Process Engineer Intern

Danfoss GmbH; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 57,308,000 - 80,231,000; Full time

Job summary

Danfoss Power Solutions Segment in Ames, IA, is seeking a Process Engineering Intern to join our factory floor and gain hands-on experience in a high-volume production environment. You will work with engineers to improve safety, speed, and efficiency across assembly, machining, and automation.

You'll learn Lean principles and Industry 4.0 concepts while contributing to continuous improvement projects, tooling and material flow, and developing standard work instructions and process documentation.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or related Engineering field.
• Strong analytical mindset with hands-on problem-solving and teamwork.
• Proficiency with Excel for data analysis; familiarity with CAD/Power BI is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Champion continuous improvement on the factory floor using analytical skills.
• Analyze manufacturing data to support root cause investigations.
• Improve tooling, equipment, and material flow with hands-on projects.
• Help create standard work instructions and process documentation.
• Support automation and digital factory initiatives for future manufacturing.

Skills

Continuous improvement

Root cause analysis

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing/Industrial Engineering

Tools

CAD software

Power BI

Lean Manufacturing

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment

Job Category: R&D, Technology and Engineering

Work Location Type: On-site

Job Experience Level: Student/Internship

Process Engineer Intern

Req ID: 51438 Job Location: Ames, IA, US Employment Type: Full Time Segment: Danfoss Power Solutions Segment Job Category: R&D, Technology and Engineering Work Location Type: On-site Job Experience Level: Student/Internship Job Description

The Impact You'll Make

Are you ready to take your engineering studies from the classroom to the factory floor? As a Process Engineering Intern, you will get hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment, working side-by-side with our engineers to make our operations safer, faster, and more efficient.

This is your chance to be a real-world problem-solver. You will dive into our production processes—from assembly and machining to automation—and play a key role in our continuous improvement journey, seeing how your work directly impacts our performance.

This isn't just a summer job; it's an opportunity to build a foundation for your career. You will gain exposure to the future of manufacturing, including Lean principles and Industry 4.0, and learn what it takes to succeed in a high-volume production environment.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Champion continuous improvement on the factory floor, using your analytical skills to identify opportunities to eliminate waste and boost productivity.
• Dive into manufacturing data to support root cause investigations, helping our teams solve quality and production challenges at their source.
• Get hands‑on with projects to improve our tooling, equipment, and material flow, making a direct and visible impact on our daily operations.
• Help create and refine the standard work instructions and process documentation that are critical to ensuring quality and consistency.
• Gain exposure to the future of manufacturing by supporting the implementation of automation and digital factory technologies.

What We're Looking For

• You are currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial, or a related Engineering field.
• A curious and analytical mindset with a passion for hands‑on problem‑solving, along with excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit, ready to work with teams across the factory.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• Familiarity with CAD software, Lean Manufacturing principles, or data analysis tools like Power BI is a plus.
• You are available to work full‑time in the summer and have a flexible part‑time schedule during the academic year.

What You'll Get from Us

• We promote from within and support your learning with mentoring, training, and access to global opportunities.
• You’ll have flexibility, autonomy, and support to do your best work while maintaining a healthy work‑life balance. Your well‑being matters to us.
• We strive to create an inclusive work environment where people of all backgrounds are respected, and valued for who they are.

Our Commitment to Transparency

Salary ranges listed reflect only primary location and currency. For local salary ranges and specific benefits in your preferred hiring location, please ask your Talent Acquisition representative for more information.

The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Any benefits listed do not promise or guarantee any particular benefit or specific action. They may depend on country or contract specifics and are subject to change at any time without prior notice.

Want to know more? Please visit our FAQ Page.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected category.

Danfoss engineers solutions that increase machine productivity, reduce emissions, lower energy consumption, and enable electrification.

Our solutions are used in areas such as refrigeration, air conditioning, heating, power conversion, motor control, industrial machinery, marine, and on- and off-highway equipment. We also provide solutions for data centers, renewable energy, energy storage, heat recovery, as well as contribute to district energy solutions for cities.

Our innovative engineering dates back to 1933. Danfoss is family‑owned and employs over 39,000 people. We create long‑term value for our customers in more than 100 countries with a global footprint of around 100 factories.