Position Summary
The Manufacturing Engineering Intern supports the AES Manufacturing Engineering team during a temporary summer assignment. Working under the guidance of engineers and production leaders, the intern assists with process improvement, manufacturing documentation, data collection, and hands-on projects to improve safety, quality, delivery, and productivity.
This position provides practical experience in a manufacturing environment through defined projects, regular mentoring, and collaboration with Production, Quality, and Maintenance. Specific assignments are based on business needs and the intern's education and experience.
Responsibilities
- Observe manufacturing operations and collect cycle time, setup time, downtime, scrap, and production data under engineering guidance.
- Assist with time studies, process mapping, capacity analysis, and identification of bottlenecks and unnecessary motion or handling.
- Develop and update standard work instructions, setup sheets, process flow diagrams, and visual aids for review and approval.
- Support Lean manufacturing activities, including 5S, workplace organization, waste reduction, and material flow improvements.
- Assist with CAD drawings, workstation layouts, and simple tooling or fixture concepts as assigned.
- Help review Bills of Materials, routings, and production standards; document discrepancies for engineering review.
- Support supervised production trials, process validation, and troubleshooting; record observations and results.
- Participate in root cause investigations and help track assigned corrective actions.
- Work with operators and department leaders to understand production needs and gather improvement ideas.
- Complete assigned project milestones, maintain organized records, and communicate progress and barriers to the supervising engineer.
- Prepare a final project summary or presentation describing the problem, work completed, measured results, and recommended next steps.
- Follow company safety and quality procedures, wear required protective equipment, and perform only tasks for which trained and authorized. Obtain approval before implementing process or equipment changes.
Qualifications
- Currently pursuing an associate's or bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Mechanical, Industrial, Mechatronics, or a related engineering or engineering technology program.
- Basic understanding of manufacturing processes, engineering drawings, and problem-solving methods through coursework, labs, or projects.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for organizing and analyzing data.
- Familiarity with CAD software, preferably SolidWorks, is preferred.
- Exposure to Lean manufacturing, fabrication, welding, automation, or assembly is helpful; prior professional manufacturing experience is not required.
- Strong attention to detail, willingness to learn, and ability to follow instructions and ask questions.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work respectfully with shop floor personnel.
- Ability to work on site during the agreed summer schedule and complete assigned tasks with appropriate guidance.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand and walk on the production floor during observations and project activities.
- May involve bending, reaching, or stooping during supervised manufacturing activities.
- Frequent use of computers, measuring tools, and manufacturing documentation.
- Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
- Work takes place in both office and manufacturing settings with regular interaction with engineers, production personnel, Quality, and Maintenance.
- Exposure to manufacturing noise, heat, and dust, with appropriate protective equipment and safety procedures.
- Hands-on activities are performed under appropriate supervision and within the intern's training and authorization.
Internship Term
- Temporary summer internship; start date, end date, and weekly work schedule will be established before the assignment begins.
- Project assignments and learning objectives will be established with the supervisor at the start of the internship.