Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern - Owatonna, MN

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

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Paid holidays

Paid sick leave

Job summary

The Life Fitness / Hammer Strength Internship Program 2027 offers hands-on experience in quality, manufacturing processes, and data-driven decision-making. You will work on projects aligned with your engineering background, receive mentorship, and collaborate with Quality and Manufacturing teams to improve product quality and operations.

This 12-week on-site internship in Owatonna, Minnesota provides exposure to quality systems, audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives while

Qualifications

• Must be enrolled in a full-time bachelor’s degree program in Engineering or a related technical field with graduation expected in 2028 or 2029.
• Minimum GPA 3.5 preferred.
• Must reside near Owatonna, Minnesota.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Basic familiarity with quality systems, continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma concepts.
• Interest in AI tools for data analysis and problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Assist Quality and Manufacturing teams with data collection, inspections, documentation and analysis of manufacturing quality issues.
• Support continuous improvement by gathering information, tracking items, and helping develop data visualizations and reports.
• Participate in floor audits, incoming and first-article inspections, and other QA activities to learn products and processes.
• Assist with root cause investigations and problem-solving to improve quality and operations.
• Use Excel and related tools to organize data, identify trends, and communicate findings to stakeholders.

Skills

Excel proficiency

Data analysis

Quality awareness

Communication

Education

Pursuing Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits and Compensation

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.

Application Deadline

Applications will be accepted through December 31, 2026.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.