Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern - Owatonna, MN

lifefitness; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Hands-on experience

Professional development

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength in Owatonna, Minnesota, invites students to join as a Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern for Summer 2027, delivering hands-on experience in quality systems and manufacturing processes.

You will collect data, assist with inspections and audits, participate in root-cause investigations, and contribute to cross-functional improvement projects under experienced mentorship.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in full-time bachelor's degree program in Engineering or related field with 2028/2029 graduation.
• Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
• Must reside near Owatonna, Minnesota.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with quality systems, Lean or Six Sigma concepts.

Responsibilities

• Assist Quality and Manufacturing teams with data collection, inspections, and analysis of quality issues.
• Support continuous improvement by tracking actions and developing data visualizations.
• Participate in floor audits, inspections, and other quality assurance activities.
• Assist with root cause investigations to improve product quality and operations.
• Use Excel and other tools to organize data, identify trends, and communicate findings.
• Support quality documentation, audits, and compliance activities.
• Contribute to a 12-week cross-functional improvement project and present results.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Join us as we empower the world to work out, creating healthier lives together.

About the Opportunity:

Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern - Summer 2027

About the Role

The Life Fitness / Hammer Strength Internship Program 2027 is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience that supports both professional development and business impact. Successful interns will work on challenging projects aligned with their academic background, receive ongoing mentorship from experienced professionals, and gain exposure to quality systems, manufacturing processes, and operational excellence initiatives. Throughout the internship, you will collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to support product quality, process improvements, and data-driven decision-making.

Work Format: This internship is based in Owatonna, Minnesota. Interns are expected to work fully on-site throughout the program.

Duration: Approximately 12 weeks, Summer 2027

As our Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern, you will:

• Assist Quality and Manufacturing teams with data collection, inspection activities, documentation, and analysis of manufacturing quality issues.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by gathering information, tracking action items, and helping develop data visualizations and reports.
• Participate in manufacturing floor audits, incoming inspections, first-article inspections, and other quality assurance activities while learning our products and processes.
• Assist with root cause investigations and problem-solving activities to support product quality and operational performance.
• Utilize Microsoft Excel and other tools to organize data, identify trends, and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Support quality documentation, process audits, and compliance activities to help maintain high manufacturing standards.
• Participate in a 12-week cross-functional summer improvement project under the guidance of the Quality team and present project results and recommendations to leadership.
• Attend team meetings and project reviews to gain exposure to manufacturing operations and quality management processes.

What Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is looking for in our Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern:

• Currently enrolled in a full-time bachelor's degree program in Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Technology, Quality Management, or a related technical field, with an expected graduation date in 2028 or 2029.
• Strong academic standing preferred, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5.
• Must reside near Owatonna, Minnesota.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Basic familiarity with quality systems, continuous improvement methodologies, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma concepts through coursework, projects, or related experiences.
• General awareness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and an interest in learning how AI can support data analysis, problem-solving, quality improvements, and manufacturing operations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Demonstrate initiative, positive attitude, and eagerness to learn.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

What You'll Gain

• Hands-on experience in Manufacturing Quality
• Exposure to manufacturing operations, inspection processes, auditing activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Opportunities to work on meaningful projects that directly impact product quality and operational performance.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced Quality and Manufacturing professionals.
• Networking opportunities with leaders and cross-functional business partners.
• Professional development through project work, presentations, and collaborative team experiences.
• Exposure to quality management systems, root cause analysis, and data-driven problem-solving methodologies.
• Potential consideration for future internship or full-time employment opportunities based on performance and business needs.

Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2026.

At Life Fitness / Hammer Strength, we believe in taking care of our team with a comprehensive total rewards package that includes competitive pay and a range of valuable benefits. The base wage range for this position, intended for U.S. applicants, is $24.00 - $27.00 per hour and includes eligibility for overtime. The actu