Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern - Owatonna, MN

Life Fitness; United States; On-site; USD 33,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength invites qualified engineering students to join our Summer 2027 Manufacturing Quality Engineering Intern program. You will help with data collection, inspections, and QA activities on-site in Owatonna, MN, contributing to continuous improvement and data-driven decisions.

The 12-week internship includes a cross-functional improvement project, mentorship, and exposure to quality systems and manufacturing processes.

Qualifications

• Enrolled in full-time bachelor's program in Engineering/related field with expected graduation 2028/2029
• GPA at least 3.5
• Residents near Owatonna, Minnesota
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Familiar with quality systems, Lean or Six Sigma concepts
• Awareness of AI tools and interest in learning to apply data analysis
• Able to work independently and in teams; take initiative
• Strong written and verbal communication; adapt to fast-paced environment

Responsibilities

• Assist Quality and Manufacturing teams with data collection, inspection, documentation, and analysis of quality issues
• Support continuous improvement by tracking actions and developing data visualizations/reports
• Participate in floor audits, inspections, and QA activities while learning products/processes
• Contribute to root-cause investigations and problem-solving for quality/performance
• Use Excel to organize data, identify trends, and communicate findings to stakeholders
• Support quality documentation, audits, and compliance activities
• Join a 12-week cross-functional improvement project and present results

Skills

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

Communication

Initiative

Problem solving

Adaptability

AI awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/related field

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 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.

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 does not accept applications, inquiries or solicitations from unapproved staffing agencies or vendors.

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.

Life Fitness / Hammer Strength has been inspiring the world to work out for more than 55 years. Every day, exercisers in more than 150 countries log in 1+ million workouts on the company’s connected fitness equipment - proving daily that Life Fitness / Hammer Strength is the world’s workout partner of choice. By seamlessly bringing innovative, high-performance and reliable equipment, wherever and whenever they work out, Life Fitness / Hammer Strength aims to inspire healthier lives.

Headquartered outside of Chicago, in Rosemont, Illinois, the company manufactures and sells strength and cardiovascular equipment through its iconic Life Fitness and Hammer Strength brands.

Life Fitness is synonymous with innovation and quality in the cardio and strength training arena. The company’s cutting-edge equipment is designed to inspire and motivate, helping exercisers achieve their fitness goals with ease and efficiency.

Hammer Strength stands as a testament to raw power and durability. Renowned for its line of plate-loaded equipment, we dominate the strength training category with machines that are built to withstand the most intense workouts, trusted by athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.

By integrating the best of both brands, the company provides comprehensive workout solutions for commercial and consumer customers.

For more information, visit www.lifefitness.com.

Our values drive how we work, grow, and win together:

• We think customer first: We are proactive, adaptable, and always improving the customer experience.
• We play as one team: We care, collaborate, and pick each other up—we win and lose together.
• We raise the bar on fitness innovation: We lead, not follow - pushing fitness further every day.
• We persevere and get it done: We out-work, out-match, and never compromise on quality or performance.
• We inspire each other to live healthier lives: We support well-being, inside and outside of work, to build a healthier world - together.