Engineering Co-op | Intern

JTEKT North America•Vonore, TN

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Are you ready to take the next step in your engineering career with hands-on experience in a fast-paced, dynamic manufacturing environment? At JTEKT North America, our Engineering Co-Op/Internship provides students with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges while developing critical technical and professional skills that will set them apart in the industry. As part of our Vonore, TN team, you will gain meaningful work experience supporting day-to-day operations and engineering projects that drive improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. This full-time role is designed to complement your academic education with practical, hands-on knowledge that will accelerate your professional development.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Electrical Engineering. Junior or senior-level students are preferred.
Strong ability to apply engineering principles to solve real-world manufacturing challenges.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to improve manufacturing processes and operations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.
Strong ability to collaborate and build effective working relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.
Self-motivated with the ability to work independently while also contributing effectively in a team environment.
Strong initiative, accuracy, and a proactive approach to project ownership and execution.
Ability to ask the right questions and seek clarity
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Proficiency in data collection and analysis
Effective time management and task prioritization
Commitment to problem-solving and process improvement
A mindset of respect, accountability, and continuous learning
Ability to maintain composure under pressure and foster a positive work environment

Nice To Haves

Experience with Pro/Engineer, AutoCAD, CNC programming, and/or PLC programming is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Apply engineering principles to solve real-world manufacturing challenges using critical thinking and creativity.
Contribute to initiatives such as scrap reduction, productivity improvements, machine builds, and quality enhancements—making a direct impact on plant performance.
Support and refine existing equipment and processes to maximize efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance overall operations.
Conduct engineering analysis, perform calculations, and develop technical drawings to drive process improvements.
Lead and support projects, ensuring alignment with safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives while meeting strict deadlines.
Work closely with engineers, managers, and supervisors to troubleshoot issues, support new product launches, and drive operational excellence.
Actively engage in lean initiatives, focusing on process improvements, waste reduction, and increased efficiency.
Clearly and professionally communicate with team members at all levels, ensuring collaboration and progress toward shared engineering goals.