Process Engineering Intern

CoorsTek, Inc.; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 30,000 - 36,000; Part time

Job summary

CoorsTek, Inc. is seeking a Process Engineering Intern to support manufacturing process improvements in our Hillsboro, OR facility.

You will work with engineering, operations, and quality teams to solve real production challenges while gaining hands-on experience in advanced ceramics manufacturing. The role offers mentorship, project ownership, and a mix of part-time academic-year work (approximately 16 hours/week) and full-time opportunities during breaks, with an emphasis on safety, quality,

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Materials, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Previous internship or engineering/manufacturing experience is a plus.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software.

Responsibilities

• Support process improvement initiatives across production environments.
• Analyze data to identify trends and opportunities for optimization.
• Participate in root cause investigations and corrective actions.
• Assist with trials, testing, and validation activities.
• Develop and update process documentation and SOPs.
• Communicate findings with data visualizations and reports.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to sustain improvements.
• Present project results to engineering and site leadership.

Skills

Solidworks

Data analysis

Time management

Teamwork

Problem solving

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering

Related engineering discipline

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

It's exciting to work for a company that makes the world measurably better.

We're committed to bringing safety, quality, and customer focus to the business of advanced ceramics manufacturing.

Job Title

Process Engineering Intern

At CoorsTek, our internship program is more than just a job. It is an opportunity to develop the skills, experience, and engineering judgment needed to succeed in manufacturing. As a Process Engineering Intern, you will work alongside engineers, technicians, operators, and quality professionals to solve real production challenges, improve manufacturing processes, and support operational excellence in advanced ceramics manufacturing.

Reporting to the Process Engineering Supervisor, you will receive mentorship from experienced engineering and manufacturing professionals while contributing to projects that make a measurable impact on safety, quality, productivity, and cost. Designed as a year-round internship, this role allows you to continue your education while gaining meaningful industry experience through part-time work during the academic year and full-time opportunities during summer and winter breaks.

As a certified Great Place to Work® and global leader in technical ceramics, CoorsTek provides an environment where motivated engineers can take ownership, grow their technical and professional skills, and begin contributing to meaningful projects early in their internship. Through hands-on experience with manufacturing processes, continuous improvement initiatives, project management, and cross-functional problem solving, you will develop capabilities that differentiate top engineers throughout their careers.

Role & Responsibilities

As a Process Engineering Intern, you will support manufacturing process improvement initiatives and assist in solving technical challenges across the production environment. Working closely with Engineering, Operations, Quality, and Maintenance teams, you will:

• Analyze manufacturing and process data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Support process optimization projects focused on safety, quality, productivity, yield, and cost reduction.
• Participate in root cause investigations and help develop corrective actions for process and equipment-related issues.
• Assist with process trials, testing, and validation activities.
• Develop and update process documentation, standard operating procedures, work instructions, and engineering reports.
• Support Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.
• Create data visualizations and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement and sustain process improvements.
• Present project results and recommendations to engineering and site leadership.

Job Requirements Education & Experience

• Must be currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related engineering discipline (Junior or Senior enrolled in Master’s program preferred).
• Previous internship or engineering/manufacturing experience a plus.

Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Interest and/or coursework in Chemical Engineering or Material Science. Coursework in Fluid Dynamics, Heat Transfer, and Engineering Controls is a plus.
• Foresight: Strong critical thinking skills with a commitment to safe work practices.
• Accountable: Demonstrate personal integrity and trust, taking personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work.
• Determination: Perform tasks independently under little to moderate supervision and able to effectively utilize resources when appropriate.
• Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with other team members, providing and receiving feedback, and contributing to team goals and objectives.
• Time Management: Manage time effectively to meet established deadlines. Interns should also be able to adapt to changing priorities and tasks in the face of challenges and obstacles.
• Problem-solving: Analyze complex problems, identify potential solutions, and implement effective strategies to address issues that arise in the course of their work.
• Data analysis: Analyze and interpret data related to their field of study, using statistical methods and software to draw conclusions and make recommendations.
• Proficiency in Solidworks or equivalent 3D CAD software is required.
• Proficiency or experience in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency in technical writing and documentation.
• Familiarity with Quality Control, Lean Six Sigma, or Project Management is a plus.
• Familiarity with programmable logic controllers (PLC), loop controllers, and automation is a plus.
• Familiarity with 3D printing and design of custom plastic tools is a plus.
• Must be able to work with a diverse variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Duration

• January 2027 through March 2028 (approximate and subject to change)
• Part-time during academic semesters (approximately 16 hours per week)
• Full-time during summer and winter academic breaks.

Location

• Hillsboro, OR (onsite)
• Internship is 100% on-site, part-time (approx. 16 hours), during school semester. Internship is 100% on-site, full-time during summer and winter school breaks.

Target Hiring Range

Hourly: USD 21.86 - USD 26.36

Actual compensation is commensurate with experience, skills and education. CoorsTek strives to give all qualified applicants equal opportunity and to make selection decisions on job related factors. Do not provide any information on the application which will indicate your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by law or regulation.

If you like working for a company that makes a real difference in the world, you'll enjoy your career with us!