Mechanical Engineering Intern - Value Engineering (VAVE) - The Toro Company

The Toro Company; BLOOMINGTON (MN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Dress for your day

Volunteerism

Summer Hours *Based on Location*

Competitive Pay – Hourly $22–$28

Job summary

The Toro Company in Bloomington, Minnesota, offers a 2027 Summer Internship Program running May 17 to August 6. Interns will gain hands-on experience in engineering design, VAVE, and data analytics, supporting development from concept to validation.

You will work with NPD and test engineers, prepare documentation, and learn Lean principles while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Eligibility includes ABET-accredited engineering studies and junior/senior status.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited engineering degree required or in progress for a mechanical-related field.
• Junior or senior status in an engineering program.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to test sites and suppliers as needed.
• Experience with data analytics or AI tools is a plus.
• Familiarity with Lean NPD and Continuous Improvement is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute VAVE assignments from concept to validation.
• Analyze product cost, durability, safety, and manufacturability.
• Design and prototype components using calculations and CAE.
• Apply value analysis to optimize designs for cost and value.
• Collaborate with cross-functional team to document requirements.

Skills

Team collaboration

Written & verbal communication

Willingness to travel

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Education

ABET-accredited engineering degree (Bachelors or Masters)

Tools

Engineering drawings

GD&T

Inspection methods

Job description

The 2027 Summer Internship Program will run from May 17, 2027, through August 6, 2027. Candidates must be available to start on May 17 and participate through the duration of the program. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of a school/employment or any other visa, regardless of expiration date, now or in the future.

Who Are We?

The Toro Company (TTC) has delivered market-leading, innovative products and outstanding customer care for more than 100 years. With over 11,000 employees worldwide, TTC is headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, USA. Our company designs and manufactures turf maintenance equipment; turf irrigation systems; landscape and lighting products; snow and ice management solutions; agricultural irrigation systems; rental, specialty and underground construction equipment; and residential turf and snow equipment. We market and sell TTC products worldwide through a network of distributors, dealers, mass retailers, hardware retailers, equipment rental center and home centers—as well as online direct to end users.

What Will You Do?

In order to grow and build a successful career with The Toro Company, you will be responsible for:

• Lead and execute VAVE (Value Analysis/Value Engineering) assignments: concept/opportunity identification, feasibility assessment, design, cost/value justification, testing/validation.
• Accountabilities include, but are not limited to: product cost, value, timing, durability, safety, performance, manufacturability, and quality.
• Responsible for the design, analysis, and prototyping of components or subsystems using calculations, testing, CAE, and other techniques.
• Apply value analysis techniques to find lowest cost, highest value designs.
• Use data analytics tools to identify and prioritize opportunities.
• Calculate total cost models to justify/support program approvals.
• Collaborate with team members to complete documentation requirements: project files, engineering drawings, BOM updates, certification reports.
• Research knowledge gaps and develop specific technical expertise to close them to facilitate knowledge-based design and development.
• Participate with competitive product teardowns to analyze and document competitive cost structures, illuminate opportunities.
• Coordinate the efforts of outside consultants, labs, suppliers, etc. needed to accomplish project objectives.
• Work with NPD and test engineers to gain product/application insight and collaborate for validation plans.
• Other duties as assigned.

What Do You Need?

To be considered for this role, an individual should meet the following minimal requirements:

• Pursuant of an ABET accredited Bachelors or Masters Degree in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Agricultural, Industrial, Manufacturing, or equivalent engineering.
• Junior or Senior status.
• Record of skillful collaboration with cross functional partners and team members.
• Communicate with highly competent written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic knowledge of manufacturing methods for durable goods (welding, stamping, steel fabrication, metal casting, injection molding).
• Ability to travel to close-proximity test sites, suppliers, manufacturing facilities, and others as required.
• Experience with development of engineering drawings, GD&T, or inspection methods are a plus.
• Experience with data analytics tools or AI tools are a plus.
• Experience with Lean NPD and Continuous Improvement are a plus.
• Formal project management or time management training and/or experience are a plus.
• Previous engineering internships are a plus.

What Can We Give You?

At The Toro Company, we are always working to make sure our interns know just how valued they are. In addition to a competitive pay- The Toro Company offers interns a variety of perks, including:

• Dress for your day – We know you're more productive when you're comfortable, which is why TTC employees are encouraged to take advantage of our casual, corporate environment.
• Volunteerism – The Toro Company is proud to provide interns 8 hours of paid time to volunteer in the community.
• Summer Hours *Based on Location* – Enjoy a flexible schedule during the summer! By working a little more during the first few days of the week, TTC employees at certain locations are able to start their weekends early and leave by noon on Friday.
• Competitive Pay – Competitive compensation with an anticipated hourly rate of $22–$28. Actual rates may vary based on factors such as academic standing, business function, and other relevant considerations.

The Toro Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We consider all qualified applicants based on merit and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military service, or other non-merit factors.

We are committed to creating a welcoming environment for all employees.

With roots dating back to 1914, The Toro Company was built on a tradition of quality and caring relationships. Today, the company is a leading worldwide provider of innovative solutions for the outdoor environment including turf and landscape maintenance, snow and ice management, underground utility construction, rental and specialty construction, and irrigation and outdoor lighting solutions. Through a strong network of professional distributors, dealers, rental stores and retailers in more than 125 countries, we proudly offer a wide range of products across a family of global brands to help golf courses, professional contractors, underground construction professionals, groundskeepers, agricultural growers, rental companies, government and educational institutions, and homeowners – in addition to many leading sports venues and historic sites around the world.