Manufacturing Engineer Intern- Summer 2027

Shape Corp.•Tanner, AL

16h

About The Position

The Shape Corp student engineering program offers students hands-on experience in an automotive manufacturing environment. The Manufacturing Engineer Intern supports the design, improvement, documentation, and implementation of manufacturing processes, equipment, tooling, and production systems. The internship is intended to help an entry-level engineering student apply classroom knowledge to real-world manufacturing challenges while building practical experience in process engineering, problem-solving, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree from an accredited program in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Engineering Technology, Automation Engineering, or a closely related field.
GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Coursework or project experience involving manufacturing processes, mechanical design, automation, statistics, quality, CAD, process improvement, or data analysis.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
Ability to spend time in a manufacturing environment observing processes, supporting trials, and working with production teams.
Ability to work independently and contribute effectively within a cross-functional team.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Strong analytical, technical, organizational, and hands-on problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Exposure to CAD software such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or Creo through coursework, student projects, or prior work experience.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing, standard work, 5S, value stream mapping, time studies, line balancing, or continuous improvement methods.
Exposure to manufacturing equipment, robotics, programmable logic controllers, sensors, machine controls, tooling, fixtures, machining, welding, or assembly processes.
Basic understanding of statistical process control, process capability, measurement systems, engineering drawings, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, or design for manufacturability.
Experience with structured problem-solving methods such as 5 Whys, fishbone analysis, A3, PDCA, DMAIC, or failure mode and effects analysis.
Participation in engineering design teams such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, robotics, capstone design, or similar technical projects.
Interest in automotive manufacturing, advanced manufacturing technologies, process engineering, and operational improvement.

Responsibilities

Assist with developing, implementing, and improving manufacturing processes, production methods, equipment, tooling, and work-cell layouts.
Support troubleshooting and root-cause investigations involving production, equipment, tooling, quality, safety, and process performance.
Collect and analyze manufacturing data related to cycle time, downtime, scrap, throughput, labor, quality, process capability, and equipment performance.
Assist with process and time studies, line balancing, capacity analysis, workflow evaluation, and identification of production constraints.
Create or revise operator instructions, standardized work, process documentation, control plans, visual aids, and technical reports.
Support the design and modification of simple tools, fixtures, guards, workstations, and material-handling solutions using CAD software.
Participate in equipment installation, process changes, engineering trials, validation activities, and production launch support.
Assist with plant layout updates, equipment relocation planning, asset management, and documentation of manufacturing changes.
Support continuous improvement activities focused on safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, ergonomics, and Overall Equipment Effectiveness.
Participate in process failure mode and effects analysis, corrective-action activities, structured problem-solving, and risk-reduction efforts.
Support equipment safety reviews, process audits, and implementation of actions identified through engineering or operational assessments.
Collaborate with Operations, Quality, Maintenance, Tooling, Product Development, EHS, PC&L, and other teams to complete assigned projects.
Summarize findings and present project updates, recommendations, technical information, or demonstrated improvements to relevant stakeholders.
Follow applicable safety, quality, environmental, customer, and engineering standards while performing assigned work.
Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor that are not otherwise specified in the position description.