Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern - Owatonna, MN

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength; Owatonna (MN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is offering a Summer 2027 Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern program in Owatonna, Minnesota. The 12-week, on-site internship provides hands-on experience across quality systems, manufacturing processes and data-driven decision-making, with mentorship from experienced professionals.

You will engage in data collection, inspections, root-cause investigations, and cross-functional improvements while gaining exposure to audits, reporting, and project work that

Qualifications

• Enrolled in a full-time bachelor's program in Engineering or related field with expected graduation 2028/2029.
• Minimum GPA 3.5 preferred.
• Must reside near Owatonna, Minnesota.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiar with quality systems, lean/six sigma concepts via coursework or projects.
• Interest in AI tools for data analysis and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Assist Quality and Manufacturing teams with data collection, inspection activities, and analysis of quality issues.
• Support continuous improvement by tracking actions and developing data visuals/reports.
• Participate in floor audits, inspections, and QA activities while learning processes.
• Contribute to root-cause investigations and problem-solving for quality and performance.
• Organize data and communicate findings using Excel and other tools.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Adaptability

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Engineering bachelor’s degree (in progress)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft 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 visualisations 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.
• Utilise Microsoft Excel and other tools to organise 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 programme 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 actual base pay will vary based on applicant’s education, experience, skills and abilities. The range reflected is based on a primary work location of Rosemont, IL and the actual salary may vary for applicants in a different geographic location.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength provides a valuable and enriching experience for interns. Depending on the length and timing of their internship, interns may qualify for paid holidays during their assignment. They are also eligible for paid sick leave as outlined by state and local laws. Eligibility for all benefits is determined by the applicable plan documents and company policies.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans, are encouraged to apply. Life Fitness / Hammer Strength complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding employment, recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status or any other category protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

Life Fitness/Hammer Strength does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors.