces, Sensor and Switches, Power and Data. Methode helps customers win in their end markets by providing an unmatched combination of customer focus, differentiated technology, problem solving and world‑class manufacturing.