Product Development Process Intern (Graduate Level) (Summer 2027)

NWU; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

NWU seeks a motivated student intern to support Lean and AI-driven product development improvements across global teams. You will help analyze processes, map current and future states, and document SOPs and reports.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Quality, and Program Management to implement improvements, present findings to leadership, and gain experience in digital transformation and knowledge management at scale.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Management, Engineering Management, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field.
• Demonstrated interest in process improvement, Lean, Operational Excellence, digital transformation, analytics, or product development.
• Experience using AI tools, analytics platforms, or automation technologies to solve problems, improve workflows, or generate insights; formal expertise is not required.

Responsibilities

• Support process improvement initiatives using Lean and KPI-driven insights.
• Analyze product development processes to identify bottlenecks and opportunities to reduce cycle time.
• Apply Lean and Operational Excellence to identify waste and propose improvements across NPDI, ETO, SFA, Design Transfer, and Sustaining Engineering.
• Leverage AI tools to accelerate process analysis, workflow documentation, reporting, and insight generation.
• Research, evaluate, and pilot emerging AI technologies to improve engineering productivity and knowledge capture.
• Support process mapping activities and develop current-state and future-state workflows.
• Assist in documenting process improvements in SOPs, training materials, and communications.
• Collect, analyze, and visualize process performance data for data-driven decisions.
• Collaborate with GPDO, Engineering, Procurement, Operations, Quality, and PM teams to implement improvements.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project outcomes to leadership and stakeholders.

Skills

Lean mindset

Analytical thinking

Team collaboration

AI tooling experience

Education

Bachelor's degree (in progress)

Tools

AI tools

Automation technologies

Analytics platforms

Job description

Your Role

Here’s what you will be doing:

• Support process improvement initiatives based on Operating Model KPIs, leadership priorities, lessons learned, lean workshops, Kaizens, and continuous improvement activities.
• Analyze product development processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and opportunities to improve quality and reduce cycle time.
• Apply Lean and Operational Excellence principles to identify waste and recommend improvements across NPDI, ETO, SFA, Design Transfer, and Sustaining Engineering processes.
• Leverage AI tools to accelerate process analysis, workflow documentation, knowledge management, reporting, and insight generation.
• Research, evaluate, and pilot emerging AI technologies to improve engineering productivity, process compliance, lessons learned management, and organizational knowledge capture.
• Support process mapping activities and develop current-state and future-state workflows.
• Assist in documenting process improvements in Standard Operating Procedures, training materials, and communications.
• Collect, analyze, and visualize process performance data to support data-driven decision making.
• Collaborate with GPDO, Engineering, Procurement, Operations, Quality, and Program Management teams to implement and sustain process improvements.
• Present findings, recommendations, and project outcomes to leadership and key stakeholders.

About You

The company is looking for:

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Operations Management, Engineering Management, Business Analytics, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• Demonstrated interest in process improvement, Lean, Operational Excellence, digital transformation, analytics, or product development.
• Experience using AI tools, analytics platforms, or automation technologies to solve problems, improve workflows, or generate insights; formal expertise is not required.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and passionate about continuous improvement and innovation.
• Comfortable working in a global, cross-functional environment.

Training & Development

• Hands-on experience applying Lean and AI-driven methodologies to real product development challenges at a global scale.
• Exposure to cross-functional teams including Engineering, Procurement, Operations, Quality, and Program Management.
• Experience supporting enterprise-wide process improvement and digital transformation initiatives.
• Opportunity to research, pilot, and showcase AI-enabled process innovations.
• Mentorship from experienced product development and process improvement leaders.
• Experience presenting recommendations and improvement opportunities to senior leadership.
• Practical skills in process improvement, analytics, change management, and AI adoption.

Career Progression

Potential for growth by gaining experience in operational excellence and digital transformation within a global product development environment.