Manufacturing Intern - Product Design & Automation

Hercules Industries • Denver, CO

4d • $23 • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Intern at Hercules Industries will play a hands-on role in improving how products are designed and built. This is not a passive, observational internship; interns will work directly with engineering and production teams to support product design enhancements, analyze manufacturing processes, and identify automation opportunities. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys both design and shop floor problem-solving and wants to see how engineering decisions translate into real-world production outcomes. M-F 7am-3:30pm, $23.00/hour Timing & Commitment: This is a Summer 2026 internship running from mid-May through August (approximately 10–12 weeks). The expected start date is flexible between May 15 and June 1, depending on academic schedules. Some flexibility in start and end dates may be accommodated.

Requirements

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each of the below essential duties satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability preferred. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field
• Basic understanding of engineering drawings and manufacturing processes
• Exposure to CAD software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Inventor, or similar)
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Willingness to spend time on the shop floor and engage with production teams
• Ability to effectively communicate with customers and staff to make an accurate assessment of customer needs.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations required to accurately complete assigned tasks.
• Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral or written form.
• Ability to use sound judgment and problem-solving skills.
• Attendance is required Monday through Friday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. or within normal business hours as established by the supervisor. Employee may be required to work overtime, and occasional Saturday’s and Sunday’s.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; walk and stand; use hands, handle, or feel; and required to speak, read, and hear English. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the ability to adjust focus.

Responsibilities

• Product Design & CAD Support Create and modify 2D and 3D models of HVAC components (ductwork, fittings, assemblies) using tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Inventor Ensure designs align with SMACNA standards and internal specifications Support design updates to improve manufacturability, cost, and performance
• Manufacturing Process Improvement Partner with production teams to understand fabrication processes (cutting, bending, forming) Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and streamline workflows Support implementation of process improvements on the shop floor
• Time Studies & Process Analysis Observe manufacturing operations and collect data on: Cycle times Bottlenecks Labor utilization Analyze findings and contribute to recommendations for process, layout, or workflow improvements
• Engineering Documentation Create and update: Work instructions Bills of Materials (BOMs) Technical drawings Ensure clear and accurate communication between engineering and manufacturing teams
• Quality Control & Inspection Assist in inspecting finished sheet metal components for dimensional accuracy and tolerance compliance Document defects and support root cause analysis for recurring quality issues Contribute to continuous improvement of quality processes
• Prototyping & Testing Support the build and evaluation of prototype HVAC components and assemblies Assist with fit-up, airflow, or functional testing Record and summarize performance data for engineering review

Benefits

• Opportunity to make a material impact—your work will matter
• Work in a company that is actively transforming and investing in data and analytics
• Employee-owned (ESOP), aligning effort with long-term value creation
• Right-sized organization: large enough for complexity, small enough for visibility and impact
• A culture that values curiosity, problem-solving, and continuous improvement
• Hercules Industries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, status as a qualified individual with disability, or other legally protected status.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees