Manufacturing Engineering Lean Intern

Hunt Electric • Hudson, WI

4d • $53,248 - $59,634

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineering Lean Intern at Baer Manufacturing is a hands-on role focused on executing rapid, practical improvements on the prefabrication shop floor. This internship combines fixture and tool design duties with the implementation of Lean principles to eliminate waste, improve flow, and increase productivity. With the guidance of the Lean and Engineering Manager, the intern will directly support fabrication, assembly, and electrical teams by designing, building, and implementing solutions that create immediate operational impact in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity (SQDP). The internship will start in early summer 2026 with 40-hour work weeks through the summer with an option of continuing during the school year as the Intern’s class schedule allows. As a division of Hunt Electric – Baer Manufacturing’s prefabrication production is producing industry-leading work. Prefabrication provides a safer environment for assembly of electrical components, aims at saving time in the construction schedule, and yields a higher quality installation at a reduced cost to the project. We are seeking a high-energy, process-oriented Lean Engineering Intern to join our team. Reporting directly to the Lean & Engineering Manager, you will be on the front lines of our Continuous Improvement (CI) journey. This isn't a "desk job"—you will be on the shop floor, teaching Lean principles, leading Kaizen events, and driving measurable improvements in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Productivity.

Requirements

• Education: Pursuing a degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering, or related field.
• Technical skills: Basic CAD (Inventor, Revit, Navisworks or similar).
• Strong mechanical aptitude.
• Comfortable using shop tools and working in a production environment.
• Mindset: Bias for action and structured problem-solving.
• Willing to engage directly with operators and take feedback.
• Focused on practical results, not theoretical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Fixture and Tool Design (Primary Value Driver): Design and develop simple fixtures, jigs, and tooling that improve safety, quality, and efficiency. Work directly with operators to translate pain points into practical solutions. Support rapid prototyping and implementation of shop aids.
• Training and Culture: Facilitate and support training on Lean fundamentals including Value-Add vs Non-Value-Add (VA/NVA), the 8 Wastes, and 5S plus Safety. Reinforce Lean behaviors through daily engagement with frontline teams.
• Kaizen Leadership and Rapid Improvement: Plan, lead, and facilitate cross-functional Kaizen events. Drive structured root cause analysis (5 Whys, Fishbone) & implement countermeasures with sustainment follow-up.
• Value Stream Mapping and Flow Improvement: Assist in developing current and future state value stream maps for key processes. Identify waste in motion, waiting, transport, and overprocessing. Ensure each mapping effort ties to physical changes on the floor.
• Standard Work and Process Improvement: Document current processes and support development of improved standard work. Implement changes that reduce variation and improve repeatability using simple, visual point-of-use documentation.
• Hands-On Shop Floor Support: Engage daily with production teams during Gemba walks and shop visits. Assist in troubleshooting bottlenecks & process issues in real time. Support quick-hit improvements & adoption.
• Data and Performance Tracking: Track key metrics tied to SQDP. Identify trends and support countermeasure development. Connect fixture and tooling changes to measurable performance movement.

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
• a flexible hybrid work schedule
• generous paid time off
• a robust 401(k) plan with matching contributions
• Employees also participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), turning their efforts into ownership and aligning everyone's success.
• Professional growth is a cornerstone of our culture.
• We offer in-house learning and development programs, career pathing opportunities, and support for skill enhancement to help our team members thrive.
• We also have Employee Resource Groups that foster a sense of community and belonging.
• Beyond the workplace, we encourage our employees to engage with causes they're passionate about, whether it's participating in charity events, community service, or our donation match program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern